dslr cameras

[- English -]

I'm thinking of getting a camera so I can take some nice panoramic shots of the surroundings here, and get them printed on a canavas. I'd also use it for work related stuff, so things like photographing airplanes or close up interiors, or other general things when I travel.

I'd like to say my budget is £500 max, but perhaps that is too much for what I need the camera for? I don't think I need any fancy lenses or special options on the camera, just something a noobie can do, or infact I don't want anything to advance as I probably wont benefit from the features.

My gf wants to use it for some video recording, so it would be nice if it could do that aswell.

Where do I start? Should i just get an off the shelf nikon / canon, or can anyone provide any specific good cameras for my purpose?

Thanks

 

[DaGaffer]

For that money I'd probably get a Sony NEX-5, which isn't actually a DSLR but would do pretty much all you'd ever need in an extremely nice package.

 

[old.user4556]

I'm thinking of getting a camera so I can take some nice panoramic shots of the surroundings here, and get them printed on a canavas. I'd also use it for work related stuff, so things like photographing airplanes or close up interiors, or other general things when I travel.

I'd like to say my budget is £500 max, but perhaps that is too much for what I need the camera for? I don't think I need any fancy lenses or special options on the camera, just something a noobie can do, or infact I don't want anything to advance as I probably wont benefit from the features.

My gf wants to use it for some video recording, so it would be nice if it could do that aswell.

Where do I start? Should i just get an off the shelf nikon / canon, or can anyone provide any specific good cameras for my purpose?

Thanks

1) panoramic shots - do you need the camera to do it, or are you doing it yourself in photoshop?
2) photos of planes - moving or static?
3) video - do you need it to autofocus in video or do you want to dick about doing it manually?
4) how big are you printing?
5) don't admit to being a noob, learn to use the camera properly, it'll make a huge difference to your results
6) have you considered what focal lengths you need? Do you need ultra wide angle? Do you need telephoto?

For that money I'd probably get a Sony NEX-5, which isn't actually a DSLR but would do pretty much all you'd ever need in an extremely nice package.

The five is a bit old and the NEX isn't suitable for moving subjects - will really depend if he needs snappy autofocus for moving planes.

 

[- English -]

1) i can do it in photoshop, or well that's the idea
2) static planes, outside and interior
3) the video just needs to be simple recording, ie so my gf can record herself diong some makeup things
4) i want to be able to print the panorma on the canvases, so 100cm x 70cm or something
5) i will learn the camera, a future hobby etc, but at this stage, i am a noob, so over expensive additions will not be so needed atm.
6) not sure about the focal lengths

I basically just want to take some nice pictures, edit around in photoshop, send a few to canvas and print the others.

 

[old.user4556]

Few options for that money:

- http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-nikon-d3200-digital-slr-with-18-55mm-vr-lens/p1530655

- http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-...l-slr-camera-with-18-55mm-is-ii-lens/p1523926

- http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-sony-alpha-a57-digital-slt-camera-with-18-55mm-lens/p1530183

They're the major players' entry level cameras, you've also got other options in the mirrorless segment but they're quite specialised pieces of kit and you need to know what you're doing with your photography to get the best out of them.

Read these reviews and digest everything including the pros / cons section at the end, then come back to this thread with questions or thoughts before you purchase:

- http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d3200

- http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos600d/

- http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-alpha-slt-a57/19

I would also get to Currys / PC World (or Jessops where they still exist) and hold the cameras in your hand to see how you feel with it and what you think of the control layout. Canon and Nikon fanboys love to slag off each others controls - buy what is right for you.

 

[- English -]

Can you explain the difference between the d3200 and the d5100. And also the 18-55mm lens and the 18-105(?) lens.

 

[old.user4556]

At a quick glance:

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D3200-vs-Nikon-D5100

The 18-105 is close to being a superzoom, reviews pretty well. If you can get a kit with the 18-105mm, that could be the ticket. Canon also do a similar 18-135mm which will give you more reach. Both lenses review well considering they're a compromise.

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/410-nikkor_18105_3556vr?start=1

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/776-canon_18135_3556stmis?start=1

 

[- English -]

Hey big G, i read the reviews etc and decided to try the d5100 with a 18-105mm lens. I also spoke with my dad who has had nikon cameras so I have tried them previously. Thanks for your advice, i'll let you know my opinions and some shots once i get it

 

[old.user4556]

I'm sure it'll be brilliant, I have a friend with a D5000 and a couple of lenses and he's very happy with it.

Happy shooting!

... and with that, my time at FH has come to a close.

 

[dysfunction]

... and with that, my time at FH has come to a close.

What???!

Don't be daft!

 

[Hawkwind]

Surprised no one mentioned the Panasonic DMC-LF1 or LX7 both very good compacts and the DSLM - GX1 has some great features. The new GH3 has been winning lots of praise to.

http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gx1/creative.html