What would be a good beginner DSLR?
Wed 2011/11/30 10:44 JST
Hey there,
I was wondering what would be a good DSLR camera for a beginner photo taker (will be used strictly on figurines)?
I want some semi-professional photos, would love to take pictures of beautiful figurines and show the world as I see them. <3 I also have a Dollfie coming in April.
I hear for cameras, it's acceptable to buy used ones since it's much cheaper than a new one and if it was taken care off, it should be okay.
Does anyone have recommendations (For camera, and/or where to buy) and samples of photos they've taken with it? Thanks much!
I am in search of one too right now... and it really boils to how you use it.
- Like are you going to be photoing outside alot (like me) and will be carrying tons of stuffs. Which mean you wouldn't want one of those big camera cause it would be a health concern.
- One thing that I learn is that I find the need to have a flip out LCD, cause with out it (which I tried) I find myself in odd position trying to take photos of my girls all the time.
- Speed of the photo isn't too much of an concern for me, I mean it's not like my girl would move away...
I think I will have a lot of outdoors too but definitely some indoors.
I'd love to have a flip out LCD because I can't orient myself very well with the little window with one eye either...
It's true, they're not going to run off. xD
I strongly recommend Nikon. I have yet to have problems with mine and there are a lot of companies that make lenses that are compatible with them.
If you're not looking to spend too much, I'd recommend the Nikon D3100 or the Nikon D5100.
They're both within the same price range and are great cameras. I've been recommended to both of these before, I wonder which one is "better"? I suppose it depends?
These days, you get a lot with a new camera over a used one. Technology is moving fast enough that, for a beginner user, the newest entry-level camera will produce better pictures than last generation's higher-end models. The professional cameras give you things like more physical controls, weather resistance, metal bodies, stuff that we who beat on our cameras daily need, but that are pointless for most of the world.
Honestly, the best bet is to figure out what your budget is, and then go to a store that sells the cameras that are at that price range, and play with them. Figure out which one feels the best in your hands, has the menus that make the most sense to you, which you like looking through the most, and that's about it.
I would suggest either the Canon T3i or the Nikon D5100. Both have great image quality and flippy twisty screens. I'll warn you beforehand that DSLRs don't work as well when using the LCD, and once you get used to it, the viewfinder is a much faster and easier way of using the camera.
You could, however, consider the Sony A33 or A55, both of which are better when used that way, or you could look at one of the popular "Mirrorless" cameras, like the Panasonic G3, Olympus EP-3, or Sony NEX-5N. All of those provide quite nice image quality, but are smaller and lighter than a DSLR, and are designed to be used with an LCD screen instead of a viewfinder. The G3 and NEX5N both have movable touchscreen LCDs, which are cool because you can just touch whatever spot you want the camera to focus on and it'll do it.
One other thing I'd recommend if you're going to do figure or doll photography - get a decent tripod. Even this $40 one on Amazon will be better than the camcorder-style tripods you'll find at Best Buy or wherever. (http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322620288&sr=8-1)
You make a great point with technology moving fast and getting an entry-level camera. Since I'm not photography expert, I won't be fiddling too much with the settings here and there but I'll certainly try them out. It's more like going to be a practice camera for me.
I don't really have a "budget" as long as I'm getting what I'm paying for for a "beginner" camera.
I'll definitely try my best to use the viewfinder but I'll use the LCD in the mean time when I'm practicing to see differences and usability.
How do you feel about the NEX5N since it's a slightly lower price bracket. How much does it actually differ from the $750+ range? Can a beginner feel the difference? I'm a graphic artist myself and it's also my job so I want high quality images to work with digitally but the image doesn't have to be completely perfect straight out of the camera.
Also, thanks for the tripod idea. I already have a solid one and I plan on using it :D
Very excited!
I honestly think you'll get much better use out of the D5100. It opens up a ton of Nikon lens options, and also allows you to use flashes down the line if you want them. It also allows you an upgrade path, since you can use your lenses with better camera bodies later. There isn't really an equivalent in the NEX system.
