Help me choose a DSLR
- Thread starter zopperman
- Start date
Hepar
New member
I was specifically speaking of their FX body the A99. Like I said in my original post, I'm not too familiar with their DX line.
So, if you're asking what I like better about the D800 over the A99 (and yes, a lot of these are my opinion and not fact):
-yes, you can bump the ISO higher on the A99, but the high ISO performance is better on the D800
-better sensor
-more focus points
-color range is better
-dynamic range is better
-much better battery life
-build is significantly better
The A99 does shoot panoramic photos, but if you have a full-frame camera and don't know how to create one in a photo editing program, I'd say you'd better learn fast.
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gman72
New member
I think we're getting way off topic now hehe. But all points taken, the D800 is a beast no doubt. Curious to see how this turns out with the OP's purchase. All I wanted to do was throw into the mix another option that many don't realize, is that the Sony DSLT line is a nice alternative to the typical DSLR cameras, with the benefit of a ton of extra features standard DSLRs dont' have.
Hepar
New member
Agreed. And always good to keep your options open. When I was in the market for a good P&S, I found I naturally just looked at either a Nikon or a Canon. In the end I chose the Panasonic LX3. Still takes great pics, but I might update it soon. If so, I'm getting the Sony RX100. .
gman72
New member
Just want to make sure we're not confusing point & shoot with the Sony DSLT line... totally different. The alpha/minolta lens a-mount models are true DSLR cams (well, DSLT to be exact), whereas the Sony NEX models are super compact but exchangeable lens type / e-mount.... I believe Nikon & Canon both offer similar, but then we're in a different ball game.
I'm no pro photographer by any means, but (I think, at least) have taken some pretty sweet photos with my Sony. https://plus.google.com/photos/1096...s/5908326635457611617?authkey=CM75xbjMtI7JxgE
I'm no pro photographer by any means, but (I think, at least) have taken some pretty sweet photos with my Sony. https://plus.google.com/photos/1096...s/5908326635457611617?authkey=CM75xbjMtI7JxgE
Victor_inox
New member
Spending money for full frame body for amateur photographer is a waste of money, invest in lenses instead. you can use full frame lenses on cropped sensor with great results, don`t buy a kit, just the body, included lens is junk anyway. buy used, people getting rid of great cameras as soon as new model available.
While I use canon since 1981 I`d highly recommend Sony NEX7.
My friend bought it and it simple amazing, still or video, I was really surprised, IMHO picture quality is on par with my mark III.
it`s very light ans versatile. Sony prime lenses is surprisingly good.
Don!t be a camera snob, NEX7 is a solid choice, manual controls will let you learn photography properly but also ability to point and shoot.
While I use canon since 1981 I`d highly recommend Sony NEX7.
My friend bought it and it simple amazing, still or video, I was really surprised, IMHO picture quality is on par with my mark III.
it`s very light ans versatile. Sony prime lenses is surprisingly good.
Don!t be a camera snob, NEX7 is a solid choice, manual controls will let you learn photography properly but also ability to point and shoot.
Hepar
New member
Yep. We're on the same page. I was just giving a personal experience where stepping outside of the standard Nikon/Canon had results that were positive.
gman72
New member
Don't worry about battery life, all brands the basic battery will probably not meet your needs. Whether you go with Sony/Nikon/Canon just go to Amazon.com and pick up the Wasabi brand batteries and chargers for whatever model you get. Cheap, and usually get 2 batteries + charger in a $20 or so package. Something like this: Amazon.com: Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Charger for Sony NP-FW50 and Sony Alpha NEX-3, NEX-3N, NEX-5, NEX-5R, NEX-5N, NEX-6, NEX-7, NEX-C3, NEX-F3, SLT-A33, SLT-A35, SLT-A37, SLT-A55V: Camera & Photo
Also, if you plan on doing any remote shooting or high exposure times, get something like this, you'll have a lot of fun with it: Amazon.com: NEEWER RM-S1AM Timer Remote Shutter Release: Electronics
Also, if you plan on doing any remote shooting or high exposure times, get something like this, you'll have a lot of fun with it: Amazon.com: NEEWER RM-S1AM Timer Remote Shutter Release: Electronics
Hepar
New member
Agreed. Many of the regulations regarding batteries has changed in the past few years, so the life of them has diminished some. I know when I moved from my D700 to my D800, the loss of life was significant. Just get a few spares and you'll be good to go. They don't take up much space.
zopperman
Moderator
Cool. I used to have one of those old school cables for my film camera where it literally screwed into the button and was a remote shutter release. Glad batteries are cheap!!
zopperman
Moderator
Gonna bump this. Got a sweet deal on a Canon t3i
arty:
It came down to this and the Nikon d5200 [MENTION=50591]gaterose[/MENTION] and I loved the feel and interface on the Nikon, but the Canon came with an 18-135 lens and I wanted the zoom versatility and don't plan on investing any more in a camera setup for a while. I figured for my incredible amateur needs this was perfect. Got it shipped from B&H to my house in Philly which actually saved me money.
Comes with lens, case, 16gb card, etc. They had a refurbished d5200 for 670 or so, but i wanted the extended warranty of a new camera, etc.
I'll post in the photography when I start taking pictures!
arty:It came down to this and the Nikon d5200 [MENTION=50591]gaterose[/MENTION] and I loved the feel and interface on the Nikon, but the Canon came with an 18-135 lens and I wanted the zoom versatility and don't plan on investing any more in a camera setup for a while. I figured for my incredible amateur needs this was perfect. Got it shipped from B&H to my house in Philly which actually saved me money.
