Entry level cam with dedicated WB/ISO buttons or 2 programmable?

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
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Just noticed the D800 has the kind of dedicated buttons I want

NikonTop1.jpg


but I cant afford it.

Are there entry level cameras (any brand) with WB and ISO buttons, or at least two programmable buttons?

That seems to be something you dont normally see until you move up to at least the thousand dollar bodies.
 

slashbinslashbash

Golden Member
Feb 29, 2004
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Not entry-level, AFAIK from Canon.

But all of the Canon XD and XXD bodies have semi-dedicated buttons for both (Excluding 1D series; they are different and I actually have no idea how they work... so this is talking about 5D, 7D, 20D, 60D, etc.). Push ISO button, use back wheel to change ISO (front wheel changes something else). Push WB button, use front wheel to change WB (back wheel changes something else). (Exactly what combination of functions is paired for a particular button varies slightly from model to model... on Canons, there are 3 buttons splitting 6 features: ISO, WB, AF mode, metering mode, drive mode, and flash compensation.)

Why buy a new entry-level model when you can get a used 20/30/40/50/60D or 5D at your choice of price points all under $1000?
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
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Not entry-level, AFAIK from Canon.

But all of the Canon XD and XXD bodies have semi-dedicated buttons for both (Excluding 1D series; they are different and I actually have no idea how they work... so this is talking about 5D, 7D, 20D, 60D, etc.). Push ISO button, use back wheel to change ISO (front wheel changes something else). Push WB button, use front wheel to change WB (back wheel changes something else). (Exactly what combination of functions is paired for a particular button varies slightly from model to model... on Canons, there are 3 buttons splitting 6 features: ISO, WB, AF mode, metering mode, drive mode, and flash compensation.)

Why buy a new entry-level model when you can get a used 20/30/40/50/60D or 5D at your choice of price points all under $1000?

good point.
 

fralexandr

Platinum Member
Apr 26, 2007
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www.flickr.com
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentax-k-30
the pentax k-30 has semi-dedicated buttons also(APS-C)
It's alternately useable for selecting focusing area when in picture taking mode (if you're set to manual selection of autofocus point, you can swap between the 2 functions by using the center/ok button)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentax-k-30/5
the k-30 is ~$500 new atm. It's also Weather Resistant :p.
the k-50, which is going to replace the k-30, doesn't offer much other than a more traditional appearance.

the k-30 + 18-135wr is ~$800-$900 atm, if you want a nice travel zoom.

pentax's weakpoints are video and to some extent lens cost.
 
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gevorg

Diamond Member
Nov 3, 2004
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Why WB? Just shoot RAW, and set WB to Auto. :)

EDIT: NEX-7 is very programmable, at least 4-5 buttons/wheels can be set to anything.
 
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slashbinslashbash

Golden Member
Feb 29, 2004
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they arent as cheap as a T3.

I wouldnt even consider them entry-level.

Used D90 bodies are going about $400 used. D200's about $300. I listed Canons in my first reply since that's what I know, but used mid-range Nikons with dedicated WB and ISO buttons can be found for similar prices.
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
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It looks like I'm gonna get a refurb T3 for 280 and use the money saved for a lens of my choice.
 

iGas

Diamond Member
Feb 7, 2009
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I was actually thinking of an entry level 18-105
You may want to consider a used 18-55 IS II, or 18-55 STM, because they produce better IQ than the 18-105.

[add]
A used Sigma 17-50, 17-70, or Tamron 17-50 are good starter lens that you may want to look at as well.
 
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