Help with Digital SLR purchase!!
07-10-2009, 02:47 PM
#21
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I am a fan of Nikon. I've owned 2 Nikon 35mm, 1 Nikon P&S, and 2 Nikon DSLRs. Canon cameras are also top rated, and as stated above, seem to have more lens choices. Olympus & Sony are next.
Here is my take on P&S versus DSLRs.
Get the P&S if you only care about occasional snaps. You can still get good shots with it. Obviously, they are less expensive and more compact.
Get the DSLR if you have the budget, want to get more serious about photography, or want to shoot in more advanced situations (action, very wide angle or very zoomed, low light, weddings, etc).
I've not played with too many of the latest P&S but a DSLR still has a big advantage in response (no shutter lag) and controlability.
The choice for a higher end DSLR depends on how serious you want to get into photography and learning manual control, advanced automatic features, or post processing. Also the high end DSLRs are more rugged. One thing I've noticed with Nikon is the base DSLRs may have better JPGs straight out of the box. The high end Nikon DSLRs are marketed to folks that want to post process the images and may not start as sharp or colorful. <- Doing that leaves more detail left in the image to make post processing adjustments.
I'd try to play with the cameras as much as possible. See witch feels best in your hand and has controls the seem easy to learn. Compare features and ask many folks which might be important features to have. Which depends how you'll use it. IE, 5fps is important for action but scene modes may be more important for not having to learn advanced stuff right away.
My gut recommendation on the Nikon side is a D5000 or D90. They both have the impressive 12mp sensor. Get the D60 if on a tight budget. For lenses, get the VR kit lens and 55-200 VR or 70-300 VR lens. Or for max versatility, the 18-200 VR lens, like I have. It doesn't have the highest sharpness rating but I know a pro that takes incredible shots with it.
On the Nikon side, it does take $$$ to get into the 2.8 lenses (for low light and best sharpness). The Sigma/Tamron 2.8s may be a good option but will sacrifice some quality to save $$. I'd not recommend entry Sigma/Tamron over the entry Nikon lenses.
Here is my take on P&S versus DSLRs.
Get the P&S if you only care about occasional snaps. You can still get good shots with it. Obviously, they are less expensive and more compact.
Get the DSLR if you have the budget, want to get more serious about photography, or want to shoot in more advanced situations (action, very wide angle or very zoomed, low light, weddings, etc).
I've not played with too many of the latest P&S but a DSLR still has a big advantage in response (no shutter lag) and controlability.
The choice for a higher end DSLR depends on how serious you want to get into photography and learning manual control, advanced automatic features, or post processing. Also the high end DSLRs are more rugged. One thing I've noticed with Nikon is the base DSLRs may have better JPGs straight out of the box. The high end Nikon DSLRs are marketed to folks that want to post process the images and may not start as sharp or colorful. <- Doing that leaves more detail left in the image to make post processing adjustments.
I'd try to play with the cameras as much as possible. See witch feels best in your hand and has controls the seem easy to learn. Compare features and ask many folks which might be important features to have. Which depends how you'll use it. IE, 5fps is important for action but scene modes may be more important for not having to learn advanced stuff right away.
My gut recommendation on the Nikon side is a D5000 or D90. They both have the impressive 12mp sensor. Get the D60 if on a tight budget. For lenses, get the VR kit lens and 55-200 VR or 70-300 VR lens. Or for max versatility, the 18-200 VR lens, like I have. It doesn't have the highest sharpness rating but I know a pro that takes incredible shots with it.
On the Nikon side, it does take $$$ to get into the 2.8 lenses (for low light and best sharpness). The Sigma/Tamron 2.8s may be a good option but will sacrifice some quality to save $$. I'd not recommend entry Sigma/Tamron over the entry Nikon lenses.
07-13-2009, 05:58 AM
#22
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I own both Nikon and Canon DSLRs...
You might want to peruse this site - it has rankings based on the quality of the RAW sensor data. Not the entire set of important metrics, but metrics nonetheless.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/DxOMa...Camera-rankings
The D90 scores quite well. I'd say to go with a lens that has VR. It makes a big difference in the percentage of "keepers" you shoot.
The 18-200 is pricey, but worth it.
http://www.bythom.com/18200lens.htm
You might want to peruse this site - it has rankings based on the quality of the RAW sensor data. Not the entire set of important metrics, but metrics nonetheless.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/DxOMa...Camera-rankings
The D90 scores quite well. I'd say to go with a lens that has VR. It makes a big difference in the percentage of "keepers" you shoot.
The 18-200 is pricey, but worth it.
http://www.bythom.com/18200lens.htm
07-13-2009, 06:07 AM
#23
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Originally Posted by heavy_g' post='937650' date='Jul 9 2009, 04:59 PM
We are all assuming he's going for a basic, cheap, beginner DSLR.
The camera below can also "take pictures and make them look realistic and professional":
I shot with this once, had to put $30,000 in as insurance.
http://www.hasselbladusa.com/product.../h3dii-50.aspx
The camera below can also "take pictures and make them look realistic and professional":
I shot with this once, had to put $30,000 in as insurance.
http://www.hasselbladusa.com/product.../h3dii-50.aspx
07-13-2009, 06:09 AM
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Do your research based on your budget. The 2 websites: steve's and dpreview are popular and a good starting point. GL with your search.
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