If you have a few friends that have DSLR's, I'd reccomend asking them to let you try them out. (or, find a used camera shop, if available)
Then ask what they think is best about that particular model..
Sometimes, just a good Point-n-Shoot will work well enough. (My first few posts here were with a Kodak Easy-share. Looked good, too!)
It's all going to boil down to:
Do you want to get accessories for it?
Can the software be updated?
What kind of Customer Support will it have in the future? ( My Canon EOS 20D has no upgrades available, at all... )
Try them all before you buy, if you can.....
Really nice questions,
I'll definitely take them up to the camera shop down the street here.
I really want to try out whatever they have before buying, or even rent one for a bit though it's super expensive to do so.
What's a good P&S you recommend? I've sick of using crappy P&S and they seem to fail me often but I'm open to new suggestions! :D
I recommend Sony NEX is because of the performance versus price factor. Sony NEX is equipped with Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor which can be found in their Alpha DSLR cameras, and Nikon DSLR cameras. *Nikon is using Sony's sensor* Compare to other compact *Exclude Leica* it's much better.
Further else with the interchangeable lenses, you can equip adapter which allows you to mount F-mount lenses, which is meant for Nikon DSLR cameras, and E-mount lenses for Sony, which you can equip their highest end lenses for their Alpha DSLR, which also includes some Carl Zeiss lens.
NEX is considered a bridge connecting the compact and DSLR. With NEX you can totally don't have to go for DSLR unless you want to push some settings that the NEX do not have, which I highly doubt so.
I like the NEX, but there are some major problems with it, including the lack of system-native lenses and the fact that you can't connect it to any real flash system. My GF has an NEX-5 and it's nice, but right now the glass just isn't there for doll/figure photography IMO.
I was reading some reviews of it but it seems there's something about the lens that does a soft type of effect and it has a weird color adjustment? Other than that, it seems pretty solid but then again, the price tag is about $200 away from a D5100..
You won't go wrong with NEX
Then you are better off to a DSLR.
The NEX is just a bridge to connect compact and DSLR. Also since you can use an adapter, you can always use A-mount/F-mount glasses for it.
Also with the hot shoe, why you need flash? Strobes FTW
How are you going to trigger the strobes? With no hotshoe and no sync port there's no way to hook up a wireless trigger, and no way to fire the flash on the camera without affecting the exposure. Besides, somebody buying a camera on this level probably isn't going to want to buy a studio strobe setup and do all the manual control involved with it, bouncing a normal TTL flash is much easier.
I thought NEX 7 has hotshoe. Even if it's proprietary, there's always an adapter solving anything, linking everything.
Also most strobes can be flash triggered. All you need to do is to not let the camera built-in flash hit your subject and you are good to go. By all means, reflect the light anywhere but not the subject. I used a NEX to trigger Elinchrom strobes without ANY PROBLEM *Don't ask me why am I doing this, I'm just working to promote NEX at a Sony carnival by using studio equipment."
It's compact and Sony doesn't expect people to mount a big size flash gun on it. But if God permits, there's always strobes.
I would say Nikon or Canon
For Nikon: D3100 or D5100
Canon: 600D or 60D
The DSLR do the job of recording the photo the rest is up to you ;)
Im using my Nikon D70 still works perfectly fine.
Oh yeah! I want to practice till I get to the point where I don't have to rely too much on my digital graphics skills too much anymore but until then.. it'd be good to have a decently camera to get good quality base images to work with. :D
I'm considering a D5100 maybe, a friend of mine also has a 60D but their price range is way far away from each other. Is there a huge difference?
I am more a Canon fan...so my recommendation on DSLR will be 600D or a bridge camera like SX40IS or G12.
