Recommendations for First Time DSLR Buyer

[JohnDS]

The Olympus E-M1 MkII has been announced and will ship in the early new year. Specs are impressive. It will be interesting to see the reviews and tests when it comes out:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2016/09/21/olympus-e-m1-mark-ii-hands-on-first-impressions

 

[determined09]

Which DSLR is better Canon vs Sony vs Nikon?
Thank you

 

[phrehdd]

Which DSLR is better Canon vs Sony vs Nikon?
Thank you

Well I prefer the CanSonikon - and get the best of all worlds. It has all the features of every model each maker offers and
gives me boasting rights that make other camera enthusiasts ache with envy.

 

[determined09]

Well I prefer the CanSonikon - and get the best of all worlds. It has all the features of every model each maker offers and
gives me boasting rights that make other camera enthusiasts ache with envy.

Edited to add:

What are the best features of the Canon, Sony and Nikon DSLR cameras?

Thank you,

 

[simonsi]

Edited to add:

What are the best features of the Canon, Sony and Nikon DSLR cameras?

Thank you,

There is no answer to that question, each model of each manufacturer has a different compromise of features, your requirements are a) unknown and b) bound to be different to mine so we will each have a different idea of "best" in any case...

 

[Apple fanboy]

Edited to add:

What are the best features of the Canon, Sony and Nikon DSLR cameras?

Thank you,

Nikon has the widest range of lenses.
Canon has the best video.
Sony has good low light performance.

But depends on which Nikon/Canon/Sony your looking at!

Personally go to a proper camera shop and try them all. Buy what feels right for you.

 

[AL2TEACH]

My first dig camera was a FZ-7(yeah, long time ago) and the iPhone. After years of looking at the market, I fell in love with and got a few months ago, Lumix FZ-1000. For me, it's the one.

 

[JohnDS]

Google is your friend. Try Googling:

Nikon v. Canon
Canon v. Sony
Nikon v. Sony

You will find all sorts of articles and opinions.

Once you get your choices down to particular cameras within your budget, you could, say, Google something like

canon t6i vs nikon d5500

 

[determined09]

Google is your friend. Try Googling:

Nikon v. Canon
Canon v. Sony
Nikon v. Sony

You will find all sorts of articles and opinions.

Once you get your choices down to particular cameras within your budget, you could, say, Google something like

canon t6i vs nikon d5500

Thanks will do!

 

[HDFan]

A lengthy and informed discussion of Canon VS Nikon by a professional photographer who uses both as well as other Cameras was posted earlier in this discussion and I repost here. It takes some time watching the video (rather than just reading it) but well worth the investment. Glass and body choices are discussed.

 

[mofunk]

IMO it's all on preference. What features you want to use. I'm a visual person and old skool when it comes to how a gadget feels in the hands. Much as I like the images of Canon, I hate their menu screen and the layout of the camera. I like Nikon because it works best for me.

 

[Precision Gem]

I wouldn't rule out mirror less systems. I have a Nikon 750 with lenses that range from 14mm to 200 in my Nikon Camera bag. The weight is 16 lbs. In my Olympus mirrorless camera, my lens go from 24 mm to 600mm (equivalent) and include a macro, the bag weighs just under 6 lbs. Big difference when hiking all day.
While I do love my Nikon 750, I am finding I am using the Olympus a lot more.

 

[Kevin.Richards]

I like Tony Northrup's stuff on YouTube. He uses Cameras from multiple vendors, not just Canon or Nikon, choosing the camera based upon the task that needs to be performed. A camera from one manufacturer is better for sports, another for video, etc. He doesn't seem to be biased towards any specific manufacturer.

Thanks HDFan, does anyone know the basics guide to photography when moving to DSLR? like how to operate, f-stop, ISO, etc.

 

[JohnDS]

Our photo club has posted some of beginner's guides:

http://www.trilliumphotoclub.org/Tutorials/Clinic Tutorial Part One.html

http://www.trilliumphotoclub.org/Tutorials/Clinic Tutorial Part Two.html

http://www.trilliumphotoclub.org/tutorials.html

 

[Kevin.Richards]

Our photo club has posted some of beginner's guides

Thank you for the guide @JohnDS .

 

[mollyc]

At some point you just get done reading the recommendations and just have to buy one. If you are a beginner photographer, then they are all fairly similar, and your mistakes are going to be limited by knowledge, not by gear.

I started with a Canon 30D, upgraded to a 5DMII and then ultimately switched because at the time the Nikon focusing system was so much better. I now have a D700 and a D800, but the Canon has revamped their focusing system and newer models of both brands are on par with each other.

But you will never know what you need until you start shooting and actually learning. And if you are going to make the investment in a dSLR, then take the time to learn how to shoot in manual. You may not choose to use it always, but the only way to get better is to be in control of your camera, and to know how to control it when necessary.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Thanks HDFan, does anyone know the basics guide to photography when moving to DSLR? like how to operate, f-stop, ISO, etc.

I watch this guy.

[doublepost=1482358438][/doublepost]You'll ever love him or hate him though! Like Marmite.

 

[mofunk]

Thanks HDFan, does anyone know the basics guide to photography when moving to DSLR? like how to operate, f-stop, ISO, etc.

idk if you have this in your area...most camera shops will offer Classes. One way that I learned was from a friend who is a pro or knows more (shadow someone). Before moving to fully manual you can start shooting in Aperture mode. You set the Aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed. Google " Aperture Shutter Cheat Sheet" and


https://photographylife.com/iso-shutter-speed-and-aperture-for-beginners


Canon has a nice site that gives you tips on how to shoot a certain subject. Even though its Canon, I've used it with my Nikon DSLRs. They will post seasonal stuff too. Right now you can go there and learn how to shoot holiday lights. http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/home/home.shtml

 

[phrehdd]

Thanks HDFan, does anyone know the basics guide to photography when moving to DSLR? like how to operate, f-stop, ISO, etc.

