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Buying a new DSLR. Halp!

JaneAgain

JaneAgain

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Jul 13, 2011
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My darling children finally broke my point and shoot camera, so I'm in the market for a DSLR. I'm leaning towards Nikon, but only because my husband loved/loves his old Nikon SLR, so if there's something better out there, I'd love to hear about it.


What do you have/want and why do you like it? Is there anything I should avoid? I do NOT need video because we both have our phones for the few times that we do want video.
 
One suggestion is to buy used. I don't think you can go wrong with either Nikon or Canon. I've had both and no complaints about either. If you are buying an entry or mid level DSLR, you will find lots for sale on Craigs List or other buy/sell sites, as people are always upgrading or buying the newest model. Test it out well, spend a bit of time going through everything and taking test shots. Have the owner check the actuation count to make sure it is fairly low. I bought a used d800 (was only a month old and the guy decided to buy video equipment instead of using the camera for video) and got 1/3 off the price, saying myself a ton of money and taxes. Just something to think about, might be worth looking around.
 
Don't discount a camera just because it has video - virtually every dslr out there now comes with video built in. You don't have to use it if you don't want to. ;)

I shot Canon for a little more than two years and then switched to Nikon, which I have been using for the past 3-4 years...both have their pros and cons. People will tell you to try them out to see which feels better in your hand, but with the exception of one camera I've owned, I never felt it first, I just ordered it from the internet. And the one I did try I did because I was switching brands and at the time was more concerned about image quality and features than the feel - I was so fed up with my previous camera that I'd have been happy using a brick if it took photos. ;)

The advantage for you to have a Nikon is that you will most likely be able to use your husband's lenses (assuming he will share).

The one thing I don't like about Nikon is that if you buy a crop body (ie, an entry level body) you will most likely be paired with a DX lens if you buy a kit (camera/lens combo). DX lenses do not work on full frame cameras. You may never move to a full-frame camera so this might not be a concern, but it limits the cameras you can move into without having to purchase an FX version of the same lens. All FX lenses will work on crop or full frame bodies, but you cannot use a DX lens on a full frame camera (you can in that it will mount and it won't damage the camera, but you end up with really wonky vignettes).

My two Nikons are both full frame so I can't help you with the camera line up at all, I honestly don't even know which models are out there right now. But I don't really think you can go wrong with much.....I would probably recommend that if you look at Canon to go one step up from the Rebel line. You will get a considerably better camera for not a lot more money.
 
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I have a Nikon D5200. I love it. Have no complaints.
I did quite a bit of research comparing characteristics of photo qualities and video. I WANTED a camera that did both because I didn't want ot have to carry 2 cameras to certain events that we do pretty regularly that require both still and video.
The 5200 was the lowest priced model (including Sony, Canon, and Nikon) that got the higher level of reviews for quality of action shots and for speed of burst shots. Those 2 characteristics were important to me, but I didn't want to break the bank to get them. I would say decide what you really want out of a camera and then do a bit of research to compare. Read reviews - both industry reviews and consumer reviews. Get a feel for what each camera's strengths and weaknesses are. I think just about any camera you go with will do great at something and will be weak at something. Just depends on what is the right fit for you.
 
I have the Nikon D7000, which I think has been retired and is now a D7200 or something? I don't remember, but I LOVE it. I had a Nikon D50 for 5 years before that and never had a problem with it either, I just wanted fancier options and higher resolution. My phone was taking higher res photos at that point.

I've never used the video on mine, I don't shoot any video really. But a big thing for me is that I have a full display on the top and a lot of options accessible via buttons as opposed to having to go into menus. And a selling point for the D7000 for me were the programmable User settings on the dial that memorize my favorite setups. I have one set for my indoor office/work type photos for products and such and it's nice to not have to fiddle with settings when I move between that task and normal everyday picture taking.
 
Just to clarify about Nikon lenses and full frame bodies like the d610 or D800, you can use dx or fx lenses. You can set your camera to recognize when you've put a dx lens on and you'll see a cropped frame in viewfinder. Canon doesn't let you use cropped sensor lenses on full frame thought, only Nikon. Try renting a few cameras if you can to check them out.
 
I have the D7000 also. I still need to take a class on using it - especially all those wonderful options than I currently don't know much about/play with, but I love it.

I've used both camera, and video. Video shoots fine for my needs. I find I use it if I have my "big" camera around. If not, I just use my phone. It came with it, so I at least learned how to use it, lol!
 
Thank you so much for your input! I think I'm going to make a trip to Vancouver and test a few out at a camera store and buy in person. There are just so many different ones - it's overwhelming.
 
Lots of great advice here. My $.02-- consider buying used or finding a good deal on the body. While the body is important, to me, it is not as important as the quality of the lens. I have a Canon 70D-- could have spent more on a better body but instead I saved and got a few really terrific lenses that allow me to shoot beautiful in really low light. Doesn't make sense to spend too much on a great body and slap a cheapo lens on it, I think. Have fun trying things out!! Find a great salesperson and you'll settle on just the right one, I'm sure. Excited to see your results!
 
I'm with Liana - getting a camera with a wide range of lenses is important. I have an Olympus (a really old model that they don't make any more) which I've had for about seven years now. I have had Olympus cameras for years, so for me it made sense to get an Olympus DSLR. Let me tell you, getting lenses for this baby is NOT cheap - other camera brands have better access to cheaper (but GOOD) lenses, so I'd be going that way if I ever have to get a new DSLR.
 
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That's a good point about the body and lenses, tysm for that. I love my Olympus, and I just bought an SH-50 to replace the broken one (because I realized that I'm going to need a camera before I actually am able to shop for a DSLR and learn to use it), but they are expensive, bodies and lenses. I will do that - find a deal on a good (probably used) body, and spend my money on the lenses. Image quality is the absolutely most important thing to me.
 
i have the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and i´m in Love with it ... but if I had more money I would now buy the next one .... :)
 
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