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which camera would you recommend..

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doox00

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I would like a camera that takes nice photos, something that takes photos in raw format (something to mess with in photoshop).. takes nice photos, different lenses etc. I admit I know next to nothing about photography but it has always interested me.

something that can give you details like this.. very neat!

3753164749_28d1335671_b.jpg
 
I've been in photography for the last 4-5 years and I would stick with either a Canon DSLR or a Nikon DLSR Camera. Just remember it's the person behind the camera and not the camera that gets shot like the one you pointed out. I've taken a Photography course and a Photoshop course in college, but I've still got a ways to go to become a good photographer. I've notice people who have natural talent have a tendency to be the better photographers out there, not saying that you or anyone can't. It just might take longer than you think it will.

2171908967_e1da6203fe_o.jpg
 
Pepster64 said:
I've been in photography for the last 4-5 years and I would stick with either a Canon DSLR or a Nikon DLSR Camera. Just remember it's the person behind the camera and not the camera that gets shot like the one you pointed out. I've taken a Photography course and a Photoshop course in college, but I've still got a ways to go to become a good photographer. I've notice people who have natural talent have a tendency to be the better photographers out there, not saying that you or anyone can't. It just might take longer than you think it will.
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I won't argue with that, I know I would have no idea how to take a great shot like that.. but I would like to have a camera capable of it, else I will never know if I personally am capable of taking shots like that :)
 
The first one requires a macro lens, the second a telephoto.
This site has a lot of reviews and info, spend 3 hours on it and you'll learn quite a bit http://www.dpreview.com/

Here's a comparison of some canons and nikons. If you buy them used they cost a lot less. If you want one brand new you'll have to choose a most recent model. Nice lenses cost more than the camera body. Try the kit lens out for awhile then browse and see what you want.

What I did was get a Canon 400D (Rebel XTi) back when they were new. I became an amatuer Canon person. All my friends use Nikon so it's not like I can borrow their lenses. I got tired of the kit lens after a year and bought a Canon EF 28-135mm on craigslist for $300. I use it almost exclusively, it's a great lens for everything. On ebay I got a cheap used telephoto for $130, a Canon EF 75-300mm II. By Canon SRP all this stuff should be worth nearly $2k, but getting it second hand I got good prices.

I recommend you get a used or old stock Canon 450D, the XSi. It won't cost too much and was the first one to start using SD instead of CF. I think they also gave it live preview. If you want even more professional ones a used 30D would be similar or a 40D for more money.

I also recommend you wait and see if any Nikon users have recommendations for your thread. I'm very far from being a professional photographer so it will always just be my hobby like computers.
 
If you are set on expending your hobbies, and photography is the way to go, then prepare yourself for some expenses ;) Going with used equipment is often recommended if you're starting out. It also depends on your budget.

From the Nikon camp, I can recommend a used D80 (it's almost like the Canon 400D mentioned by Auzner, but will probably run you about ~$400 for body only). A dpreview website is a great way to start; compare the cameras, see what you like on a technical side, and then head over to the store and play with the cameras a little. Hold each camera in your hands for some time. Play with the menus, make sure you like the ergonomics of the camera. Which ever one you chose to go with, it really doesn't matter. Both Canon and Nikon make quality cameras and you'll be happy with either one of them. (I have no experience with Pentax, Sony, Olympus and other DSLR brands, so I can't recommend any).

Once you pick you camera, we can start talking about the lenses, strobes, tripods, filters and all the other gear.

Also, "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson is the one book I strongly recommend you pick up, and read from cover to cover. Many times over.
 
Hey I took that first pic haha.
Anyway... to answer your question. Stick with a Canon or Nikon. That particular shot was taken with a Nikon D80 + 60mm Macro. A canon equivalent could do the same thing. You can't go wrong with a canon or nikon. Used is a very good option for a beginner. You get essentially the same thing for a fraction of the price.
 
Yeah, as far as Nikons go, I think the D5000 would be a great start. It's new, has pretty-much the same sensor as the D300 and D90, but more entry-level controlls and a lower price-tag; and it'll work with all that great Nikon glass. Might be too soon to find one used, but if you can I'd jump on it. And if you ever decide you need to upgrade bodies, most of your lenses will cary over.

few used on amazon
 
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If I were to get one I would go new I think, beachcamera seems to always have decent prices.
 
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I agree with everyone here that you are probably better of sticking with Canon or Nikon. However, I would suggest one thing, go to your local B&M camera shop and HOLD all the cameras. Just because it looks good on the screen on or paper may not mean it feels right later. This is the specific reason I ended up buying a used Canon 20D from the POTN for sale forums (www.photography-on-the.net). Just test them out and pick what FEELS best in your hands.
 
gregnash said:
I agree with everyone here that you are probably better of sticking with Canon or Nikon. However, I would suggest one thing, go to your local B&M camera shop and HOLD all the cameras. Just because it looks good on the screen on or paper may not mean it feels right later. This is the specific reason I ended up buying a used Canon 20D from the POTN for sale forums (www.photography-on-the.net). Just test them out and pick what FEELS best in your hands.
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Yep I agree with gregnash 100 percent. If it doesn't feel good in your hands I wouldn't even bother with it. Go to a store and "feel them out". This is the only way you'll know if the camera is right for you. Nikon's bigger bodies just felt better in my hands when compared to canon's. I have friends who feel the opposite way and prefer Canon.
 
I think I am going to go with the nikon d5000, The lens that comes with it good enough to start with? What len/lens do most people recommend?
 
^which kit lens do you have in mind? the D5000 currently sells with:

1. 18-200mm
2. 18-105mm
3. 18-55mm
4. 18-55mm + 55-200mm

all in all, the 18-55mm is a decent performer at a good price. it's far from being built like a tank, but produced adequate image quality for what it is. and it's a decent starting lens. by itself, the kit will constrain you with the small range, however.
the 55-200mm is similar in built quality and image quality to the 18-55mm, and together they work really well giving you the most common reach of 18-200mm. this set up is preferred by many. then there are those people, who buy the kit with 18-55mm, and add 70-300mm as a second lens.
18-105mm is a solid performer. a slightly better built quality then above kit lenses, with a decent image quality in its range. for its low price, this is really good lens to have in your kit. as above, it's also a good idea to pair this lens with the 70-300mm telephoto-zoom lens.
and last, but not least is the 18-200mm. probably the most popular kit lens out there from Nikon in the recent years. solid built, and solid performer. its most obvious benefit is the 18-200mm range. the lens is currently being replaced by the second generation. from what it seems, no changes to its optics have been made, and the update is only cosmetic. it's not the cheapest lens out there either, but i guess its versatility makes up for it.

if it was me, i'd go for the 18-105mm kit, and add the 70-300mm later.
 
The 18-200rev1 is fantastic but pricy at $640, the Rev2 is due soon for $850...

I think its a FANTASTIC starter/ walkaround lens
 
The Nikon d90 is just plain awesome. I got a great price on mine for only $899. You can also go through bing and get 5% off linky to Nikon D90
 
Macro lens and a good body. 100mm or so for the macro and you will be set.
 
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