Camera Choice??

D

dayav07

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Hi.. I have been using a Cybershot (Sony DSC-V3) for about 5 years now and pretty much know the ins and outs of it. I have grown fond of photography over the past few years and would like to expand my knowledge. I would like to move up/upgrade to a SLR digital camera but I am not sure what to get. I don't want to get something that is going to burn a hole in my fathers pocket (G) and not something that was made for the best photographer in the world. I would like to get something that a beginner to SLR cameras can use. But not something for newbies... More like a medium sort of DSLR camera. What sort of model has been boggling my mind for the past two months.

I saw the Sony A330 DSLR camera at Makro for R8,600.00, but I think that's a bit much for a beginner. I have also heard from family members and photographers alike that Nikon is a good brand of cameras.

Could you please give me some insight as to what the market of DSLR cameras are like and also help me with a choice..
 
The other guys can you advise you on the other brands, as I have a Sony A350. I'm happy with it as i'm a noob at this stuff, but I can confidently tell you that above iso400 the noise is horrible.

Canon seems to be very popular.

Take your time though, as most likely your choice will result in a long term commitment due to the lenses.
 
I have a Sony A200 and I am happy. What is nice is that you can often pick up old Minolta lenses for quite cheap which work with the camera.
 
But later one when I get more experienced with the camera then can I get more advanced lenses for the same camera model? (Nikon D3000)
 
dayav07 said:
But later one when I get more experienced with the camera then can I get more advanced lenses for the same camera model? (Nikon D3000)
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Yes, you have a huge selection of Nikkor lenses to choose from
 
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a Nikon D90 is a midrange camera. Very good buy and will last you plenty of years.

In Nikon world the D3 and D3x is classified as Top range but it also sets you back with a Top Range price of R60 000 - R100 000.

Anyway have a look at all the camera's. All brands have pro's and con's so you really can't go wrong at the end of the day.
Nikon lenses I heard was a bit more expensive than Canon locally in the country but there is always ways around that.

Look at www.bhphotovideo.com they are based in New York but ship locally and I know most of the guys on here have at some stage
used them because of excellent prices that is much cheaper than local.
 
The D3000 is a great camera for a starter and whilst it does have some limitations, if you look on Flickr, it does take incredibly good photos. Having researched a bit before buying a D3000 and having developed (!) a decent feel for it over the past month, I'm happy with Nikon and would love to upgrade to D5000 for the Liveview. As a Sony user, the Alpha DSLR series may feel familiar and Makro has a kit with the A230 plus 2 lenses, as well as the D3000 with the same 18-55mm and 55-200mm kit.

Basically, if you intend to go professional, then I'd seriously look at Canon first (simply because they have a massive range), then Nikon and lastly Sony. The Canon 450D is an excellent mid-range option.
 
I would say, buy as cheap a body as you can, and spend more on lenses. your lens will last you forever, and u can upgrade the body later on as you improve. I would stick to either cannon or nikon, its doesnt matter which imo, it comes down to which ever feels better in ur hands... so go into a store and try them on for size :)
 
btw, dont let Live and Movie modes influence your decision.
 
x S1 x said:
btw, dont let Live and Movie modes influence your decision.
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Well I half agree with that but since live view would probably come with any camera that does video there's little chance of avoiding it.
 
The nice thing about SLR is that when you purchase lenses to improve the IQ they stay with you, so thats where the investment really lies. Camera bodies are updated every 18 months or so with new technology. Don't overburden yourself (or your father) with an expensive body. Rather overburden him with expensive lenses :D. As to Canon and Nikon - I think currently Nikon has an edge in the upper end range of cameras with much better high ISO handling. But at the bottom end, its usually Canon that offers best value in SA anyways. Its a personal choice between red and yellow. As mentioned both are capable of producing awesome images. The advice I always give is to go into a camera store and play with the nikon and canon. See how they fit into your hand and then choose the brand that fits you.

I would list what features you feel are important to you. Produce a checklist. Then look up some reviews on dpreview.com. Once you narrow your list down to about 4 or so models, then ask people about personal experience on them.
 
SubliminalThought said:
The nice thing about SLR is that when you purchase lenses to improve the IQ they stay with you, so thats where the investment really lies. Camera bodies are updated every 18 months or so with new technology.
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Even old technology is still pretty good . . . he said defending the honour of his 1DMk3 with three year old tech. :D
 
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But of course they are! There are working photographers out there using the 20D. And that is sort of my point. Its not necessary to get the latest greatest performing top model body - rather spend a bit on lenses. Then once you find you outgrow the body, upgrade.
 
Go for the D3000 or Canon 1000D. Unless you can afford more than R5000.

An extremely good deal is the D3000 twin lens kit special for IIRC R6999 at Makro or Game, which comes with the kit lens (18-55mm VR) and the 55-200 VR. 200mm is a decent zoom range.

You might also want to look at second-hand stuff, try outdoorphoto.co.za and gumtree.co.za. You could pick up a Nikon D80 or Canon 30D (prosumer cameras) for R4000.
 
SubliminalThought said:
But of course they are! There are working photographers out there using the 20D. And that is sort of my point. Its not necessary to get the latest greatest performing top model body - rather spend a bit on lenses. Then once you find you outgrow the body, upgrade.
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There are working photographers out there still using the 400D :D

Glass is a good investment but you also dont have to spend ridiculous amounts on that either.
 
Wow.. thank you all for your input, it really broadened (<-- is that a word? lol) my understanding of the SLR market. I am currently looking at the D3000, watching reviews on youtube etc... This weekend I am going to makro to buy my shox max :D so i will have a look at the cameras as well.
 
dayav07 said:
Wow.. thank you all for your input, it really broadened (<-- is that a word? lol) my understanding of the SLR market. I am currently looking at the D3000, watching reviews on youtube etc... This weekend I am going to makro to buy my shox max :D so i will have a look at the cameras as well.
Click to expand...

When deciding, keep in mind which camera feels best in your hands. This is probably the most important factor.
 
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