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Main Boards => Photography/Video Q&A Board => Topic started by: BigStriper on September 21, 2011, 11:36:00 AM
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I would like your thoughts and Likes and Dislikes for a not to Expensive Digital SLR Camera, preferably a Canon or a Nikon,which models do you like,
Kurt
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Nikon D3100. Does everything the more expensive models do.
The only 2 things that expensive models do "better," is that they are faster in "frames per second" for sports photographers and paparazzi. Camera adjustments on the fly is #2. Meaning the less expensive models require a menu adjustment, the expensive ones have dedicated buttons for faster changes to the settings.
Save your money and buy a fast aperture, f 1.4-1.8, 35-50mm fixed lens for low light, and use the kit lens for everything else.
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I have a Nikon D90 and love it. The reason I went with it over the 5100 is that it is compatible with the older lenses. The D90 has a in body focus motor which all the older autofocus lenses need to be functional. The 5100 or 3100 doesn't have that.
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True, if you use older AF-D lenses. Someone not looking to buy every focal point would still get by much cheaper with a D3100 w/ a kit lens, and throw a 35mm f1.8g, for 200. bucks, in for lowlight with or without flash.
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I been wanting that 25\\f1.8. I have a 24/f2.8 manual lense that works great, just have to shoot manual all the time.
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f1.4-1.8 with digital, man you won't need flash to freeze motion until your in the dark!
The AF-S, 35mm f1.8 G lens, got to be THE best bang for the buck with the "DX" sized dslr's.
Most times I don't even bother with my kit lens or my tele, the near instant focus speed, natural field of view, just a great great all around "fast", prime lens that just get's it done.
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I have a Nikon D90 and it has a lot of features that make it superior to the d3100 for anyone serious about photography. But If you are just looking to shoot family photos and vacation pics buy the d3100 it is a great lightweight camera perfect for this. Then take the money you saved and buy a sb600 flash. One hint Best Buy in Edwardsville will match online camera store prices if you ask them and they actually had the best price I could find on an sb600. I live in Collinsville and got my d90 there.
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I would like to Thank All of you for your input on Camera's,I live in Edwardsville so I will have to keep Best Buy in mind Mike, Thanks again,
Kurt
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Don't over look the SB400, great speed light, it saves the cameras batteries when using fill flash. The 600 is quite large.
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I have a Canon T1i that I like a lot and it has a lot more features than I could ever become proficient with. It often receives high ratings from photo sources (magazines, etc.). I found the best price on it from Best Buy and recently I've started buying more equipment through Adorama.
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I picked up a Canon T2i last fall and love it. Great pictures (18MP) and HD video. I've had Canons for years and didnt have to buy any lenses for it. Camera works awesome in low light.
Only thing I don't like so far is that in video mode you have to manually focus. Depending on the light and your eyesight you may or may not be able to see the screen clearly enough to know if the image is sharp or not.
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Canon makes a lot of affordable slr's. I own a rebel and it works great. My iso goes to 1600, others for twice the price will go higher. You do get what you pay for with camera's but how much you need only you can answer. I think everyone would agree Canon makes the best lenses.
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another vote for the Canon Rebel T2i
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Nikon D40, all I could afford, and all really needed :-)
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I would like to Thank everyone for there input,but my wife has decided to go with another point and shoot Camera so I was looking at the Canon Powershot Elph 310 HS,does anybody know anything about these or do you have another Similar Type Camera that you like,
Thanks,Kurt
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I used to shoot lots of pictures with my 35mm Pentax cameras and then went to a Sony digital when film got hard to find. I missed my SLR cameras and made the decision to find a DSLR that I could afford and had the features I was used to.
After a lot of research I chose a Nikon D3100. I use the camera a lot at my daughter's BMX races and have become the track photographer at our local track and have been invited to take pictures at other tracks. The most used feature on my D3100 is the ability to shoot frames at around 1/sec. and the camera will hold up to 100 pictures in a buffer. My D3100 has taken around 6500 pictures since I bought it last March.
