DSLR Advice for a newbie

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kianm

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Hi guys

I want to try the DSLR photography world and am looking for advice on which camera to start off with. I have so far been comparing a couple of Canons and am trying to decide which model to go with. Options I'm looking at are:

1-Canon 1200D
2-Canon 1300D
3-Canon 100D

The 1300D and 100D are equal price wise, with the 1200D being R1000 cheaper than the other 2. All the options I'm considering come with the 18-55mm and 75-300mm lens (Takealot Twin lens bundles). Which one of the 3 would be the best option for someone who is starting out? Is there some other brand / model i should be considering maybe?
 
The 100D has slightly better specs than the 1300D but I'm not sure if I would be comfortable with the smaller form factor. Best bet is go to a shop and handle both cameras and decide that for yourself.
 
All three cameras that you listed have identical image quality. You will not see a difference between the photos. The main upgrade from the 1200D to the 1300D was the inclusion of WiFi, although not everyone finds this as useful as they thought it would be.

The 100D has a few extra features and a touch screen. It is also smaller. As bwana said this may be a good or bad thing. Try the cameras out and if you prefer the smaller camera get the 100D. If you prefer the bigger cameras then go for one of the other two - the cheapest option would be appropriate if you do not want WiFi.

I had a quick look at Takealot and none of the kits had image stabilisation (VR) on the 300mm lenses. If you do not intend to use a tripod this may be a limiting factor. Maybe there is a kit with a 300mm VR lens, but otherwise you can consider getting one of the single lens offers.

Another option is the Nikon D3300, where the twin lens kit is about the same price as the other cameras you are considering. It has a significant increase in image quality over the other cameras. The tele zoom in the Takealot advert does have image stabilisation, although it is only 200mm.
 
bwana said:
Looking back might be the only thing he can still afford to do if he chooses Nikon... :whistle:
Click to expand...

Lol

Thanks for all the responses guys, I went to the mall and physically inspected the 100D and 1300D and didn't feel too bothered by the 100D's smaller size, one thing I would have loved to check is the touch screen (unfortunately those display units always have flat batteries).

So throwing the D3300 in the mix (http://www.takealot.com/nikon-d3300-24-2mp-dslr-twin-lens-value-bundle/PLID42975520) , what would be the cons if i go the Nikon route are the lenses much more expensive compared to the Canons? Also is the D3300 a beginner's camera that would be easy to learn for someone starting out? I see the Nikon has 24MP compared to the 18MP in the Canons, do the MPs count much or it's the lens that matters more when it comes to DSLRs?
 
Canon has more lenses out there than Nikon. Also, on some Nikon's (like my point and shoot) they use a proprietary USB connector. Had to replace it three years ago - R400 for a stupid little cable.

Megapixels, at the end of the day, results in the dimensions of your image should you print it. The quality of your lens and size of your sensor matters more.

All these cellphones with their 16MP+ cameras are pretty damn useless since they tend to have a sensor the size of half your pinky finger's nail. That poor little sensor having to try and capture so many pixels :cry:

But since we are talking DSLR here that stuff probably doesn't matter as much. Point us, MP shouldn't be your deciding factor except in very specific cases.

I mentioned this to you in the other thread: buy the cheaper camera, see if this soon to be very expensive hobby sticks and if it does go get a better camera.
 
kianm said:
...are the lenses much more expensive compared to the Canons?
Click to expand...
In SA, yes, they are much more expensive. Canon has many affordable, quality lenses if you're on a crop body.

kianm said:
Also is the D3300 a beginner's camera that would be easy to learn for someone starting out?
Click to expand...
Much of a muchness. The same principles apply and no body is going to be "easier" than another.

kianm said:
I see the Nikon has 24MP compared to the 18MP in the Canons, do the MPs count much or it's the lens that matters more when it comes to DSLRs?
Click to expand...
More MP are good, but also need better lenses to resolve the detail. For now, don't worry about it.

The sensor in the D3300 is a bit better than that in the Canons you mention, but then you're going to be buying expensive glass. Swings and roundabouts.

Why not consider a second-hand body and lens to start?
 
