DSLR camera

[seagull_special]

I started with the D3000 jumped to the D5100 which has been brilliant and am now planning to buy the D7100 which looks outstanding value and it means I won't have to change lenses.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D7100-vs-Nikon_D7000

£500 you're looking at entry level dslr's, I started on the d3000 and upgraded to a bigger model when I got better at it. Big price jump when you go up from the D5000 range. D7000 and up you are going to the higher end market

 

[Wozza]

I have a compact camera now, and would like to go a step and take it a bit more serious.

I said compact SYSTEM (camera).

Suggest you investigate Micro 4/3rds cameras (from Olympus, Panasonic) and the NEX range from Sony.

They can do everything a consumer DSLR can do, support multiple lenses, but are much smaller/more convenient to carry. Only thing you'll miss is the optical view.


Edit: Again, I'm interested why you think you need a DSLR? Do you think smaller cameras have fewer options - or worse image quality? Do you equate DSLR with 'professional'?

 

[dougdeep]

Making negative comments about DSLRs in general will not assist him in making the correct choice. He's about to spend a lot of money. I think it is only fair that he gets helpful advice.

Which is why I said ask Roz. She is a professional. Ok?

 

[Wozza]

It only suits those who want snapshots. There is hardy any control with a compact. You can't get good bokah and the camera decides for you what you are trying to capture. It completely ruins any creativity you have.
That's rather like saying "Why bother with decent brushes and oil paints when a box of crayons does everything you need?"

No disrespect, but you’re talking bollocks.

Many fixed-lens compacts offer PASM modes.

But, again, I was actually talking about compact system cameras - with interchangable lenses - which, in creative terms, can do ANYTHING a DSLR can do.

 

[Wozza]

A bit of context. These were taken (by me) on a Panasonic GF2. The body costs around £80 second-hand.


Tower Bridge and City Hall viewed from an office on the Thames, London


Slide away (Post-processing a bit f**ked but you get the idea)

A couple of amazing compacts…

Fuji X100S (amazing fixed-lens camera)
http://www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x100s.htm

Olympus OM-D E-M5 (top of the range Micro 4/3rds camera)
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/olympus_om_d_e_m5_review.shtml


A couple of great compact system cameras at more affordable prices…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 (due to be replace soon – dropping in price)
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_gx1_review/

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 (just out – will be down in price in next couple of months)
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_g6_review/


Pound-for-pound this is the biggest camera bargain in the UK right now….

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF5 Black & PZX 14-42mm - £230!
About to be replaced by GF6. Ideal step up if you currently have a basic compact.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasonic...Cameras_DigitalCameras_JN&hash=item3a8194ac0b


I’m not anti-DSLR, btw. Just well-up on the alternatives, which I think are better options for many people.

 

[Biscuit]

Very interesting post @Wozza I think I might invest in a GF5 for that price - bargain!

 

[Wozza]

Nice one. Lens is decent all-rounder which will do for general purposes.

But highly recommend Panasonic 20mm f1.7 lens (to anyone who buys a Micro 4/3rds camera) if you want to have control over depth of field.

Focal length of 30mm (effective) good for street and landscapes, in particular. (Picture of boy, above, was taken with it)

Not cheap, but comes up second hand now and again. Loads of glowing reviews here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix-20mm-Pancake-Lens/dp/B002PIIQGU

 

[Wozza]

.....

 

[Lord Bracknell]

I said compact SYSTEM (camera).

Suggest you investigate Micro 4/3rds cameras (from Olympus, Panasonic) and the NEX range from Sony.

They can do everything a consumer DSLR can do, support multiple lenses, but are much smaller/more convenient to carry. Only thing you'll miss is the optical view.


Edit: Again, I'm interested why you think you need a DSLR? Do you think smaller cameras have fewer options - or worse image quality? Do you equate DSLR with 'professional'?

Which is why I said ask Roz. She is a professional. Ok?

She's sticking with her earlier advice ... a D3200, but she's also hankering after a handbag-sized compact. This one looks good:-

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_COOLPIX_P7700/

 

[Napper]

Out of interest . Does anyone know if Nikon are due to bring out another d camera ? Really like the look of this d3200 but no doubt I'd buy it and a newer better model be released .

Good thread