First time getting into DSLR

[mrdream]

Hi guys, I've been looking into getting a DSLR... and when researching on this topic, I noticed that there's either the Nikon or Canon advocates...

I'm just wondering what would everyone recommend for something in between and entry and pro level? (I thought if I'm going to pay some money for a DSLR, might as well get something not too basic, so as to having to buy a new one later on).

Thanks in advance!

[threelittlepigs]

Don't forget Sony also makes DSLRs. I'm more familiar with Canon but Nikon is just as good. Between entry and pro is a nice little 5D MkII which will come down in price as the new 5D MkIII will be announced soon. Personally I would wait for the new model. There is also the 7D, but I prefer a full frame camera over a crop sensor. Over in Nikon side there is the new D800 that looks amazing spec wise. Again it is a full frame camera which I am partial towards.

[virago]

I've got a Panasonic Lumix G3. It's a 3/4 mirrorless digital camera. It's great. Recommend it. It's my first DSLR (well close) type camera in a long time and it's is easy to use. I have taken some good shots and not a photographer.

A photographer friend said it's just as good as an entry level DSLR camera but without the size (its about half the size of other DSLR's on the market).

Retails for around $9k with the two lens options.

[mrdream]

A friend was recommending the Canon 600D. What do you guys think of that? And a 5D MKII? I thought that was a bit more on the pro side? :P

[huja]

You're going about this backwards. Rather than deciding to buy a DSLR, decide first what you want to shoot. Then maybe a DSLR and a few lenses makes sense. Anybody can recommend anything at this point. You haven't mentioned what you want to shoot - your skill level - your budget - etc.

[TheBrit]

I have a Canon 600D with a f/1.8 28mm prime lens, which I primarily use for indoor portrait and candid photography. I like it a lot, the lens is so quick I can get shots without flash even in the early evening light or even with the curtains drawn and the room lights on. A quick adjust to the W/B and it looks like it was shot in broad daylight - astonishing.

huja is right - consider what you want to do first and then people can help you decide which body/lens to think about.

[mrdream]

I don't have a particular purpose with this DSLR. Basically for everyday use and I'd like to be able to use it to produce some images that I could use for a website I'm creating (mainly close up and indoor shots).

[Gavelina]

I bought my first DSLR last year and opted for the Nikon D7000 which I am really enjoying. The good thing is that there is a lot of very good second hand kit for Nikons & Cannons in HK so it was one of the reasons why I chose to stay with one of those (amongst other reasons). Remember to look at the warranty issues before you buy. Although I could get my camera a bit cheaper in the UK I decided to buy it in HK bcs this is where I got a HK warranty, meaning I do not need to ship back to the UK if something goes wrong. Most cameras do not offer world wide warranties. Also good to note is that what is true (in terms of warranty) for camera bodies is not always true for individual lenses. This is something you need to look at carefully once you've decided what to buy.

[huja]

Open and read the attached PDF on this thread. It'll point you in the right direction. Some camera models have been replaced, but it should still be helpful.

As for the Canon vs. Nikon debate . . . if you have to ask which one, it means you're not at a skill level where it'll matter. But stick with these two brands - better selection of lenses and better market for selling/buying used lenses.

When putting together your budget, don't forget you will be buying memory cards, camera bags, speedlight (and other lighting), tripod, lenses, remotes, editing software (i.e.Photoshop) and dozens of other little things you never imaged you'd have to purchase.

[huja]

Original Post Deleted

The best camera in the world is the one you'll actually carry and use.