Buying an SLR

[dmw16]

I am thinking of buying a dSLR, but I really don't know where to start. I've read reviews and used a few different ones in passing over the years. But now that I'm thinking of getting myself one I am at a loss.

I bought a Nikon cheap a few years back but sold it because I rarely used it. However now that I have more free time I'd like to get back into one. When I bought the Nikon it was only because it was a great deal, not because I knew that was the one for me.

I briefly considered a micro 4/3 camera like the Sony NEX, but I think the lack of lens options may eventually annoy me.

So I am thinking I've got about $1000 to spend on a camera and some glass. I am not opposed to used (lenses or camera) and I can live with CF or SD as a storage medium.

I see myself mostly using it to take family pictures as well as perhaps sporting events. I also like cars and car shows so I might take pictures of things like that too.

Any thoughts on where I should be looking?

Thanks.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

All the newest DX Nikons seem to be a real leap forward from previous models. The 3100, 5100 and 7000 all take great pics and are just a joy to shoot. The 7000 (we have one at work) is always checked out and is preferred over both Nikon and Canon full frame cameras. The 5100 has the same sensor as the 7000 and reportedly is extremely useful. I have played around with one at the store. The 3100 was surprisingly nice to play around with, also. At work I shoot a D700. At home I have the ancient D2H which I am selling next week for much more than it's worth.

Nikon and Canon DSLR's always sell used for more than there worth. Right now a factory refurbished D200 is about the same as a new D5100 body. Wow! I'm selling the D2H for enough to almost buy a D3100.

Buy new or a current model that has been factory refurbished. You really don't want to go back in digital time.

JR

 

[twistedlogic]

I briefly considered a micro 4/3 camera like the Sony NEX, but I think the lack of lens options may eventually annoy me.

The Sony NEX has a %50 larger sensor than m4/3. The APS sensor as found on most other DSL-Rs, excluding the Full Frame cameras.

Any thoughts on where I should be looking?

I'd start by going to a brick and mortar store and trying a camera on for size. Then ask yourself if you wanna blow most your budget on the body or lens/lenses.

 

[GTaudiophile]

1) When you buy a DSLR, you more or less buy into a system. Typically, this is a Nikon vs. Canon decision but there are other options, especially when you consider 4/3s. Once invested in one system, it is hard but not impossible to crossover.

2) Now is about the worst time in recent history to jump into the DSLR arena. Since the tsunami/nuclear disasters in Japan, supply of DSLR equipment has been rather limited. Prices are inflated in both the retail and used markets.

3) I would strongly consider buying used.

4) I do believe Nikon currently makes better bodies than Canon, EOS-7D excluded. But I also think Canon has the better lens lineup.

5) Bodies come and go but lenses are forever, as they say.

6) Speaking of used equipment, I would look at the Buy/Sell forums at both www.fredmiranda.com and POTN.

7) I would certainly start-out with a used low-end Nikon (D3100/5100) or Canon (Rebel).

8) For start up lenses, I would consider the Tamron 17-50 2.8 and then add a fast prime like a 50 1.4.

 

[dmw16]

The Sony NEX has a %50 larger sensor than m4/3. The APS sensor as found on most other DSL-Rs, excluding the Full Frame cameras.

With that said, perhaps it's worth reconsidering the NEX? I do love the size of it and I think I'd be more inclined to have it with me. The one thing I'm worried about a full size dSLR is that I won't carry it all the time due to its size.

 

[Smoove910]

I'm a proponent of Pentax for a couple reasons:

1.) Fully weather sealed body (K5/K7 line)
2.) Pentax K mount has not changed for roughly the past 30 years, so you have a wealth of lenses to choose from (new & used)
3.) In body focus motor
4.) In body Image Stabilization
5.) Full magnesium body (no plastic)

 

[Griffinhart]

I'd consider buying a used Nikon D80 (or similar camera by other companies) From Ebay. It's a fantastic camera. Then spend as much as you can afford on the best glass you can find.

