Buying a new Camera - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

11/12/2009 08:13:31 AM · #1

I have a friend who is just starting out in photography. He owns a Sony Alpha 200 w/ lenses that he is selling because he wants to switch to a Canon or Nikon System. His Sony wasn't compatible with any of the external flashes he was trying to use. Here is the dilemma....He curious as to which camera he should buy.

Yes this is a partial Nikon vs. Canon debate, but also the level of camera would help.

Here is the advice I gave him. "Don't focus on a higher end camera so much until you learn the basics of photography. Hone in on your skill then worry about the quality camera." I recommended not spending $1200 or more on a camera until he learns what he's doing capturing the photo first. (he only shot his first model last week). So he doesn't have alot of experience yet shooting.

Assuming his budget for camera and lens is $1200 what would you recommend as a camera? Would you recommend a lower level camera ($800-1000) to start while he learns or recommend he start with the highest he can afford?k

Thank you

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

11/12/2009 08:41:01 AM · #2

Does he want to have some left for accessories and maybe an extra lens? If he is only concerned about the cost of the body or kit, I would say go with a 50D. If he want to have some left for extras, the 40D is a fantastic value now. The Rebel T1i has a rep for image quality equal to the 50D, but it's not as strong in the features and robust build categories.

My own next upgrade will probably be to a used 40D or 50D depending on what kind of deal I find at the time.

Message edited by author 2009-11-12 08:43:12.

zxaar

11/12/2009 08:54:58 AM · #3

i am in minority probably, i think it is not good idea to first buy a basic stuff and then buy higher end product. One has to ask whether at some point of time he has any plans to buy higher end stuff and if he is sure he will buy expensive body then why not buy it now.
I mean look at this way spend 500$ now and then spend 1500$ after rather than doing this buy 1500$ body and keep that 500$ for good glass.
Why because advanced body can do all the things that basic body can do.

Personally i never like the idea that buy basic stuff now and buy advanced afterwards.

Some times though one can buy basic stuff, like for example i bought k-x, but then i have no plans to upgrade to any advanced body. I am completely manual shooting guy and only things matter to me are - shutter, aperture and iso settings (iso 400 is enough for me).

anyway this is my very subjective opinion, take with pinch of whatever you prefer.

Steef

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM

11/12/2009 08:57:57 AM · #4

i'd say go with a 40D, especially if he can find a refurb/used one from a reputable source. a lot of people might be upgrading to the 7D, so it could be a good time to look. The only problem is he will be more likely to find it body only, but that frees him up to get a lens that suits his needs better.

i bought mine second hand and it's been awesome.

Delta_6

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/12/2009 09:39:02 AM · #5

I started out with a Sony Alpha 100 twin lens kit and hit its limitations almost instantly. I now own the 40D with some good glass and I haven't even seen the limitations yet. Sigma EX glass is a good cheaper alternative. If he can, tell him to get hands on a camera and see how it feels. My old Alpha feels like a toy compared to my 40D with battery grip.

11/12/2009 12:48:28 PM · #6

So far it is looking like a 40D would be what to recommend he get. The reason I say learn the basics first is because he may not need a more advanced body. I don't think he has any plans of turning his photography into a career. Right now it's a nice hobby and maybe a side job. But buying a nice body now takes away from the learning process....he can't buy lenses (which would be transferrable anyways), can't buy the books or subscribe to the websites to help him learn, he can't pay models (or subscribe to the websites to get models for free), he's stuck with a nice expensive body with little knowledge to work with.

On top of that, you can use a basic body (when I say basic I'm talking 350XT, 400XTi, or as high as 40/50D) to learn and develop the skill set to sell work that will help pay for the higher end camera.

And we all know that even if you start off with a higher end camera, after a few years learning he's going to try and upgrade anyways......so starting at $700 and then paying $1500 is going to be cheaper than starting at $1500 and then paying $2000.

11/12/2009 12:51:55 PM · #7

By the way, he isn't only considering Canon...he's been looking at Nikon. A friend offered him a used Nikon D300 for sale.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

11/12/2009 06:01:23 PM · #8

bump

kleski

Canon EOS-7D

11/12/2009 06:22:14 PM · #9

Originally posted by albc28:

Yes this is a partial Nikon vs. Canon debate, but also the level of camera would help.

While I agree with the Canon 40D as a great choice I would have your friend lean toward something he can afford to upgrade as he learns. Buying a high end camera (any brand) is not going to produce excellent shots, the camera is only as good as the person taking the shot. With that in mind I would either start off with a lower end Canon or Nikon and buy glass as he can afford it. The other option is buy a Pentax because the lenses are interchangeable throughout all the cameras Pentax ever made. I paid $100 on Ebay for 7 Pentax lenses and only $600 for my K100D. If he is just going to buy it to take pictures and nothing more that's the cheap way...Personally, if I had the funds for the camera and lenses, I would buy a 40D.

Nokia N900

Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] macro for Canon

11/12/2009 06:45:02 PM · #10

Originally posted by albc28:

Yes this is a partial Nikon vs. Canon debate, but also the level of camera would help.

The decision in this case should be easy. Decide how close of a friend this is, and which of you has more money to spend on lenses.

Basically, decide whether you want to be able to borrow each other's lenses or not.

As to the level, take the train to NY-Penn and have him hold a few down the street at B&H and see what feels the most comfortable and put together and get whatever feels the best in the price range.

I don't like the low-end Canon's because they tend to be a little smaller than is comfortable. That was the biggest difference. If your friend has smaller hands, then that might be better to get.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

11/12/2009 11:21:44 PM · #11

Originally posted by albc28:

What kind of problem is he having with the flashes?