If its a first DSLR it's really worth going to try one out physically to make sure it's something you will want to live with
 
The 75-300 lens doesn't have image stabilisation, they include it in bundles because it's cheap because it's not desirable. Maybe see what it costs to just get the kit lens with, or the 18-135 lens as a kit lens if it's possible (has a very useful range). Then rather go for a 70-300 with image stabilsation later. You also get them second hand from Orms etc quite often. If the bundle deal is very good and the 75-300 is basically for free, then it won't do harm....just prepare to be underwhelmed.

Oh and since Nikon has been mentioned, Nikon vs Canon is a much of a muchness, but Canon is bigger in SA, so a nice second hand market for lenses. Also just take note: https://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/601194-Nikon-tax
 
Back when I was buying a new camera (beginning 2015), the Nikons were slightly better than the Canons they competed against. In the US. In SA they are priced so much higher that they fall half way between the next level up, and the one they are supposed to compete against. Hope my sentences makes sense. Read reviews and then look at local pricing.

Also, the "nifty fifty" is a great lens to learn with. Canon's 50mm f1.8 - R1700. Nikons equivalent is R3700.

I personally love the wifi feature on my 6D. I'm still learning, and it works great self portraits. I can take my time playing with lighting, trying different settings etc, without needing someone else to sit for photos. You see a preview of the photo on your phone, and can adjust most of (or all?) of the settings.

Also works great for group shots where you want to be in the photo as well. You no longer need to set a timer, run to the group, then repeat when someone's eyes are closed or didn't smile or whatever. You just take a bunch of photos from your phone.

You can also copy images from your camera to your phone to share with people immediately after taking it. Not something I use, but I can see how some people would like it.
It supports Android and iOS.
 
Thanks for all your input and insights into the DSLR world. I will be using all the information here to decide on the best fitting camera. Appreciate your expertise
 
kianm said:
Hi guys

I want to try the DSLR photography world and am looking for advice on which camera to start off with. I have so far been comparing a couple of Canons and am trying to decide which model to go with. Options I'm looking at are:

1-Canon 1200D
2-Canon 1300D
3-Canon 100D

The 1300D and 100D are equal price wise, with the 1200D being R1000 cheaper than the other 2. All the options I'm considering come with the 18-55mm and 75-300mm lens (Takealot Twin lens bundles). Which one of the 3 would be the best option for someone who is starting out? Is there some other brand / model i should be considering maybe?
Click to expand...

Not sure where you are based, but also consider looking at secondhand cameras from reputable shops.
Bwana already mentioned it, go play with the cameras and get a feel for them.

The Canon cameras you listed, do they have a auto focus motors? If not, then you will have to look at lenses that have built-in motors which are more expensive. If the camera have a motor, then you can buy very good older lenses without motors at decent prices. I fell in this trap and bought a new Nikon D3000 camera based on sales pitches at a camera shop.

If given the opportunity, I would do it a bit differently. :)
 
Badprop_za said:
Not sure where you are based, but also consider looking at secondhand cameras from reputable shops.
Bwana already mentioned it, go play with the cameras and get a feel for them.

The Canon cameras you listed, do they have a auto focus motors? If not, then you will have to look at lenses that have built-in motors which are more expensive. If the camera have a motor, then you can buy very good older lenses without motors at decent prices. I fell in this trap and bought a new Nikon D3000 camera based on sales pitches at a camera shop.

If given the opportunity, I would do it a bit differently. :)
Click to expand...

Afaik it's only Nikon that has that distinction?
None of the Canon cameras have the motor in the body, since all lenses that use the EF/EF-S mount have autofocus motors.
 
Kerrits said:
Afaik it's only Nikon that has that distinction?
None of the Canon cameras have the motor in the body, since all lenses that use the EF/EF-S mount have autofocus motors.
Click to expand...

Correct.

One of the reasons I ended up going Canon. Nikon works out quite expensive in the end.
 
So I came across a second hand Canon 350D, comes with the 18-55mm lens for R2500. Would that be a good starting point or the camera is just too old and low specd to give me a proper impression of DSLR photography?
 
A bit on the older side. Look hard. Should be at least 450-600D.

I got the Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm VR and 55-300mm VR for R2500 on Gumtree from a guy "going overseas".
 
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