DSLR Question for Professional and Advanced Amateur Photographers.

[Guest TankerHC]

Asking for Pro advice and advanced amateur advice since I am close to an end on a decision and would like some opinions from those at that level. I am on half a dozen photo Forums, but as far as I have narrowed it down I am now reading other people asking the same questions, the answers are usually the same but there are several different schools of thought, especially by the Pro's like some of the Nat Geo photographers (Pro and Amateur) who shoot for them on some of the boards, and people who make a living doing weddings and things of that nature. If you are at this knowledge level I would appreciate feedback (As much as possible) to assist in my decision. Broken down into three categories, Where I was at, what I have "learned" from hundreds of Pro opinions (Which most generally agree on when it comes to Camera's, but do not agree on when it comes to what to do about something particular) and where I am at now.

 

Where I was.

 

I wanted something along the lines of a Prosumer Model. Concerning what I looked at, none of them are Considered "Pro" or "Prosumer, except one in the range I was looking at. I have the D3100, which I WAS going to sell, I looked at the D5200, still at the Entry Level, 3200 is exactly the same camera I already have, learned that with the 3200 or 5200 Sensor, Operation between all 3 is about the same and the 3100 and 3200 are identical, as with any Entry Level DSLR, when it comes down to it, it's about the shooter. At the Entry Level, both the Nikon D's and the Canon's have their strengths and weaknesses, but in the end, they are still entry level cameras. . 

 

What I learned, at least this is according to Professional Photographers all over the Forums.

 

1. I want a body with a focusing motor in the body so that I can use older AF Lenses, since really high quality AF lenses can be found pretty cheap. Read one Pro who claimed he is using an AF lens, which he considers his best lens, that is over 30 years old.

 

2, The body I select should have both mode dials and live view on top. The reason they give is that it doesnt limit you to fiddling through a menu when you need to make changes for a shot.

 

3. The difference between say 10 or 12 MP on a Pro level body and 18-24 on an entry level really do not matter, the difference is extremely minimal and nearly undetectable. It comes down to the sensor. According to what I have been reading, the current sensors in use on Entry Level DSLR's are about the equivalent of a 5-7 year old Pro Camera and the reason that camera's like the D7000 are still on the market and cost twice as much as an Entry Level is pretty simple. They are better camera's, Prosumer Level now, were at launch lower end Pro level. (Their statements, not mine).

 

4. Weather proof, if possible. 

 

5. An entry level camera with good glass is as good as an Prosumer body with cheap glass. Many times, better than a good body with cheap glass.

 

6. As many focus points as possible. 

 

7. Full frame

 

Their recommendations are as follows, and there are more than a few disagreements on what to do. I was supposed to buy a new Camera before Christmas (My deadline) but after reading reviews "This vs That", it is more confusing than "Which gun should I get". So based on the Pro and "Pro-Am" photographers, this is their suggestions and where I am at (At the moment) and below that what I am looking to do.

 

1. Their question "Which Camera makes you a photographer" and their answer "none of them". At the entry level, one is as good as another if your a picture taker, especially if you are stuck on the auto button. So first suggestion, learn to use what I  have (The D3100 and recommended to the 10,000 people who have asked the same question, I didnt even ask), ignore the auto button and buy some good glass. They claim that with the Camera I already have and a good general purpose lens the improvement in results will be like buying a new camera and have me shooting more when I see the results. Two suggestions were an 18-105 (When it comes to zoom, less is better, just the opposite of what I always thought) and the 55-300 DX VR. Not a high end but a mid range at the Prosumer level (I dont see how that is since that lens can be had new for under 300 and even low end Pro lenses seem to run 1000 dollars and up). I could get both of those lenses, both are in my budget.

 

2. Buy a used 2-4 year old Body that can handle the lenses I already have as well as AF lenses. I had it narrowed down to two. The D7000 and the D90. There is too much dispute over the D90. Some people claim the D3100 is actually a better camera, some claim it is not, some claim the results, regardless of lens would be almost identical to what I have. The D90 body with a minimal number of actuation's, can be had for under $400 (I have seen them with 2500 actuation's for under 400) and the D7000 for around 600. The D7000 would meet my "wants" but I would still be using it with one Kit lens and one budget DX VR, it would be several months before I could buy a good lens.

 

3. Keep what I have for video and buy a Pentax K50 kit. The K50 meets nearly every single point I am looking for. According to the Forums, Pentax gets overlooked because everyone is stuck on Nikon and Canon. I have no problem owning a Pentax, I have owned several Pentax SLR's (And quite a few other SLR's) and even the low end K1000 was one of the best camera's I used (With good lenses) when it came to portraits.  According to the Forums quite a few Pro's will even take a K50 as a backup camera because it meets most of the requirements of some of the higher level camera's, full frame, weatherproof, focus points etc.

 

So that is where I am at the moment. If it were you and your three choices were "Better glass, keep what you have" or "buy a used Body and use the glass that you have and buy better glass later" or "keep what you have and buy a K50", which would it be? Also feel free to throw in other options if there are any. Opinions definitely appreciated, positive and negative. 