One drawback is that the D300 has some problems with the mode dial malfunction where it will not come up to the mode that is indicated on the dial.
Mine is in the shop for a scheduled cleaning and hopefully the mode dial problems will be fixed for good. I like my camera.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Farm%20Heritage%20Celebration%202011/DSC_6145.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Nature/CSC_0535.jpg)
This Egret was almost 100 yards away when it took off. I shot the picture with a 55-300mm lens and let the autofocus do the focus. Not too bad for just a split second point and shoot opportunity.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Nature/CSC_1225A.jpg)
Like I said, I like my Nikon.
Dennis
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After a good deal of research and reading on several rating sites, I purchased a Nikon D7000 over the Canon 7D. I did not want a pro level DSLR but I wanted one where the odds of growing out of it are slim. I believe I have achieved this. I have found these DSLR cameras are incredibly complicated and sensitive compared to the old film SLRs. I had a good idea going into this it was going to take a serious commitment on my part to learn everything I need to know to shoot great pics in any setting; that process started this morning with my first class. My head is spinning on all the detail these cameras offer but I am excited to continue to learn. I am told getting high quality lenses is more important on DSLRs due to how sensitive they are. My first lens is a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 ED. I would encourage anyone looking to get into this to read about it first and then look at the ratings of the cameras and lenses you have set your eye on before buying. There are several very good websites that focus specifically on cameras and Lenses.
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Steve, that's a good heads up for those of us watching this and contemplating the plunge. Please keep us informed as to your progress.
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Canon G-11, have used this for little over a year and very happy with the quality, and weight without stepping up to a DSLR.
Whatever you are considering, there probably is a review on wwwdpreview.com
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If it hasn't been mentioned yet, lenses are far more important than the camera body. You really can't go wrong with any dslr body. All of them are good and capable of producing great images. Some of them have more bells and whistles and controls that are easier to navigate, but they'll all do what you want. Most of the entry level dslr's (Nikon at least) don't have internal focusing motors, so you're limited to buying lenses that have their own motors. Not a big deal to most people, but if you're really into photography, it cuts down on your lens selection dramatically.
Where things get important, and expensive, is the lenses. You can quickly go bankrupt lusting after camera lenses.
A few of my photos:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6772977339_93a8b337e2.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6773816003_488b9c3837_z.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6772977509_7e976dfe1a_z.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6773143989_c2e2286578_z.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6773580885_72ab9dc1fb_z.jpg)
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I use a Canon T1I..great body for the money. I will echo what someone else said..lenses matter more than anything. That being said I think the perfect point and shoot with Manual capability has to be the Canon SX210IS it can likely be found at clearance prices well south of $200. It's 14 megapixel with a lot of great features.
I take it with me when I don't want to lug around the DSLR. Here are some shots from the past weekend at a 3d Shoot.
(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/shoot22.jpg)
(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/shoot10.jpg)
(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/shoot12.jpg)
(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/shoot7.jpg)
(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x89/selinnah/shoot14.jpg)
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I have 2 Nikon D-7000s, and a D-800 on the way. That said, it's all about the lenses. In fact, the priority for great pictures might be: Composition, Light, Lenses, Camera. in the Nikon vs. Canon DSLR world, pick one and stay with it. The reason is lenses, as with those two great camera makers, the lenses never really go out of date. I recently sold a 25 year old manual focus Nikon 600mm f 4 for $2,000.
If I had to choose, I would shoot with an old Nikon D-70 camera (ten year old technology) and keep my 300mm f2.8, and be happy. if I were forced to choose between a new Point and Shoot 16 Mega Pixel camera and an old DSLR or even SLR 35mm camera and "great" interchangeable lenses, I would take the camera with the interchangeable lenses. For me, the options are greater, the ability to adjust is greater.
Of course, I have point and shoot cameras, the Lumix waterproof models, and they can take great, publishable pictures (and underwater, and underwater HD video). but in my opinion, everything has to be just right for that to happen.
