Looking to buy a DSLR Camera. Any suggestions?

1. 69

   a beautiful messposted 10 years ago

   I'm planning to invest in a DSLR camera soon. I've used them before, but I'm more familiar with film. I love film, but let's face it - digital is much easier to work with these days. No chemicals, no enlargers, no photo paper.
   
   I don't really want all of the fancy features. I really just want something exactly like the Pentax film camera I had, but no film! I just want basic features. I've been looking at a few cameras, but I'm not really sure where to start!
   
   Does anybody know anything about DSLRs?!

   replyreport
   1. 70

      JG11Bravoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I know a good Canon or Nikon will set you back a grand or so.

      replyreport
      1. 69

         a beautiful messposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Sure will. It's a worthy investment to me! I'm hoping to get one within the next year, after I purchase a handgun.

         replyreport
   2. 71

      Matthew Meyerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Usually the main debate has been Canon or Nikon, but the new micros 4/3 camera and other mirror-less designs mean there are more options.
      
      The optics are the key, so if you already have SLR lenses, you might want to see if you can get adapters to use them with DSLRs.
      
      CNET might be a good place to start for general DSLR options.
      http://reviews.cnet.com/best-entry-level-dslr-cameras/
      
      Wirecutter has some good info as well.
      http://thewirecutter.com/leaderboard/cameras/
      
      Here is some info about Pentax DSLRs
      http://www.techradar.com/us/news/photog … d-944543/4

      replyreport
      1. 69

         a beautiful messposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks for sharing! Checking out the Pentax stuff now, since it's my old friend. I'll look into adapters, because I love the lenses for my old film camera! The thing is, mine are screw-on and not the ones you just snap and lock on.

         replyreport
   3. 68

      JRScarbroughposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It depends on what you will be using it for. If you are going to be filming video, I’d probably go with a Canon 6D. If you are just into still shots, you could go for something cheaper.
      
      I’m also BHSFilm on Twitter and own a film studio. There really is no magic camera. It is all about lighting basically. The higher the MP the easier you can manipulate photos in software like Photoshop. But still, cheaper cameras take extremely well photographs these days and you really can’t get better video at these price levels than a Canon 6D.

      replyreport
      1. 69

         a beautiful messposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I don't really intend to film anything, I'm looking more for doing still shots. The radio station I work at lets me use a Canon, not sure what model though. I'll check out your twitter!

         replyreport
         1. 80

            LuisEGonzalezposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            If you want a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera may I suggest that you get a Canon Rebel T3i. Approximately $529.00. You can use any digital or film lens from Canon on it or on any other Canon DSLR or SLR.
            If you want film then you can get a Canon EOS for about $300 with one lens or $40 body only.
            The benefits of either a DSLR or SLR is that you can be much more creative/artistic by having the ability of interchanging lenses and thus not limited to one lens range.

            replyreport
            1. 81

               drpennypincherposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               The Canon Rebel T3i is a nice digital SLR.  I got one for my wife for Christmas from Amazon for under $450 with free shipping.  This included a lens, battery, charger, etc.  It is easy to use and takes great pictures.

               replyreport
         2. 68

            JRScarbroughposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Something like a Canon EOS t3i would work for you then and has a decent price tag. You could get it with a good lens for like $500, maybe cheaper by shopping around. They take really nice pictures. I’ve used them a lot. The 6D would be overkill for you then. It’s primed for video.
            
            Basically, anything with a very high price tag will just have “features” that someone causally taking pics for fun won’t ever use anyways. If you plan to manipulate pictures in software, the higher MP cams will make better pics for that but really, the human eye can’t distinguish much difference between 12mp and 25mp.
            
            I enjoy that hobby as well.

            replyreport
            1. 69

               a beautiful messposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               Great! Thank you, I'll definitely check that out. Planning to go out this weekend and mess around with a few. It's so much easier for me when I actually get to hold them and play with the settings!
               
               I feel like an old person who's trying to get a cell phone.

               replyreport