Camera for R6000 ?

Nerfherder

Nerfherder

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I'm looking to replace a stolen camera.

We have decided to spend about R 6k, had a look at the Nikon D3200 http://www.takealot.com/nikon-d3200-24mp-dslr-starter-bundle/PLID32818407

Any thoughts ?

I'd like something nice, we had a pentax before, non SLR. It did the job but I think its time to graduate.

Both my wife and I are interested in photography and willing to put in time to learn a bit more about taking proper photo's

We do quite a bit of wildlife and such, but mostly we will be taking photo's of our darling daughter (10 months now)
 
I have a D3200 (started about ~2 months ago). Have to say I love it, then again my word doesn't mean much. I guess most people here will vote for Canon, not sure why though, I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure on a beginner level it's mostly down to preference. Just go on flickr and do a search per camera - you'll see amazing photos on both Nikon/Canon entry level DSLR cams!

If you do get the Nikon, be sure to go to the free training they offer, it's quite informative.
 
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prOd said:
I have a D3200 (started about ~2 months ago). Have to say I love it, then again my word doesn't mean much. I guess most people here will vote for Cannon, not sure why though, I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure on a beginner level it's mostly down to preference. Just go on flickr and do a search per camera - you'll see amazing photos on both Nikon/Cannon entry level DSLR cams!

If you do get the Nikon, be sure to go to the free training they offer, it's quite informative.
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I saw that... how does it work ? Do you go to Nikon or do you do an online course.
 
Nerfherder said:
I saw that... how does it work ? Do you go to Nikon or do you do an online course.
Click to expand...

You book a session online, then you go the the Nikon center near Wembley Square and attend a 4H class. It's pretty cool :D
 
prOd said:
If you do get the Nikon, be sure to go to the free training they offer, it's quite informative.
Click to expand...
Same with Canon - I got the voucher with my last camera. Might take them up on it... :)
 
Just realised it's Canon and not Cannon.

Although, both shoot, so technically correct
 
I would suggest a up to date entry level Canon like the 600D with 2 lenses, something like this:
http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-slr-came...+-twin-lense-bundle/1001190561720910004574409

Anything above a D500 is good for a beginner, i would suggest looking for a camera that has IS built in, USM is a bonus.. You might find a Canon in the D60-D70 range for that price, but that would be luck as those are more intermediate camera's...

WRT/ Canon/Nikon, both give very similar picture quality, Nikon might be easier to start with due to the camera teaching you, but after you get used to the layout you might find a Canon is easier to work with and buttons usually better placed. The standard Nikon lens are better than the standard Canon lens, but if you upgrade the lens you would find the Canon should take better pics. In the end its the difference between a BMW and Merc where its personal preference and what works for you might not work for someone else. I can only suggest you check out reviews from http://www.dpreview.com/ as they know what they are talking about!
 
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Nerfherder said:
We have decided to spend about R 6k, had a look at the Nikon D3200 http://www.takealot.com/nikon-d3200-24mp-dslr-starter-bundle/PLID32818407
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D3200 is decent, but also look at the D5100 (if you can find one, maybe old stock?). For babies and toddlers, try out the 35 mm f/1.8 AF-S G DX prime lens that Nikon sells. That lens goes for ~R3k, but it is well worth the money, and my favourite lens for babies. A 50 mm prime lens will also work for babies/toddlers, but with a D3200 or D5100 body you will have to spend about the same (~R3k) for the 50 mm f/1.8 AF-S G lens.

Anyhow, do go to a physical store to play with these two lenses to see which one you prefer.

The kit lens (in a D3200 bundle) will give you great photos too, but at the 50 mm end your maximum aperture is only f/5.6. Compared to the f/1.8 prime lens, that is 8x slower shutter speed, or 8x higher ISO speed in the same light.

Then again, asking us to recommend gear for R6k will always net you suggestions that will cost at least twice that ;)
 
fvdbergh said:
D3200 is decent, but also look at the D5100 (if you can find one, maybe old stock?). For babies and toddlers, try out the 35 mm f/1.8 AF-S G DX prime lens that Nikon sells. That lens goes for ~R3k, but it is well worth the money, and my favourite lens for babies. A 50 mm prime lens will also work for babies/toddlers, but with a D3200 or D5100 body you will have to spend about the same (~R3k) for the 50 mm f/1.8 AF-S G lens.

Anyhow, do go to a physical store to play with these two lenses to see which one you prefer.

The kit lens (in a D3200 bundle) will give you great photos too, but at the 50 mm end your maximum aperture is only f/5.6. Compared to the f/1.8 prime lens, that is 8x slower shutter speed, or 8x higher ISO speed in the same light.

Then again, asking us to recommend gear for R6k will always net you suggestions that will cost at least twice that ;)
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You said f/ I read $$

:D

So you are saying that I need a lens with a shorter focal length ?
 
I agree with fvdbergh, in looking at the D5100 too - my girlfriend has had hers for just short of a year and loves it.

Plus, it's got a really cool flip out screen which is great for filming and capturing different perspectives. (On that note using the monitor view does seem to drain battery life on hers, but always worth investing in a second battery.)
 
Mike C said:
I agree with fvdbergh, in looking at the D5100 too - my girlfriend has had hers for just short of a year and loves it.

Plus, it's got a really cool flip out screen which is great for filming and capturing different perspectives. (On that note using the monitor view does seem to drain battery life on hers, but always worth investing in a second battery.)
Click to expand...

The D5100 is older though, and considering what you want/how much you're willing to spend it may not be what he is looking for:

http://versus.com/en/nikon-d5100-vs-nikon-d3200
 
The best value SLR + lens combination for R6000 is possibly this: http://www.fotofirstonline.co.za/pPT15506/PENTAX-K-500--DAL-18-55-LENS.aspx. It has the same DXO score for picture quality as a Canon 5D mk III and has a 100% coverage pentaprism viewfinder. The latter is rare in cheaper cameras. Please note that this is a Pentax so it is optimized for photo quality. This is another way of saying that the video sucks.

If your daughter is going to be like most of the children that I have photographed then you may want a very fast auto-focus to actually get her. This is a thing that the modern mirrorless cameras are good at. I found that the new Sony models and the Nikon 1 series do this well. Sony is expensive but the Nikon can be picked up very cheaply on specials since the local agents are not going to import them anymore.

Bwana may be able to comment on the focus speed of the Canon EOS-M. It seems like there also some specials on this mirrorless model.
 
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