But at the end of the day, if composition and light is right, even the I phone can take a truly great photograph. My opinion, of course. See our longbow hunting pictures at www.jaycampbellphotography.com, (http://www.jaycampbellphotography.com,) private gallery longbows, password "Buffalo", capital B.
Best, Jay and Karen Campbell
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Canon 5d with a 70-300 is L lens and a 34-105 IS L lens. Awesome pics
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I am just getting into the DSLR camera's and purchased a Nikon D7000. It is way more camera than I will ever learn to use, and not sure it was a good choice for my first camera.
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You'll be fine. Go to kenrockwell.com and click on camera reviews, go to nikon cameras, and look at the d7000 "user guide." With the U1 and U2 dial modes this allows you instant changeable modes for people and things.
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I was told in hunting you do not want to cut corners on boots or optics and I prescribe to that. With cameras, as Jay shared above, lenses make a big difference. My first lens actually cost $600 more than my D7000 camera body. I refused to buy one of the package deals because they always pair the camera with a lower quality lens…not bad lenses. Be careful and protect your valuables when in use and not in use, they are expense to repair or replace! I’d suggest taking classes. There are also DVDs that go over in detail all the components of the Nikon D7000. I found it all super confusing at first but as I combined classes with the DVD I became acquainted enough with the camera to us it and play around with it and that is when things really came together. There is still a lot for me to learn with the D7000 but I’d rather have a camera I know I can still grow with than one I have maxed out or grown out of. Keep at it with your D7000 you’ll be glad you did! The only downfall with the lens I use is most of the time is its weight. I refused to take the camera and lens up over the mountain to trout fish at a remote lake when out west Elk hunting this fall…opting for my point and shoot feather weight camera…which as Jay also pointed out takes great pictures too.
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vey nice
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Nikon D7000
I used to shoot a Nikon D80.
Before that a Canon 10D
Each was a great camera.
I am a firm believer that the best camera is the one that you have... :D
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I need to replace a Canon XTi ...a 12.1 MP one with maybe another one with the ? whats it called rear view, not thru the eyepiece, wife hate them, any suggetions on NEW canons?
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I like my Sony Alpha 100.
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I have my Nikon D7000 up for sale right now. You will get a good deal, on the newest out there right now.
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I've been very pleased with my Olympus OM-D EM5 micro four thirds (mirrorless technology) camera. The owner of the local camera shop said he was using it more than his $3,000 Nikon set-up because it's automatic mode was spot on so often. It's waterproof and about 2/3 the size of a regular SLR.
I've taken three classes at our community college (3 hour evening courses) and that has also helped immensely, but wow, what a huge amount of information and a lot to practice with to put it all together. As mentioned above, if you're going to dive into the new technology, it's best to set aside some time to take classes as well.
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I just picked up a Nikon D7100. Really like it so far. Huge learning curve but WOW!!!! does it take nice pictures.
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+1 for Olympus mirror less system cameras, om-d is the best, I got the ep3 before the omd came out. Love it!
Dslr will give better low light performance however
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Canon 5D MkIII and several "L" lenses. I love that camera, but it's a bit heavy to carry bowhunting (though I'll probably do just that on my mule deer hunt this fall).
I used a Canon G1X compact on my caribou hunt with T.J. last fall. All of the photos published with my caribou hunt article in TBM, the cover, and the cover a couple issues back (silhouette on red wall) were taken with that camera. I have two 16"x24" canvas prints on the wall from that hunt. The image sensor is only slightly smaller than the sensor in the 7D, but the low light, low noise capabilities are better. I know. I had a 7D and sold it because I wasn't happy with the amount of noise in the images above ISO 640.
At $699 it is a pricey compact, but worth every penny. It was always in my pocket ready for action instead of buried in my pack. A small dry-bag kept it safe. Highly recommend it unless you are wanting to do wildlife photography as the zoom is only equivalent to about a 28mm-105mm. Wish it went to 24mm, but 28mm works.
Jerry
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I was into photography 10 years ago, using SLRs and slide film. When I finally switched to digital, I went with a point and shoot because I was tired of carrying around so much camera gear. It felt like photography was "taking over" my other hobbies.
