Posted: 10/13/2010 1:56:36 PM EDT
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With all of the threads here and in GD I decided that I would try and write up a quick run down of what everything means or if you should even get a DSLR. This is primarily for people jumping from point and shoots with no photography interest/experience as those with experience know what they're doing. Any additions, questions or other suggestions are much appreciated.
–––––––––––––––––––– Should I buy a DSLR? First, what are you using it for? Are you wanting it because it looks cool or are you wanting it for a specific purpose to solve a problem? Point and shoots are very good for what they are. Just thinking you'll automatically get better pictures from a DSLR is wrong unless you're looking to solve a specific problem. For example, a point and shoot wouldn't be good for your kid's sporting events, so a DSLR would be of use to you if equipped properly. Same for low-light, etc. Don't waste your money only for it to sit in the closet and you be disappointed because the pictures aren't any better. Also realize pictures from the stands still won't look like field-level or professional pictures for a variety of reasons. That said, if photography interests you and you want something to build on, go for it. Second, acknowledge that the camera is heavy and you'll need to carry it around. You can't just slide it in your pocket and go. You either have to get a separate bag or just carry it out of a bag. Finally, make sure you're wanting to invest the money to make the camera do what you want. Part of the benefit to DSLRs is the ability to use a variety of lenses, which cost extra. If you're wanting to get tightly cropped sports pictures, you're going to need to invest in a zoom, even if it's basic. I'm just laying out the facts to make sure you know what you're getting into. No need to waste money if you really don't need a DSLR. Which camera should I buy? When you start with a DSLR you're starting with a system. The primary systems are Canon and Nikon, but Sony/Minolta, Pentax and Olympus also have respectable systems. For resale value and ease of finding accessories and lenses, I would go for Canon and Nikon. They're the standard and offer a variety of accessories and lenses along with easy to find third-party equipment. So which one, Canon or Nikon. Now is the time to realize what you really want from your camera. Are you wanting to pick up a lens or two or wanting to start a new hobby? Both companies provide quality lenses and cameras and aren't in any danger of stopping anytime soon. Either way you'll be fine, but one company may offer more of what you want than another. If you're never going pro or serious hobbyist then I wouldn't look at the top of the line lenses and make your judgment. Instead, just go into the store and use them and decide which feels better in your hand and which controls are better. Start with the lower end cameras, more than likely you'll never have a need for the costly benefits for top of the line cameras. Now's the time to decide on what lens or lenses you want to start out with. Most kits are 18-55 or thereabouts and come with the camera. If you're wanting a zoom you usually look at a 75-300 or so for around $200-300. This will work fine for daytime/bright lit events. High school sports under lights or in gyms are a whole different monster that I won't go into. It's important to figure out your lenses because without quality glass your pictures can never even hit the camera. Also look at off-brands such as Sigma or Tamron, but make sure they are compatible with your specific model camera. They can save you a few bucks. Do note that the on-camera flash won't always work well outside of a kit lens. ETA: Megapixles. Anything new and on the market today will have enough megapixles. We're no longer in the days of fighting over 1 or 2 megapixles, we're running 8-10+ across all lines. Just having a few more megapixles won't make your images any better nor will it fix anything that's messed up. The only benefits they bring is print size and occasionally cropping. Basically, don't buy a camera based off a megapixle number. They're all good enough for the beginner. Another thing I forgot to mention is the video v. non-video cameras. DSLRs with video have amazing capabilities, but they're not necessarily video camera replacements. They're large, awkward to handle, and usually difficult to just run with. I would stick with a normal video camera to film basic birthday parties or Christmas unless you're home movies rival Hollywood's releases. Also, it should be noted that most DSLRs have a rather short film time without stopping. From what I understand they last 12 minutes or so, but I'm not an expert on the topic. Now what do I do with it? RTFM. Seriously. Read the manual and pick up a basic book on photography. I recommend National Geographic's Field Guide to Photography as a starter. I've also heard great things about Understanding Exposure, but I've never read it. Having a basic knowledge of how things work in your camera can carry you off of the pre-set modes or greenbox and into making better pictures. Take it a step at a time. Also see TempExp's guide tacked or here: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=121&t=994304 Where to buy? B&H Photo Video out of New York City is excellent. There's a link at the top of the forum that supports Arfcom when you buy. Sammy's, KEH, and Adorama are also well known. Don't be fooled by sketchy sites that offer prices that are too good to be true. http://www.resellerratings.com/ helps check out anything you aren't sure about. Amazon also has good prices. I would avoid Best Buy as they normally seem expensive, but you never know with sales. –––––– If I rambled or steered people wrong, or if you have a suggestion something to add, let me know and I'll edit. ETA: Full disclosure: I run a Canon 7D and 30D with a variety of L glass. |
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Nice writeup Penguin! Here's a list of web resources that people can refer to for info/opinions/reviews. General Photography Forums: Fred Miranda Review Sites: Digital Photography Review Fred Miranda Body/Lens/Accessory Reviews Steve's Digicams Camera Specific: Canon Canon Digital Photography Forums Fred Miranda Canon Forum Nikon Fred Miranda Nikon Forum (Please feel free to add as I am sure I've missed plenty) |
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Nicely done!
If you feel daring, a few words on the megapixel race might be worthwhile since some folks may get overly focused on that one issue. Quoted:
.. I've also heard great things about Understanding Exposure, but I've never read it. ... Read it a month or so ago. It is excellent. However, it is rather narrowly focused and IMHO is a bit repetitive. FWIW, I’ve also recently finished the same author’s “Understanding Photography Field Guide”. This wide-ranging book summarizes “Understanding Exposure” and several of his other books, down to even including some of the photographs from those books. This “field guide” IMHO would be a superb introduction for someone with a new DSLR camera. (I’ve never read the National Geographic book, so I can’t compare the two.) It is smallish at 6” by 9”, though thick at exactly 400 pages - with hundreds of stunning, if smallish, photos on high quality paper. Despite its length, it an easy and interesting read. Amazon sells this beautiful and informative book for all of $16.49! Note the customer reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Bryan-Petersons-Understanding-Photography-Field/dp/0817432256/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287094300&sr=1-3 |
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Quoted:
If you feel daring, a few words on the megapixel race might be worthwhile since some folks may get overly focused on that one issue. I added something, although I'm sure someone will call me out over it. Hey, it's just my opinion. Good info on the book! Thanks! |
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Quoted: Wow. Thanks so much for putting this together. I was just about to start a thread asking opinions. The links Engineer posted will be put to good use. Looks like some books will be bought also.  +1. The wife's point and shoot Kodak broke(shutter spring, I think) so I'm planning on getting her a DSLR for christmas. I know basically nothing about cameras.... ETA: The point and shoot worked fine for a lot of stuff, but there are a lot of things that it didn't work well for too. Canon and Nikon were the two brands that I planned on looking at, but I honestly have no clue about exactly what I'm looking at or for. Video capability is not of any importance, nor is the quality of video if present. I want good, sharp detail and the ability to compensate for variable lighting, quality zoom, etc.. More or less, all the things that we didn't always get with the point/shoot. I'd like to stay in the $600 range, but I'll go around $800 if necessary. Something like this interests me, but like I said, I don't have a damn clue what I'm looking at or for. http://www.wolfcamera.com/product/RI541537064.htm?cpncode=24-13649815&srccode=cii_7240462 WTF is "DX format"? |
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DX = APS-C sensor (Cropped Sensor)
FX = Full frame sensor (35mm frame size sensor) You can read more about it here Nikon DX Format Cameras |