Primes will get you the best quality shots, but are pretty expensive. High quality zooms are REALLY expensive, but more flexible than more inexpensive zooms. There are also some reasonable lenses for moderate prices. I've had great luck with some Nikon zooms that fall in the $500 to $1000 range.

I'm a Nikon guy myself. I've had a D50, which was a great starter camera when I had it. I have a D80 and D90 now, and both are great cameras.

 

[alexruiz]

Another Pentax user here, so I'll recommend K-r 50-300 kit to start....

If you can expand the budget and plan on getting serious, get the K-5, regarded by several sites as the best APS-C dSLR available.


Alex

 

[Sp12]

I use Canon, but I'll say Pentax bodies are some of the best designed and most fun to shoot with. In-body IS and great build quality on the cheap. Lens selection isn't as extensive as Nikon/Canon/Sony though.

 

[GTaudiophile]

How about this?

Nikon D80 (Used): $419.99
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens (New): $434.00*
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens (New): $219.95

Total: $1073.94

*You can probably find this lens used for around $350 and save $80.

Remember on APS-C cameras like this, you have to take the crop factor into consideration. This means that the 17-50 lens would actually be 25.5mm - 75mm in 35mm terms. This is a great range for a general-purpose, walk-around lens, also giving you a constant 2.8 aperture. The 50 1.8 prime lens would be like a 75mm in 35mm terms. This would be great for low-light and portraits.

Of course, you may want to budget a little more for...

-Extra battery
-Memory card(s)
-External flash
-Camera bag
-Tripod
-Lens filters and/or lens hoods

 

[shortylickens]

I recommend you get a used D40 or D40x cheap, and play with it for a year.
You will learn exactly what you want from your next camera.

For example I know that I'd like live view but its not essential. What is important is faster auto-focus (especially in low light) and higher ISO range with better image quality.

 

[twistedlogic]

I recommend you get a used D40 or D40x cheap, and play with it for a year.

This has always been my recommendation, but as of now I'd recommend the D3100 or D5000/D5100 over the D40 simply for the 11 AF points.

You will learn exactly what you want from your next camera.

/\ This! Only the end user can determine what you really want out of your camera body. No way of knowing this until you dive right in and start shooting and learning. That's why I never recommend a higher end DSL-R to start off with, they can be overwhelming and are usually overkill for a beginner.

 

[GTaudiophile]

The Canon option...

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera Body Only (New): $425.00*
Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital (New): $435**
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM (New): $459***
OR
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM (New): $449****


*Advertised as NEW but sold by a private vendor via Amazon.
**Can be bought used via Amazon for $375
***Can be bought used via Amazon for $385
****Can be bought used via Amazon for $415

The EF-S 60 2.8 lens is a macro lens, meaning it can be used for extreme close-up shots of say insects and such as well as double as a decent telephoto/portrait lens with an equivalent 96mm focal length in 35mm terms. This lens gets consistently very high reviews from users but is certainly one of the better-kept secrets of the Canon lens line-up.

The EF 85 1.8 lens is one of Canon's "best bang for the buck" lenses in its lineup. It produces sharp, stunning results with fast focus accuracy for an essentially bottom-basement price compared to other 85mm lenses on the market. Mounted on the Rebel XSi it would be a 136mm lens in 35mm terms. Again, excellent for portraits.

What is the difference between EF and EF-S lenses? The latter can only be used on Canon's APS-C lineup (Rebel Series, XXD series, and the 7D). EF-S lenses cannot be mounted on full-frame, 35mm Canon bodies like the 5D Mark II, 1D series, etc. EF lenses can be mounted on both APS-C and Full-Frame bodies.

So if you go with the EF-S 60 lens, the above would cost anywhere between $1185 and $1319, depending on whether you go new or used.

If you go with the EF 85, the above would cost anywhere between $1215 and $1309, depending on whether you go new or used.

 

[GTaudiophile]

The Nikon D3100 is no doubt better than the D80 and Rebel XSi but costs about $200 more than either.

If he's just getting his feet wet, I recommend buying a cheaper/used body and investing the difference on better, faster, more unique glass.

 

[dmw16]

Thanks for all the info guys. There sure is a lot to think about...