New DSLR camera advice please!

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Super Teds
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New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Super Teds » Wed May 12, 2021 7:39 pm

Straight to the point as I know there'll be some knowledge on here... I'm a beginner photographer looking to get a DSLR for under £500. I've been advised the Nikon 5300 is a good starting point for general photography. It has a fully articulated screen which some people don't like compared to a tilted screen. The D3500 has a fixed screen. Any opinions/experience on which is the most useful?

I'm doing a course and I'm reading up about all kinds of stuff but there's so much info it's difficult to know what to look for to start off with. I think the screen is a practical thing that I can assess as I'm sure are other things that I'm not aware of yet. Advice, recommendations etc welcome please!

dandeclaret
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by dandeclaret » Wed May 12, 2021 7:44 pm

Do you have a DSLR already?

I’m not going to be one of those in the Canon or Nikon tribe, but one of the most important things is figuring out which one feels better in your hand, which one allows you access to the main buttons more quickly and comfortably. General rule seems to be that Canon suit bigger hands, whereas Nikon suit people with smaller hands.

When thinking about the camera, think about the key things to you. For me, as a wildlife photographer and sports photographer, that’s frames per second, megapixels, focus points and speed and weather proofing / sealing. A tilt screen for me would be unimportant, as my photography is either through the viewfinder or from a remote.

Hope this helps.
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Super Teds
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Super Teds » Wed May 12, 2021 8:02 pm

dandeclaret wrote:
Wed May 12, 2021 7:44 pm
Do you have a DSLR already?

I’m not going to be one of those in the Canon or Nikon tribe, but one of the most important things is figuring out which one feels better in your hand, which one allows you access to the main buttons more quickly and comfortably. General rule seems to be that Canon suit bigger hands, whereas Nikon suit people with smaller hands.

When thinking about the camera, think about the key things to you. For me, as a wildlife photographer and sports photographer, that’s frames per second, megapixels, focus points and speed and weather proofing / sealing. A tilt screen for me would be unimportant, as my photography is either through the viewfinder or from a remote.

Hope this helps.

OK thanks, it does help...some more things to think about! No I don't have a DSLR yet, I have a Canon Point and Shoot but I'm not in a tribe either. I know there are other brands but as a starting point that Nikon seems to have good reviews. I don't really know what is key for me yet but I can imagine a screen tilt might be useful for me. I don't have a particular niche either, I'd like to shoot a variety first but I know then it will come down to lenses etc. I'm interested in wildlife, sport, astrophotography and maybe street photography. For now!

LordBob
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by LordBob » Wed May 12, 2021 8:50 pm

If you have the opportunity of 'test driving' before buying I'd take the very good advice of Dandeclaret, the one that feels best for you. Amongst my cameras I have a D3500 a very good camera but for me not the best button arrangement. Most of the bigger names are excellent follow Dandeclarets advice, happy shopping.

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by JohnMac » Wed May 12, 2021 9:10 pm

I have a D5300 and use it as my 'grab camera' with various lenses. It has good features, is ergonomically okay and relatively simple to set up and operate. It isn't weatherproof though and should be protected from rain.
I can only judge it against using a D80 (simple) and D800 (very complicated or simple).

I like the variable geometry on the screen as I like taking photo's from unusual angles although most of mine are from the viewfinder.

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Guppyspotter » Wed May 12, 2021 9:17 pm

As someone who deals in cameras pretty much full time this question sends the chills down my spine!
Beginners cameras are both the highest depreciators and also hardest to use. Only an expert should buy a beginners camera!
The best beginners camera is probably as camera that cost £5k 10 years ago but now costs £300

dougcollins
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by dougcollins » Wed May 12, 2021 9:18 pm

I don't know much about cameras, but when I was looking for similar a bloke (who reckons he knows) said lens quality is more important than pixel count etc.

I did notice all his cameras were Canons.

Zlatan
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Zlatan » Wed May 12, 2021 9:20 pm

ALP is your man for advice...

https://twitter.com/andylongsider?s=21

Vegas Claret
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Vegas Claret » Wed May 12, 2021 9:36 pm

all I know is Sony are battering everyone else into submission with their full frame cameras - as with everything else, all depends what you are going to be shooting - some camera's can shoot at a much higher fps for example

dandeclaret
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by dandeclaret » Wed May 12, 2021 9:40 pm

I’ve only seen 1 pro photographer persist with a Sony setup.

SalisburyClaret
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by SalisburyClaret » Wed May 12, 2021 10:15 pm

“interested in wildlife, sport, astrophotography and maybe street photography”

That’s a broad range of subjects - for the first 3 you’ll need a long lens the vast majority of the time
For street photography - a DSLR isn’t really suitable
In fact you might be better off looking at mirrorless cameras rather than DSLR - that way what you see on the screen/ viewfinder will be what you get and the lenses will be smaller/ less heavy and overall the kit will probably be cheaper

beddie
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by beddie » Wed May 12, 2021 10:22 pm

dandeclaret wrote:
Wed May 12, 2021 9:40 pm
I’ve only seen 1 pro photographer persist with a Sony setup.
Just out of interest dande did you scout for the club under Stan's tenure?

