First Fancy Camera
- Thread starter Mr. Leary
- Start date
off-roader
Expedition Leader
DP review is decent for camera questions and information. I also like SLRgear.com for lens reviews.
tdesanto
Expedition Leader
Ken Rockwell is a complete tool. Take everything he says with a huge grain of salt.
As I always say, invest in lenses not camera bodies.
Start with asking yourself what type of photography you plan to do. If it's landscape and general trip photos, then just about any of the Nikon bodies will be okay. If you want to get serious about landscape photogrpahy, then make sure that depth-of-field preiview is a feature on the body you're looking at.
In general, the more you step up, the more you're going to get dedicated dials instead of having to use menus. This makes switching modes, quality, WB, ISO, etc. lightning fast. I wouldn't have it any other way. But, if you're learning and you want to watch your budget, spend on a couple nice lenses and then upgrade the body later after you've mastered the one you've got.
As I always say, invest in lenses not camera bodies.
Start with asking yourself what type of photography you plan to do. If it's landscape and general trip photos, then just about any of the Nikon bodies will be okay. If you want to get serious about landscape photogrpahy, then make sure that depth-of-field preiview is a feature on the body you're looking at.
In general, the more you step up, the more you're going to get dedicated dials instead of having to use menus. This makes switching modes, quality, WB, ISO, etc. lightning fast. I wouldn't have it any other way. But, if you're learning and you want to watch your budget, spend on a couple nice lenses and then upgrade the body later after you've mastered the one you've got.
tylerdurden
New member
I think this. DSLR's are amazing but worthless at the same time. I know many of you will holler and shot at my next statement. If you arent spending the big bucks (2000 or more) on a DSLR/non kit lens your wasting your money. I think you would be very satisfied buying a Panasonic Lumix GF1. If you dont want to go that route I would buy a Canon S90 or G11. I currently own a G10 and love it. However it doesnt get as much use as I thought because it isnt really pocketable. Dont get me wrong here.. it will fit in a pocket but good luck finding any comfort with it in there. Great photography to me is about actually taking your camera with you everywhere and trying not to spend more time taking an image or thinking about one than someone will spend looking at said image or thinking about said image. Here are a few articles that have influenced my statements and purchases, thanks for listening. ******(fotograph the world)
http://craigmod.com/journal/gf1-fieldtest/
http://gizmodo.com/5393112/canon-s90-review-itll-never-leave-my-pocket-except-when-im-taking-pictures
http://craigmod.com/journal/gf1-fieldtest/
http://gizmodo.com/5393112/canon-s90-review-itll-never-leave-my-pocket-except-when-im-taking-pictures
soonenough
Explorer
One way to save money is to buy used. I check the Craigslist posting for camera equipment, and there's usually tons of stuff for sale on there. The only problem is that you don't know exactly what you're buying, and unless there's obvious damage or abuse, it's very hard to tell that a lens isn't working properly until you take some photos with it.
DiploStrat
Expedition Leader
Size Matters
This statement actually helps a lot. The misunderstood specs in digital photography are:
-- Sensor size, and,
-- Photosite density.
Basically, the larger the sensor (think film) the higher the image quality and the lower the photosite density, the lower the noise. These are generally both qualities you want when shooting landscapes and portraits; especially if you plan to make large prints.
Don't be mislead by megapixels; within reason, once you pass 5 MP, there isn't that much improvement in image quality and, as Canon found out to their chagrin, pushing a sensor from 10 MP to 15 MP can actually lead to a poorer image.
If you are serious about landscapes, then you probably want:
-- A DSLR, perhaps even a "full frame" model.
-- A tripod.
(These are both nice for portraits, too.)
DPReview generally has very good reviews.
Finally, as noted above, if you go with an SLR, remember that you invest in lenses and expense your cameras. (This is because digital "film" is locked inside the camera and there is a real, noticeable improvement about every two or three years.)
WARNING: Once you get used to a decent camera, you will never want to go back and you will find that the noise and chromatic aberrations of cheaper cameras can really start to bother you.
All the best.
This statement actually helps a lot. The misunderstood specs in digital photography are:
-- Sensor size, and,
-- Photosite density.
Basically, the larger the sensor (think film) the higher the image quality and the lower the photosite density, the lower the noise. These are generally both qualities you want when shooting landscapes and portraits; especially if you plan to make large prints.
Don't be mislead by megapixels; within reason, once you pass 5 MP, there isn't that much improvement in image quality and, as Canon found out to their chagrin, pushing a sensor from 10 MP to 15 MP can actually lead to a poorer image.
If you are serious about landscapes, then you probably want:
-- A DSLR, perhaps even a "full frame" model.
-- A tripod.
(These are both nice for portraits, too.)
DPReview generally has very good reviews.
Finally, as noted above, if you go with an SLR, remember that you invest in lenses and expense your cameras. (This is because digital "film" is locked inside the camera and there is a real, noticeable improvement about every two or three years.)
WARNING: Once you get used to a decent camera, you will never want to go back and you will find that the noise and chromatic aberrations of cheaper cameras can really start to bother you.
All the best.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
In addition to what's already been suggested...
- before choosing anything, play with the various camera's. Get a feel for how easy/difficult it will be to change settings including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, mode (Program, aperture priority, sport, landscape, etc.).
- pick up a book on how to take good pictures which goes through image composition concepts like the rule of thirds, etc. This is far more important to learn than how to operate the camera in it's various modes. With this you can shoot in full auto and get awesome shots. Without this basic knowledge you will likely struggle to get good shots.
Also as for my progression I started with film but never did anything more than snapshots and crappy ones at that. Then my first digicam did nothing more than take basic pics. No customization, not aperture or shutter speed controls, nothing but more basic shots. My next digicam offered basic controls. My next one offered a wider range of controls. My next one essentially offered the controls of an SLR without the interchangeable lenses or the large sensor.
I then went to an SLR. Mostly for the control, lens flexibility, and sensor.
Today I own both a P&S (fits in pocket) and an SLR (can't be beat for focus ability and low light shots) with a bunch of lenses... (I've spent more in gear than I have my latest 4x4) <GULP> and I'm still what I consider a mediocre photographer... so back to my original point above...
HTH and good luck with your new hobby.
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