Buying a new camera - Digital Camera Forums

Chris · 02-20-2012, 07:20 AM

Hi guys!

You're probably tired of people asking the same question and you giving the same answers, but bear with me, please.

I've been wanting a good camera for years now, and last month I finally decided to open the pocketbook and get one. I did what I usually do when I want to buy an expensive item: I Googled for reviews. Problem is that different review sites give cameras different marks, so now I'm a very confused Chris.

The camera I'm looking for should cost no more than $1000, preferably around $850. I live in Norway so cameras here might cost more than in the US, for example.

Size of the camera doesn't really matter. I find the retro look of the Fujifilm X10 appealing, but the Canon 600D works just fine, too. Basically looks don't matter that much to me.

When it comes to megapixels and zoom, I don't really know. All I've used so far are cheap digital cameras, and all I know is that I want better.
Image quality is important, I'd say at least an 8.

Camera use is going to be quite varied, I plan on shooting both landscape and people. Going to do a fair bit of travelling, too, so I'll be shooting crowded marketplaces, too. I probably won't be needing big prints, but I do plan on shooting indoor and low-light photos. Not so many action shoots, though.

I was so close to buying the Sony SLT-A35 + 18-55mm f/3,5 - 5,6 ($790) camera, but they are out of stock till midweek, so I checked reviews of other cameras and the more I checked, the less sure I became. There's just so many great cameras out there!

Hope you guys can help me out

Andy Stanton · 02-20-2012, 09:16 AM

The Sony SLT A35 is very good but it's different than most DSLR's in that it does not have a moving mirror arrangement and, consequently, lacks an optical viewfinder. It does have a very nice electronic viewfinder (a small LCD), though, and is a very quick camera.

The Canon 600D (known in the US as the Rebel T3i) is an excellent DSLR and probably better overall than the Sony SLT A35. The Nikon equivalent of the Canon 600D is the D5100, which is excellent as well. For a bit less money you can purchase the Nikon D3100 and Canon 1100D (Rebel T3 in the US), which are very good DSLR's, but not on the same level as the Canon 600D and Nikon D5100.

KCook · 02-20-2012, 09:45 AM

In my view the Sony A35 is underwhelming. If it needs to be a Sony around that price level, I'd hunt down a closeout deal on the A55 instead. Dunno just how prices shake out in your region, but here in the USA we can find deals on the Canon 550D, 600D, and Nikon D5100 for around that level.

If you have friends who already have DSLR of one brand, or really want some unique feature, then DSLR selection can be easy. Otherwise there are a whole lot of nuts and bolts to DSLR selection. Including subjective factors that no spec sheet touches on. Links for how others have worked their way though this -

Looking for a new DSLR

What camera should I buy? (or my husband buy for me!)

lenses + dslr please help...

Kelly Cook

Chris · 02-20-2012, 10:51 AM

Thanks for the replies, I've checked the 600D and D5100.

Canon 600D with EF-S 18-55mm IS II is just a bit over 5000NOK, but that's a special offer that soon runs out.
The Nikon D5100 + 18-55VR sells for 5000NOK as well
The Sony A35 sells for 4,500, while the A55 sells for 6000, which is a bit too much for my taste.

I don't know if I'll get into photography that much, and if I don't then it would be a waste to buy a camera that's "too good". I also know nothing about lenses and wouldn't want to spend too much on them right now, which is why I'm looking at body+lenses kits.
I admit, being able to snap photos fast makes the A35 fun, but if it's considerably worse than the 600D or D5100, then I guess I shouldn't get it.

Still a bit confused, but now that I've listed the prices what would you recommend?

Mandrake · 02-20-2012, 11:38 AM

I would say it's a toss up between the Nikon and Canon body. Have you checked the price on the 60D? That 2nd LCD on the top is very valuable in my opinion.

Chris · 02-20-2012, 12:04 PM

Just the 60D body would cost 7000NOK. I am not willing to pay that much for it, at least not yet since I don't have this photography fever. Yet.

The Canon and Nikon I posted above, that come with those lenses, would they work well without any additional lenses? I'm assuming that going from a 100$ digital camera to one of these cameras would make the photos look absolutely gorgeous.

Andy Stanton · 02-20-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

The Canon and Nikon I posted above, that come with those lenses, would they work well without any additional lenses? I'm assuming that going from a 100$ digital camera to one of these cameras would make the photos look absolutely gorgeous.

They are usually bundled with an 18-55mm lens, which will be adequate for most shooting situations except when lots of zoom is required. You can always buy additional lenses in the future once you decide what your needs are.

As far as image quality is concerned I'm sure you'll be pleased. Here are some sample images:
Canon EOS 600d
The World's Best Photos of canon and t3i - Flickr Hive Mind

Nikon D5100
The World's Best Photos of nikon and d5100 - Flickr Hive Mind

Chris · 02-20-2012, 12:48 PM

Some of those photos are absolutely breathtaking! I can't wait to get my hands on a camera. So far I'm leaning towards the D5100, after reading a few more reviews. God, those shots are absolutely gorgeous. Would be great if they looked that good taken with just the standard 18-55mm lens, though

Mandrake · 02-20-2012, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

I'm assuming that going from a 100$ digital camera to one of these cameras would make the photos look absolutely gorgeous.

No, common misconception. They will make your job easier but not make the photos better. How good they come out is all up to you.

KCook · 02-20-2012, 02:34 PM

Unfortunately gorgeous shots in galleries can be very misleading. As they may have benefited from special techniques such as post processing. The sample images supplied with camera reviews are more reliable, in my view.

Canon 600D and Nikon D5100 are both quite good, both popular. My pick was Canon (50D) for its default color tones, Evaluative and Partial AE choices, included RAW editing software, and physical design. These are truly mild differences, Nikon fans can be passionate that Nikon beats Canon on every point. The one seriously weak component for Canon is Auto ISO. If you go Canon you will need to learn to set ISO yourself, which will take you out of Auto mode and into the Creative Auto or Program mode.

Kelly