LoveCurryPies
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by LoveCurryPies » Thu May 13, 2021 7:47 am

What sort of photography are you wanting to do? That question really is the starting point in choosing the right camera and more importantly the correct lens.

Secondly, you would be better advised to buy second hand (from a reputable camera shop) and get more for your budget.

The lens is perhaps the most important choice. Standard kit lens tend to be average and a sharper lens will produce better images from the same camera. Certainly buy used lens even if you buy a new body.
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Super Teds
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Super Teds » Thu May 13, 2021 9:30 am

Why is a used lens better out of interest?

LoveCurryPies
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by LoveCurryPies » Thu May 13, 2021 11:19 am

Super Teds wrote:
Thu May 13, 2021 9:30 am
Why is a used lens better out of interest?
There isn't much that can go wrong with a lens and a used lens will be cheaper, so you might get a better quality lens for your money.
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LoveCurryPies
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by LoveCurryPies » Thu May 13, 2021 11:22 am

Best UK camera shops for advice...

Park Cameras.
Wex photo. (They have a new shop in Leeds)
Wilkinson’s.
Clifton cameras.

SalisburyClaret
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by SalisburyClaret » Thu May 13, 2021 12:02 pm

For second hand kit the best range is at
Mpb.com

aggi
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by aggi » Thu May 13, 2021 12:27 pm

Also have a think about size. A DSLR with lens, etc can be a fairly substantial piece of kit. Will you actually take it out with you? As the old adage goes, the best camera is the one you have with you.

I have a Nikon with a variety of lenses and a mirrorless Sony (both with the same size sensor). Although the Nikon does take better pictures I'm more likely to have the Sony with me as it is so small.

Also worth considering the availability of second hand equipment. Canon and Nikon will have much more in the way of second hand lenses which can save a lot of money as you're looking to expand your equipment (you'll probably end up spending much more on lenses than the camera). Also, when/if you upgrade the camera you may well want to keep the rest of the equipment so a system with a long track record is a plus.

SouthLondonexile
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by SouthLondonexile » Thu May 13, 2021 1:31 pm

I have a Nikon D330.
I use the A ( setting) . It is light not so expensive, but shop around for a good price. Battery seems to last for ever.
Lens 18 - 55mm. Fantastic for portraiture .
Don’t forget your mobile phone? Some of the new phones take wonderfully clear pictures.

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Vegas Claret » Thu May 13, 2021 2:45 pm

dandeclaret wrote:
Wed May 12, 2021 9:40 pm
I’ve only seen 1 pro photographer persist with a Sony setup.
I know loads especially in the fashion/beauty world.

Like I and others have said, all depends on what you are shooting as to which camera will work best for you. I've always been Canon, I have a 1D MkIV sitting in the cupboard gathering dust at the moment ! :shock:

If I had the will I'd change to Sony tomorrow, the IQ is mind blowingly good on some of them

SalouClaret
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by SalouClaret » Thu May 13, 2021 10:22 pm

Vegas Claret wrote:
Thu May 13, 2021 2:45 pm



If I had the will I'd change to Sony tomorrow, the IQ is mind blowingly good on some of them

I have a Sony A7III and a 24-70 2.8 G Master lens. Not cheap at all but worth every penny in my opinion. Currently eyeing up a 70-200 2.8 GM... only costs £2,100 :roll: :lol:

dandeclaret
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by dandeclaret » Thu May 13, 2021 10:38 pm

Just ordered a new Canon 600mm f4.... and choosing between a 1dx Mk III or waiting for the R3 to come out.

ian
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by ian » Thu May 13, 2021 11:03 pm

SalisburyClaret wrote:
Wed May 12, 2021 10:15 pm
For street photography - a DSLR isn’t really suitable
Have to disagree, my DSLR has been perfect for this job for the last 6 years. It isn't suitable for those who want to "blend in", but as cameras go for street photography its as good as any other, glass allowing of course

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Guppyspotter » Thu May 13, 2021 11:10 pm

SalouClaret wrote:
Thu May 13, 2021 10:22 pm
I have a Sony A7III and a 24-70 2.8 G Master lens. Not cheap at all but worth every penny in my opinion. Currently eyeing up a 70-200 2.8 GM... only costs £2,100 :roll: :lol:
If you really are looking for a Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM then I have one for sale.

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Vegas Claret » Fri May 14, 2021 6:27 am

SalouClaret wrote:
Thu May 13, 2021 10:22 pm
I have a Sony A7III and a 24-70 2.8 G Master lens. Not cheap at all but worth every penny in my opinion. Currently eyeing up a 70-200 2.8 GM... only costs £2,100 :roll: :lol:
I've seen some incredible images from that body, but the lenses are the beasts imho

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Vegas Claret » Fri May 14, 2021 6:28 am

dandeclaret wrote:
Thu May 13, 2021 10:38 pm
Just ordered a new Canon 600mm f4.... and choosing between a 1dx Mk III or waiting for the R3 to come out.
nice easy lens to lug about, light as a feather :shock: :shock: :shock: :lol:

dandeclaret
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by dandeclaret » Fri May 14, 2021 6:34 am