As for DSLR and mainly on figures you will be investing more in lens and accessories afterwards, e.g. Flash, wireless trigger or TTL cable, diffuser, reflector (can be DIY) and tripods (2 at least, one for camera and one for your figure, especially for night shoots)
The recommendation for these 3 models is they have turnable screens, so you can shoot at more creative angles. As for bridge camera both also offer manual focus, external flash and add-on of lens (e.g. wide adaptor or macro adaptor). A good choice if you are uncertain to move onto DSLR, but still want to get as close as one.
For DSLR, consdier your lens in your budget as well. Kit lens (18-55mm) could serve you quite well. But wide angle (good to capture the scenery together) or macro lens close up will give your more options. Currently my main figure lens is EF-S 10-22mm
You can see my picture at http://www.flickr.com/photos/slmka I don't usually remove my EXIF so you could see my settings also. Most shoots taken before Oct 2011 are done with the kit lens (18-55mm) and after more on the 10-22mm already.
Here is also a shoot done few months ago on my setup =)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/slmka/5937061257/in/set-72157627194404628
Hope this helps =)
:O I was gonna make the same post tomorrow. Hahaha. These recommendations are the same cameras I've been looking at these past few months. I wanna prep for Saber Alter (pre-order ftw!), and gonna start taking pics of daily things again. My budget isn't that high, but I narrowed it down to either the Nikon 3100 or the Canon Rebel T3 (12 MP one).. I played with both over at Best Buy, but I only buy from New Egg so it was nice I was able to at least use them both. lol
I don't mean to interfere with you, milkycafe D:, I figured I'd ask here than make a duplicate post. lol I've out grown my Powershot. It's a nice point and shoot, but the little features it has left me wanting more. More detail, more light to be captured, more detail shown, more bokeh, more!! D: When it comes down to the nitty gritty, I don't know enough about cameras or photography (other than Photoshop'ing ~.~) to really say, "Well. Choosing between the two is a no brainer. :D" lol Halp!!
I also started shooting figures from Powershot series before I moved to DSLR. I would recommend the Rebel T3i (600D) rather than T3. If you are shooting figures or DD (I also pre-ordered Saber my first DD also ^_^) You may wish to save up a bit more for it first. The tunable screen will offer lots of creative options =)
For lens with fairly good bokeh at budget you can also choose the 50mm f1.8.
Oh, I don't mind at all! We actually have very similar goals... I also pre-ordered Saber Alter and wanted to start taking pictures too. I hear some people say that the body of the DSLR is not nearly as important as the lens you choose?
Higher end bodies does have better sensor and features, but you will progressively changing your bodies every few years. So aim for at least a 600D or 60D models to start with.
Lens is a long term item, once you are attached to the lens, you won't be changing them as long as they meets your requirement. Just take note EF-S lens won't be able to use if you upgrade to FF bodies. It is better to rent the lens and try out before making the purchases. Unlike camera, testing lens in shops won't able to give you the real feel in action.
I have a Nikon D90 with a Sigma macro lens. I've been really pleased with it. You may also, while you're shopping for a camera, want to consider what image processing program you will want to use. I really like GIMP. It's free, and very powerful and versatile. It comes with most Linux distributions and is also available for download for PC and Mac.
Also, if you decide to buy online, I would highly recommend you check out the retailer thoroughly before you buy. (I just searched the name of retailer+"fraud") For some reason there are a lot of scams in photo retailing. You can save yourself a lot of money and headaches by doing a background check before you buy.
Best of luck shopping for a camera, and I hope you find one you like!!
Yeah! Personally, I'm used to Photoshop myself so I think I'll continue to use thtat. However, I've used GIMP before and it works pretty well for bring a free program.The price rangeforD90 seems a little bitoutof reach at the moment.. :(
I plan on buying from official retailers only. :D
Thanks for your advices!
If you're in the US. Order from New Egg. They are awesome. I only use them for all of my electronic needs. I've built many rigs from parts ordered through them. Incredibly fast shipping, and very excellent customer service. I had to RMA a few things over the years, and EVERY time it's been hassle free. :O
Cool, I'll see if there's anything I can get form them. Thanks for the advice!
Canon is pretty good and easy to find one in your price range.