 

I took photography lessons, including darkroom for 5 years when I shot with SLR's, even when I bought the AE1 Program I rarely ever used the Program feature. Unfortunately, even thought I wasnt close to an Pro level, I did take thousands of shots, many of them very good shots, developed them myself, but those are perishable skills. When I moved to digital I ended up addicted to that auto setting because it was "Good enough" and looking at some of my photo albums, digital photo's compared to my old film shots are not even close. So "not even close" I considered starting shooting with film again, at least a bit. But that isnt the problem "Film vs Digital", the problem is I forget about everything I learned. So one of the suggestions I already took, buy books, begin reading and learning again, watch videos (I have access to the Nikon Video library (for 3 years now) and just began using them again, and look at a LOT of pro shots, which I have been doing for a couple of years and have been trying to match in framing the shots.

 

So I am asking on a gun Forum because I know there are some pro's and advanced users here, and asking those three questions on a Photography Forum is like asking which 1911 to buy on a gun Forum x 20. I trust people's opinions here and with less than 1000 professionals I figure I ought to be able to narrow it down to a final decision pretty rapidly. 

 

Thanks in advance

 

J

Edited January 4, 2014 by TankerHC

[10-Ring]

If I were in your shoes I would take a hard look at what you are trying to achieve.  What is it exactly that you are trying to capture?  Are you doing landscapes for your personal use?  Family portraits?  Maybe some nature shots?  For these applications there is nothing wrong with the D3100 at all.  Take your money, buy some good glass, and like you said, ignore the auto function and learn to use the camera.  I think the only reason that I would upgrade bodies is if 1) I was trying to take pictures professionally (hope you don't mind going hungry) or 2) You are interested in taking a lot of sunrise, sunset (low light) kind of stuff or 3) You are wanting to take action shots.  As far as Megapixels go, everybody gets hung up on megapixels, if it shoots above about 8MP you can pretty much do what ever you want with it.  I've seen a picture taken with a Canon Mark IIN blown up to 10'x20' and it be clear and sharp as you could ever want it and that camera is only 8.2MP. 

[Ted S.]

Pros using AF.... They have a lot of faith in their equipment Sent from somewhere in the cosmos using magic...and bacon.

[leroy]

We shoot lots of outdoor shots (....railfan shots...)... Beautiful skies, landscape, buildings and slow movin equipment... We use an old D80 and a refurbished N3100 i paid $349 for with a kit lens at Audorama... They both work like a champ... I'm a Nikon guy because we used to use the old F3 High Points for film photography...

 

Any of the cameras ya can think of do a helluva job.... Nikon, Cannon, Olympus; and they are all "compact format" DSLRS... Just got the wife a Samsung NX 300... It's a helluva camera... I just dont like the lack of a viewfinder (...ya have to look at the back ALA the point and shoot cameras...)...

 

The point of this little ramble... Buy the one you like and can afford... They all do a great job...Also, get a copy of Photoshop Elements and learn how to use it... It fixes some amazing hu-hos.... Finally, after ya fool with the digital camera/picture thing a bit; youll never believe another digital picture ya ever see is the "real thing"; whether is actually is or not....

 

PS-- For low light, get a humble 50 or 55 mm 1.8 or so lens... Ya can take pictures until almost dark... Buy yourself a good monopod (...pogo stick...); it will improve your pictures more than all the baloney the windbags proclaim in the photo blogs combined...  Remember, a camera that is still takes a clear picture... If the camera has VR reduction, it makes things even better when ya use a monopod....

 

leroy

Edited January 4, 2014 by leroy

[Guest Lester Weevils]

I just have a 2mp Nikon point and shoot, 10 years old. Use blue painters tape to keep the battery hatch closed. It has macro and zoom that works good.

Every pic I take goes thru Photoshop (elements nowadays because I don't need the full blown Photoshop features). Modern elements is better than full blown Photoshop of yesteryear, and the old full Photoshop was fine with me.

I keep thinking about getting a better cam, but looking at old pics I made with the analog Nikon F years ago, the humble old 2mp Nikon makes a better "8x10" printed on an HP color laser, than the best 8x10s I ever made with the Nikon F.

It isn't all megapixels, because I have 8mp cams in the phone and android pad, and those 8mp pics suck compared to the old 2mp Nikon point and shoot.

Maybe if I ever get a nice cam the little Nikon will seem to suck badly, but ain't too shabby for my use.

[lewisbd]

I'm in the same boat as you at the moment. I've been reading and studying the camera forums trying to make sense of all the nonsense on them. I'm actually looking at purchasing a Pentax K-5 II or IIs. They seem to have better reviews, features and price compared to other high end crop sensor cameras. I too was considering the Nikon D7000 but stumbled across the Pentax cameras. Edited February 6, 2014 by lewisbd

[Guest PapaB]

Before you buy, rent. Use the rented cameras for a few days and spend time taking the kind of photo's you're interested in. That's the most cost effective way of making an informed decision. Before you do that, practice using your current camera on manual only settings. That way you'll be ready to handle new brands and models more quickly.

 

I'm not affiliated in any way but places like www.rentglass.com rent Nikon and Canon bodies and lenses. Also look at www.lensrentals.com for Nikon body and lens rentals. Google other places to find Pentax rentals, and don't forget Hassalblad.

 

If you're thinking of going pro, don't ignore larger format camera's. 35mm is great for a lot of photography but some types are better suited to larger formats.

[Dane]

The only suggestion I can make is check out Cameta Auctions on ebay. I've used them for over a decade with great success. I also second the other opinions of learn to use your camera before upgrading. Chances are it can take better pictures than you can at this point. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[2.ooohhh]

Lensrentals.com also has a location in Brentwood is you are anywhere close to local and want to try out a few lenses before buying.

 

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/09/lensrentals-is-coming-to-nashville