Comes with lens, case, 16gb card, etc. They had a refurbished d5200 for 670 or so, but i wanted the extended warranty of a new camera, etc.
I'll post in the photography when I start taking pictures!
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zopperman
Moderator
Definitely will do. It was so painful seeing it go to the shipping room today, but it saved a bunch of money.
LandCruiser
New member
Since you went down the dark route of Canon ownership, I won't judge, get yourself an EF 50mm f/1.8 lens. They're 125 from US dealers or 100 bucks grey market...
It is a great "one size fits all glass" and is reasonably fast. With a corp body it's closer to an 80mm, but you should still be able to use it for all-around photography and it rocks for portraits.
The 18-135 is a good enough lens, but you probably won't be as happy with the images once you get better at photography.
It is a great "one size fits all glass" and is reasonably fast. With a corp body it's closer to an 80mm, but you should still be able to use it for all-around photography and it rocks for portraits.
The 18-135 is a good enough lens, but you probably won't be as happy with the images once you get better at photography.
zopperman
Moderator
Yup, that's exactly what I did. I bought it in NYC and had it shipped to my place in Philly. I'll probably use the money I saved to get a "drops and spills" warranty on it... because I drop and spill everything (cough, my grille :redbrick
Definitely my plan. Even has prime shipping on amazon. I tried to work in a fixed low light lens at the store, but they do so much business that haggling is impossible.
That's what I figured, but I need the money right now for 4Runner stuff and I figure that for my humble beginnings, the 18-135 should suffice and I like having the increased zoom capability. I do wish the f stop went lower though.
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eddiebx
New member
Excellent choice on camera and shop, BH = :thumb::thumb: in my book.
Must've sucked to have it in your hand one minute and then have to have it shipped and wait for it. I'd probably gave in and paid the tax, lol.
Now that you've gotten your first setup, feel out that kit lens to see what focal length(s) you end up liking/using the most; then invest in a new/better lens in a focal range that fits your own shooting style the best
Don't be an idiot like me and just start buying lenses that barely get used nowadays. Enjoy your new hobby!
Must've sucked to have it in your hand one minute and then have to have it shipped and wait for it. I'd probably gave in and paid the tax, lol.
Now that you've gotten your first setup, feel out that kit lens to see what focal length(s) you end up liking/using the most; then invest in a new/better lens in a focal range that fits your own shooting style the best
Don't be an idiot like me and just start buying lenses that barely get used nowadays. Enjoy your new hobby!
zopperman
Moderator
Excellent choice on camera and shop, BH = :thumb::thumb: in my book.
Must've sucked to have it in your hand one minute and then have to have it shipped and wait for it. I'd probably gave in and paid the tax, lol.
Now that you've gotten your first setup, feel out that kit lens to see what focal length(s) you end up liking/using the most; then invest in a new/better lens in a focal range that fits your own shooting style the best
Don't be an idiot like me and just start buying lenses that barely get used nowadays. Enjoy your new hobby!
Hahaha thanks. I love BH. It's like santa's orthodox Jewish workshop. I told the guy I was buying it from that it was a belated Bar Mitzvah Present and he thought is was hilarious. They're very helpful there and went the extra mile to laugh at my bad humor. I'm going to invest in the 50mm 1.8 Lens from the grey market... after i pay off my TRD rims and new tires and sliders that I just bought.
It's scheduled for delivery today and I need to sign for it since I live in an apartment. Every second is driving me crazy!!
Vlaak
New member
Gonna bump this. Got a sweet deal on a Canon t3i
It came down to this and the Nikon d5200 [MENTION=50591]gaterose[/MENTION] and I loved the feel and interface on the Nikon, but the Canon came with an 18-135 lens and I wanted the zoom versatility and don't plan on investing any more in a camera setup for a while. I figured for my incredible amateur needs this was perfect. Got it shipped from B&H to my house in Philly which actually saved me money.
Comes with lens, case, 16gb card, etc. They had a refurbished d5200 for 670 or so, but i wanted the extended warranty of a new camera, etc.
I'll post in the photography when I start taking pictures!
I just found and read this thread. I might have given different advice than some others. However, I think you made the right choice.
My advice would have been to get an entry level DX camera (or whatever Canon calls DX, meaning not full frame). Also, get an entry level lens. It will be cheaper and if you choose not to persue the hobby you wont be out a ton of money. Also, you can take great pics on an entry level DSLR and entry level kit lens. This is what you did, so excellent choice IMO.
Don't be talked into getting super fancy lenses at this stage. Take out your new camera and take tons of photos. Take the time to learn how to use it and how to get the effects you want (shallow DoF, or long exposure, etc...). All of this can be done with your new gear. Yes it can be done better maybe with more expensive gear, but that can wait until you learn how to use your current gear, and decide that you're going to stay with the hobby.
One thing I'd suggest getting soon is a cheap 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 lens. You can do a ton of shallow DoF stuff with this and get that cool portrait look for cheap (not to mention have a little better ability to shoot in low light without a flash). This adds some additional capability to your kit and also some additional fun factor
I'd suggest reading the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Petersen as well. It really helped me when I was first starting. This is a very fun hobby which will get very expensive as you grow into it, so save as much money now and learn and have fun on what you have. Later, when you want fancy gear you can sell what you have now to offset a move to full frame or whatever.