Vegas Claret wrote:
Fri May 14, 2021 6:28 am
nice easy lens to lug about, light as a feather :shock: :shock: :shock: :lol:
Ha..., it’s a lot lighter than previous models, but at the stage where that lens is needed. It’s even lighter when travelling with 2 other camera bodies, a 300 mm 2.8 and other smaller lenses. Have had to do some incredible impressions of how light my carry on luggage is in airports over the years 8-) 8-)

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by LoveCurryPies » Fri May 14, 2021 7:40 am

SalisburyClaret wrote:
Wed May 12, 2021 10:15 pm

For street photography - a DSLR isn’t really suitable
Dougie Wallace and Peter Dench both use Olympus DSLR's. Bradford based John Bolloten also uses a DSLR as does Homer Sykes.

If you don't know their work, have a look at their websites or find them on Instagram.

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by SalouClaret » Fri May 14, 2021 8:14 am

Guppyspotter wrote:
Thu May 13, 2021 11:10 pm
If you really are looking for a Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM then I have one for sale.

It's nothing against you at all, but I only buy new lenses these days. I once bought a used 55mm that lasted all of 3 days so I vowed never again :lol:

I'm sure you'll have no problem selling it. I rented one last year, brilliant lens!

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by SalouClaret » Fri May 14, 2021 8:16 am

Vegas Claret wrote:
Fri May 14, 2021 6:27 am
I've seen some incredible images from that body, but the lenses are the beasts imho
I agree. The Sony G Master range are the best I've ever used. I started with Canon but I imagine I'll stick with Sony from now on.

ALP
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by ALP » Fri May 14, 2021 10:29 am

Sony are now leading the way, but others are catching up with the mirrorless tech.

OP, what is going to be your main genre? You need to think about this as you move into the hobby; you may be better putting your £500 into something other than a DSLR as it won't buy a lot in that market, and consider that the world is going towards mirrorless too. You could get a bridge type camera a lot easier and cheaper whilst you learn and save for a more high end camera, and that would be my advice on a budget. Lenses are the most important thing in the DSLR line, and these things don't come cheap, well they do but are shite on the sharpness, colour rendition and speed.

Someone further up the thread suggested used market, I would also tell you that is a good starting point, Wilkinsons Cameras have a used section and give great help and advice too, or MPB.com are also good.

Decide what you want to photograph, and go from there.

Good luck.

ALP
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by ALP » Fri May 14, 2021 10:31 am

These are on budget and were supposed to be quite good, see the review below.

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-coolpix-p900

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipmen ... lpix-p900/

Mala591
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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Mala591 » Fri May 14, 2021 11:18 am

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/uk/b ... ct-cameras

I’d seriously consider a good quality, compact ‘travel’ camera with a 1 inch sensor. Much easier to carry around (inside jacket pocket) than a DSLR and the picture quality is excellent.

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by SalisburyClaret » Fri May 14, 2021 12:01 pm

LoveCurryPies wrote:
Fri May 14, 2021 7:40 am
Dougie Wallace and Peter Dench both use Olympus DSLR's. Bradford based John Bolloten also uses a DSLR as does Homer Sykes.

If you don't know their work, have a look at their websites or find them on Instagram.
It’s not that you can’t use a DSLR for street photography but it’s just not the ideal tool - they are very obvious things to carry around and the subjects are far more likely to notice they are being photographed - which is likely to lead to confrontation at worst and poor photographs at best.

The vast majority of street photography is on rangefinders, small mirrorless or high quality compacts.

But as always the best camera for the job is the one you have with you

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by LoveCurryPies » Fri May 14, 2021 12:38 pm

SalisburyClaret wrote:
Fri May 14, 2021 12:01 pm
It’s not that you can’t use a DSLR for street photography but it’s just not the ideal tool - they are very obvious things to carry around and the subjects are far more likely to notice they are being photographed - which is likely to lead to confrontation at worst and poor photographs at best.

The vast majority of street photography is on rangefinders, small mirrorless or high quality compacts.

But as always the best camera for the job is the one you have with you
If all the OP wanted to do was street photography I would suggest a Fujifilm camera or something like that. However, it’s interesting that the 4 professional and mostly street based photographers I listed use DLSR.

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by Vegas Claret » Fri May 14, 2021 1:15 pm

dandeclaret wrote:
Fri May 14, 2021 6:34 am
Ha..., it’s a lot lighter than previous models, but at the stage where that lens is needed. It’s even lighter when travelling with 2 other camera bodies, a 300 mm 2.8 and other smaller lenses. Have had to do some incredible impressions of how light my carry on luggage is in airports over the years 8-) 8-)
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

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Re: New DSLR camera advice please!

Post by ALP » Fri May 14, 2021 10:41 pm

For street, get a Fuji X100 they are now on version V, I have a T but even the old S is awesome. 23mm f2 fixed focal length, no messing at all and cheap enough second hand on MPB for the T.

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipmen ... 00t-black/

Wife clocked me whilst he fiddled in the menswear department 😁 (shot with X100T)

ImageSpied by Andy Pritchard, on Flickr
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