I have been getting a bit more serious into photography, and lately I have been trying to decide if a DSLR is for me. I have never used a DSLR until just recently a friend of mine finally got one and let me play around with it a bit and showed me a few things. After that I knew I wanted one. I started to look into it more and learned a bit more of the ins and outs.
I know that there is no such thing as the “best DSLR” it’s more based around what your using it for. The problem I’m having is that the more and more I look into it I see that I do a lot of stuff with mine.
First off I need a camera with a decent number of Megapixels due to my photo editing needs and large printing needs.
Second, I need a camera that that has low noise at high ISO levels due to me using it in tons of different light settings.
Third, I realize that a majority of my photos are outdoors and I would need to have some sort of camera that cleans the digital sensor just in case.
Four, I never use a tripod. I’m always on the go with my camera and I do have shaky hands and would like it to have an Image Stabilization of some sort.
Five, would like it to have a large number of Auto focus point systems.
Basically I sat down and figured my basic uses for this camera are:
Landscapes,
Close up Pictures (like rain drops)
Night/ Low and Odd light conditions
Outdoors
Spontaneous Photos
Some Planned and Staged Photos and Portraits
I know to get a lot of these features it would cost a lot of money, which me for a novice at DSLRs can eventually get with time and more money. I realize that to capture many of these different shots I will need different lenses and so forth and realize that it can add up quite fast.
So I am asking you guys, what do you think is a good starting camera and gear that I can start with and add on to as I progress? I sort of prefer Canon and Nikon but will consider other suggestions if you can tell me why would I chose them over those two. I have been looking at the Canon and Nikon websites at them as so far I really like the Nikon D5000 and the Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i EF-S. Does anyone have any experience with these cameras or uses them and tell me what they think and what other lenses would you recommend for my needs?
Thanks! Will give points for best answers!
Also just wanted to add that size doesn’t matter. I know I said that I go everywhere with my camera and this one I will to, but I honestly don’t care how heavy it is, any size is fine.
Im afraid you have just explained to me the best dslr in the world. The thing is, it hasnt even been invented yet! Im thinking your going to have to wait at least 5 years till something close to it is released. And you better start saving up from now, oh and take out a mortgage as well
.
You have shown considerable insight and evidence of study. I have been
a photographer for many years.
All of the things you listed but there are 2 things I could argue you with.
1. If you are going to be serious about the photography consider the number of shutter expectations.
2. remember that the camera is a box. Digital sensor in the box but still a box. The glass (lens) is as important if not more important than the box.
Buy a little less to buy a better lens.
Oh yeh, I forgot the issue about the tripod…you will never become a great photographer unless you know when and how to use one.
You already have the aswer so ask your self, do a comparison chart but either one of your picks will make you happy for a year or two.
hope this helps-murl
Well, it seems as though you know what you want, but you left out an important detail — probably the most important detail, in terms of getting a DSLR in today’s market. Price. What are you willing to invest, right now? That determines what camera you get. And to be honest, it’s best to set a goal for a specific camera that meets your goals now, then save up for it. Because you’ll end up spending more money in the long run, buying a camera that will serve as the stop gap until you get what you really want. With everything you’ve just described as your need from a DSLR, were it me, I would choose the new canon 7D. It’s got 18 mp, a completely redesigned autofocus system – with 19 points, all cross type linked to the 63 zone iFCL (Intelligent Focus Color Luminosity) metering system, 8 fps shutter advance, 100% viewfinder (the largest finder of all canon’s sub-frame cameras), and an automatic sensor cleaning device — bundled with the 28-135mm IS kit lens, you’re looking at $1,900.
Now, let’s look further into what this all means to you. The canon T1i, costs $900, with the 18-55mm IS lens. So you’re looking at a price difference of basically double. For that price increase, you get a much more advanced camera with more of everything, in a semi-pro body (which can withstand the rigors of even pro use), that the T1i does not. And if you’re going to go there, you may as well go big and have a camera that will serve you as you grow, rather than you outgrowing it as you learn more.
I will usually recommend the cheapest DSLR available to someone who just wants to piddle around, take a few snapshots here and there, or maybe use it for a class. But if you’ve already got some aptitude, and you at least know what you are looking for, I say go for it. The 7D is an order of magnitude above what you can get with most cameras available right now, including any from nikon in the sub-frame market. It meets all of your criteria, and yes, it will cost you. But remember, these aren’t cell phones we’re talking about here. When you buy a camera like this, you get what you pay for.
Something for you to consider, the kit lens (28-135mm IS), is just that – a kit lens. You may consider a lens like the EF 28mm f/1.8 (a fast prime with a field of view similar to “normal” on a sub (or 1.6x crop) frame camera) instead. You’ll pay more (the 7D is $1699, the 28mm is $400), but you’ll get better optical quality (though the aforementioned kit zoom is not a bad lens, reviewed). Then when you get more cash, and you’re ready for a better EF-S zoom lens, consider the 15-85mm IS as a general-purpose lens. In case you’re wondering, or maybe you’ve noticed, the real investment is in lenses — which can be more costly than the camera.
So you’ve got some time, the 7D and it’s new companion lenses aren’t yet released to the market, I’m thinking soon but one never knows (unless of course you pre-order). Anyway, that’s my recommendation. It may not be what you were expecting. But if in your position, it’s what I’d do. I’ve been an amateur photographer for probably 8 years or something like that. Cameras will soon be the least of your problems…
Info on the 7D from dpreview:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos7d/
A place to buy, B&H photo:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
An interesting resource for canon users:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/