OT - camera recommendation

[jacksonpt]

My kids are just getting old enough so they are starting sports and all that good stuff. I also like to dabble (actually, that might be overstating it... more like goof around) in photography. My point-and-shoot is great for convenience, but not so good for more demanding pictures, or any kind of useful zoom.

So I'm looking at a mid-level consumer grade DSLR. I'll be looking to buy a couple of good lenses to go with it (macro for tank stuff and other fun shots, zoom for kids playing soccer, t-ball, etc.)... any recommendations on a good body? Bang for the buck is important - I don't want to spend a ton, but will spend a little extra if it gets me a better camera.

I don't know much about these things, so lay it on me. Any way I could get out of this for < $2k (body w/ lens, zoom lens and macro) after everything is said and done?

Oh, and I'm not a "latest and greatest" kind of guy... I just want something that is going to work for me, that I'll be happy with, and that will last. I'm more than happy with last year's model from Sams if it will work.

TIA

 

[frofan]

I have always used Nikon and have never had any issues. I recently upgraded to a D90 and have a Nikon D70 with 2 lenses for sale for $500. PM me if interested.

 

[pascal32]

I've just started heading down this road also I've been looking for a while - seems that Nikon and Canon are the two entry level choices for DSLRs - Sony seems to be a bit of a gamble, though they have put out some good cameras.

Doesn't seem that you can go wrong with either Nikon or Canon. From everything I read, most people suggest choosing on feel. I've held them both and like the Nikons - can't really say why, just my preference (with nothing subjective to back it). The one consistent theme is that the lenses make the camera, not the body.

The Nikon kit 18-55 lens is a great multi-purpose lens.

My wonderful wife just got me a Nikon D3100 as an anniversary gift which I'm eagerly waiting to arrive I'll be looking at a Macro lens as the first lens purchase.

if you are looking at Macro shots a prime lens (no zoom) is your best candidate - prime lenses will be sharper and have a lower F-Stop than zooms (with zoom exceptions noted = $$$). Macro lenses can focus up close (3-14" or so). Nikon and Canon make great lenses for the most part - there are some great aftermarket lenses out there also. For a macro I'm leaning to the Nikon 85mm, though I've read Sigma and Tamron have some good lenses also. tough choices! If you ever end up doubting a big purchase rent the lens before buying! If you go Canon the 100mm non-L canon lens is fantastic for reef shots (from what I have read it is THE Canon lens)!

I'm learning as I go - one thing to watch is the sensor sizes in conjunction with lenses - for example - Nikons 105mm Macro is an FX lens (FX=large 35mm equivalent sensor) - my D3100 is a DX camera (has smaller sensor), so my camera only sees the inner portion of the lens, effectively making it 1.5x105mm => 158mm (that's a lot of zoom!)

Lastly, you should get some SW capable of processing RAW images (compared to processed which is what the point and shoots do). This will allow you to take a picture in your tank of an 18% grey stock card, and then set a white balance against it. I just started poking at this - I believe photoshop elements is a trimmed down photoshop that can do that and much more without the heavy cost of photoshop.

yes, you will be under 2K, by how much is up to you

disclaimer - I'm new to photography and have been absorbing, so please correct me where I am wrong!

 

[jacksonpt]

Good info Blurry, thanks. Everything I have heard/read lines up with what you said...

• Canon and Nikon are the only real players in the entry-mid level DSLR game
• The body doesn't matter much...pay attention to sensor type and size, but otherwise go by feel & price
• Put your money into good lenses

 

[Ishmael's Dad]

I have a Sony alpha. Priced a hair below the Canon. Purchased it b/c I had an old Minolta Maxuum, and the lenses are interchangeable.

I love the camera, and I take very nice photos of my kids with it. FWIW, You can spend 10K on o camera or 100 bucks on Craigslist. The average person won't be able to tell the difference. Spend the time to get to know the camera and work on composing pics and being ready for candids.

 

[RyanEG]

Head over to the Photography forum and ask there. There are several very accomplished photog's that are members and mods here who would be very qualified to lead you in the right direction.

 

[Twinpanther]

I'm a Nikon guy myself. No real reason other than it feels much more comfortable and the dials (for me) are better placed.

I have a D90 atm and I absolutely love it. If I were to start today I choose the D7000 (should be out any day now) which is the successor to the D90. I know you mentioned not being the "latest and greatest" kinda guy but in my opinion this is the best entry level camera available. I'll let you Google it if you want more on it.

Macro for DSLR can be pretty expensive if you are going the lens only route. However, there are a few other options like extension tubes that do a decent job with your kit lens. In all honesty, a decent Point and Shoot, in macro mode, will do as good a job as most affordable Macro DSLR lens and cost less than a single Macro lens as well.

I wholeheartedly agree with RyanEG on checking out the Photography forum and see what they have to say. Another fantastic place for help/examples/questions/etc... is a place called digital-photography-school.com. Lots of great folks there, from all over the world, that will answer any questions you may have.

Paul

 

[Brent Thomann]

I've been using my fathers older Canon 20D and Canon 100mm macro for years, very happy with the results. I would like to get the new Canon 100mm macro some day though My father also uses a zoom lens with the camera with great results, actually took all the photos with it that are on our boaters website here http://www.wnyboaters.com

I know several people that are using Canon Rebel & Canon 100mm maco and are happy with the combo. One of those people would be areefcreation.com Should be able to pick both those up for around $1000.

 

[NirvanaFan]

I'm a Nikon person myself. I've got the D60 with a few lenses. I pretty much agree with what has been said here so far. Get a decent body and put your money into better glass. Learning how to use Photoshop or a similar program will make your good shots great.

My only suggestion would be to get at least 2 memory cards. You can fill them up pretty quick. Remember, take lots of pictures, it's basically free. In my first 3 months with my camera I took around 5000 pictures.

And mess with shooting in manual mode. Getting used to setting all the options manually will give you some great photos once you get used to it.

 

[Waterobert]

I use Nikon 300 and love it. Difference between Nikon and Canon is mostly in the way camera feels in your hand. They are both great, some people choose camera base on the lenses Canon or Nikon offer. But again both companies have great selection of lenses.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Here's the thread you want:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1503490

I'm definitely an amateur at best, so can't offer any solid advice. I have an older Canon DSLR. I bought it because it was replacing a Canon film SLR, hence accessories and lenses would be interchangeable.