I think you would do fine with youtube as just a kick start to your learning experience. A while back, Lynda.com had courses and they have an excellent reputation. The do nothing but offer courses that range from photo to technical courses geared toward certifications and then some. I have given gifts in the past to their site for friends wanting to learn Lightroom and Photoshop in which the latter has dozens of courses specializing in various facets of the program.

 

[Kevin.Richards]

idk if you have this in your area...most camera shops will offer Classes. One way that I learned was from a friend who is a pro or knows more (shadow someone). Before moving to fully manual you can start shooting in Aperture mode. You set the Aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed. Google " Aperture Shutter Cheat Sheet" and


https://photographylife.com/iso-shutter-speed-and-aperture-for-beginners


Canon has a nice site that gives you tips on how to shoot a certain subject. Even though its Canon, I've used it with my Nikon DSLRs. They will post seasonal stuff too. Right now you can go there and learn how to shoot holiday lights. http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/home/home.shtml

I was thinking that it would be overwhelming for me to balance ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Many thanks @mofunk . My friend told me to start with Canon 1200D with default camera lens it would be a cheaper choice and good for starters. What do you think? I think I will start with the Canon website and maybe YouTube.

I think you would do fine with youtube as just a kick start to your learning experience. A while back, Lynda.com had courses and they have an excellent reputation. The do nothing but offer courses that range from photo to technical courses geared toward certifications and then some. I have given gifts in the past to their site for friends wanting to learn Lightroom and Photoshop in which the latter has dozens of courses specializing in various facets of the program.

I don't know about Lynda. I don't want to spend money on courses and rely on self learning with mistakes. You are right it would be right to kick start with YouTube.

@Apple fanboy I like the guy except his hair though. I am going to watch more of his videos. Thanks!

 

[3568378]

Also consider mirrorless. The Sony A6000 is what I use and it's absolutely brilliant for the dollar. While the lens options aren't as strong as Nikon or Canon at this point, I found everything I needed natively, and it's not like the lens ecosystem right now is particularly bad. Great sensor quality, it's tiny, and the e-mount standard is going to be supported for a very long time, so the lens family will only grow. It helps that the A6000 is the best selling mirrorless around.

-Check out my website in my signature and look at the blog and photographic works to see some samples of an A6000, note the quality is lowered to accommodate bandwidth.

Cannot vouch for this post enough. Sony is fast on the rise. One downside of mirrorless is you better bring some batteries with you but the video quality is fantastic, as are the stills. Sony has some great glass these days and I have some great Rokinon lenses I use along with my Sony that are fairly inexpensive but tack sharp. I have two A6300 bodies to go along with a Sony A57 DSLR (DSLT) and while I LOVE the battery life and feel of the A57, the A6300's are just fantastic and would definitely be my first choice. If you don't need to shoot 4K get the A6000 for a lot cheaper - I think it's down to about $400 body only. I'd highly recommend Sony's SEL50F18 50mm f/1.8 lens (NOT THE FE VERSION!!) as it's cheap, bright and sharp. It's a portrait lens so your field of view is going to be small but a great first lens to go along with a mediocre kit lens Sony gives you. My fav. lens for this series is actually the SEL18105 G series 18-105mm f/4 zoom. It's an AWESOME video lens - it's just big. Course, when comparing to mirrorless it's still small

 

[determined09]

I like Canon T6i or T6s.

 

[Ben Harley]

Check this blog for buying beginner level DSLR Camera! It will surely help you JPM!

 

[Apple fanboy]

I was thinking that it would be overwhelming for me to balance ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Many thanks @mofunk . My friend told me to start with Canon 1200D with default camera lens it would be a cheaper choice and good for starters. What do you think? I think I will start with the Canon website and maybe YouTube.





I don't know about Lynda. I don't want to spend money on courses and rely on self learning with mistakes. You are right it would be right to kick start with YouTube.

@Apple fanboy I like the guy except his hair though. I am going to watch more of his videos. Thanks!

When you settle on a camera it's worth seeing if he's done a guide to your camera. That's how I first came across him doing a D3200 review when I started out.

 

[TSE]

Cannot vouch for this post enough. Sony is fast on the rise. One downside of mirrorless is you better bring some batteries with you but the video quality is fantastic, as are the stills. Sony has some great glass these days and I have some great Rokinon lenses I use along with my Sony that are fairly inexpensive but tack sharp. I have two A6300 bodies to go along with a Sony A57 DSLR (DSLT) and while I LOVE the battery life and feel of the A57, the A6300's are just fantastic and would definitely be my first choice. If you don't need to shoot 4K get the A6000 for a lot cheaper - I think it's down to about $400 body only. I'd highly recommend Sony's SEL50F18 50mm f/1.8 lens (NOT THE FE VERSION!!) as it's cheap, bright and sharp. It's a portrait lens so your field of view is going to be small but a great first lens to go along with a mediocre kit lens Sony gives you. My fav. lens for this series is actually the SEL18105 G series 18-105mm f/4 zoom. It's an AWESOME video lens - it's just big. Course, when comparing to mirrorless it's still small

Yes, the A6300 is a great camera for video.

And it's true. There are a lot of great budget e-mount lenses from Rokinon and Sigma that are absolutely perfect for the dollar. I have the Rokinon 12mm f2 manual that is my go-to lens for street photography. Super tiny and fun to shoot with.

Definitely saving up slowly for a full-frame Sony in the next few years.