While using the point and shoot, I missed the control and the picture quality of the SLR format, but it was nice to travel light.
I just got a Panasonic G3 mirrorless camera this spring and I have been enjoying it. It is just small enough to throw in my daypack without a second thought and big enough to have a lot of control features, 16 megapixels, and interchangeable lenses. And for only $350 for the body and one lens, it is way more "disposable" than a fancy SLR (which is good for me since I work around water). It also shoots HD video which has been fun to play with.
Sorry to bring the thread a little off topic, but mirrorless cameras are relatively new and I thought you guys might be interested to hear another firsthand review.
Here is a sample pic from yesterday's mountain goat scouting trip:
(http:// [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/99201603@N05/9339196139/] [img]http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/9339196139_12aec44c96_n.jpg)[/url]
[/IMG]
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Here's a couple from my Olympus OMD E-5 mirrorless camera. It's about 2/3 the size of a regular 35mm. Close up shot and Taquamenon Falls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on a cloudy winter day.
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/P3200004_zps8a76a975.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/P3200004_zps8a76a975.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/TaquahmananFalls20130372_zps46d53e71.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/TaquahmananFalls20130372_zps46d53e71.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
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I just bought and Canon T5i with the 18-135 lens, and it is fantastic. It's probably too much to carry out hunting, in fact I know it is. I take a Canon G9 with me hunting, and it takes great photos. I've used it on a several shots that were used for magazine covers, and it's simple to use.
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Canon is a lot user friendly then Nikon, this is what I found when I was at your stage, eventually I went from a 20D, to a 40D, to a 50D, a 5D, then a 7D, now a 5D MKIII.. they also hold their value pretty well
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I have a Canon 30D for sale now. I also have a couple of lenses, bag, tripod, filters, speedlight, etc. etc. if someone was looking for a really all encompassing starter package.
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I am super excited to start filming my hunts. I just picked up a Canon 60D that seemed to fit me perfectly. I have two lenses to go with it. A Canon 18-135mm IS lens and a 75-300mm lens. I am waiting on my manfrotto tripod and fluid head so that I can start filming hunts. I just need to pick up a decent shotgun mic and I will be in business. I want to go for the Solo Hunter TV look. I also have three Go Pro cameras to add a few different angles.
Can't wait for the weather to warm up... Gonna try my first star time lapse here soon.
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Originally posted by Ray Lyon:
Here's a couple from my Olympus OMD E-5 mirrorless camera. It's about 2/3 the size of a regular 35mm. Close up shot and Taquamenon Falls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on a cloudy winter day.
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/P3200004_zps8a76a975.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/P3200004_zps8a76a975.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/TaquahmananFalls20130372_zps46d53e71.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/TaquahmananFalls20130372_zps46d53e71.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
I agree on the Olympus OMD E5. I'm a big fan of the micro four thirds systems. Panasonic also makes some good Micro four thirds cameras. In my opinion they are made better than the consumer grade Canon and Nikon, I've owned both and still have a Canon system. I very seldom use the Canon any more these days. The OMD E5 is smaller, the lenes are smaller, the image quialty is just as good. The last generation of Olympus Micro Four Third Cameras can be had for a song. Cameras like, the EP-2, EP-3, EPL2. All are great cameras you can get cheap. Just a want to be Photographer's opion. Your milage may vary.
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I have had Olympus', Nikon and Canon DSLR's. I like the way my Canon collects color and its settings are the easiest for me to navigate. With that said don't worry as much about the camera body as you do the lens's. If money is an issue get a low priced body and spend as much as you can on the glass. Great lens' are what make great photos.
Also take into consideration that computer monitors are very different. A low priced, uncalibrated monitor won't give you the quality photo any of these cameras will produce. These photos look fantastic on my Apple monitors and look dark on my packaged PC monitor.
Canon T3i
(http://i43.tinypic.com/2ywe0cw.jpg)
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2nk48ic.jpg)
(http://i43.tinypic.com/2m67b5s.jpg)
(http://i40.tinypic.com/paujb.jpg)