Cameras & Camcorders

[#1]

I have never owned a DSLR camera or used one before. We would like one to take pictures of our new born and for landscapes. I know that's in the lens but not sure what lens I need or what DSLR to buy.

[#2]

Oh where should we begin???  The main strength of a DSLR is a larger sensor for clean noiseless images in challenging light situations.  You also get better Bokeh or Depth of Field.  Sadly you sacrifice portability.

However to better narrow your selection....

• what's your budget?  Does your budget include lens?
• do you currently own a digital camera?  what is the make and model to compare zoom range?  Do you find the current camera have enough wide or telephoto?
• have you consider an external flash to better freeze kids in motion when indoors?
• would consider a more premium lens like the 18-200mm to minimize lens changes, while sacrificing some image distortion (pin cushioning/barrelling)?

BTW.... In addition Rebels.... also consider the following Nikon counter measures in this budget category.  Nikon offers better ergonomics and uses a larger sensor for better images.

• Nikon D3100
• Nikon D5100
• Nikon D7000

[#3]

Hello Haunholter,

Glad you asked!

I started as a serious classical photographer in my very earliest teen years in 1957 with 60mm x 60mm, and 24mm  x  35mm film cameras.

Today, as processing film photography is all but gone, and

After much search, I decided on the Best Buy Canon 60D package with:

1. A Canon 60D camera body with an APS-C sensor (a very decent size that will satisfy most photographers' needs) taking up to 18 mega pixels photographic images capable for enlargement beyond 16" x 20" pictures (my preferred size for International Competitions);

2. Even in smaller sizes, it will stand out head over shouldres when placed side by side with pictures taken by lesser sensor;  The details and tonal quality of this package do stand out very well;

3.  It's just me!  I cann't see why I would spring some $4,000 or more for a fully 24mm x 36mm sensor.

4. the 18mm to 200mm zoom lens (equivalency to 35mm film format of 28.8mm to 320mm), a lens to satisfy most every photographer. (28.8mm is wide-angle for landscape photography.);

5. I bought just this package while in Alberta last Christmas, visiting friends, and paid ZERO provincial sales tax;

6. The current price at Best Buy of just under $1,300 for the Canon 60D package with the 18mm to 200mm lens is a very good buy;

7. For me, this package is "for keeps". I encourage you to spring the dollars for a camera package that you will be very pleased with for a long time, than to buy a cheaper package only to regret a year or two down the road;

8. The lens alone for this package cost a couple pennies less than $800;

My long held believe is that it is the lens that make good pictures;

All I ever needed in a camera is to be sturdily built, to have a fluid focusing ring, and a lasting shutter;

Only a seasoned and learned photographer make wonderful pictures.

Having a photo master as your mentor helps tremendously.

I was very fortunate to have my college chum's father (a well respected photo master in Hong Kong) gave me a few pointers.

Others have provided me with excellent pointers.

In this same breadth, I provide above comments for your consideration.

All in humility.

Enjoy!

[#4]

Dollar for dollar, the Canon 60D body with its 18mm to 200mm zoom is a lasting catch.

Truth be known, I did own a few lesser film based cameras sine 1957.  I still own one Rollie bought 1964, and 3 Nikon + a number of zom lens of f-2.8 covering from 20mm to 400mm bought 1984.

I did learned from a respected photo master in Hong Kong some 4 decades ago that the densigty of a 35mm film is 80 mega pixels.

To better mimic the film format, I recommend folks to go for the APS-C sensor camera if only for excellent tonal quality.

Signed:

Serious Classical Photographer since 1957 of some repute.

[#5]

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SaintJoseph wrote:

3.  It's just me!  I cann't see why I would spring some $4,000 or more for a fully 24mm x 36mm sensor.

4. the 18mm to 200mm zoom lens (equivalency to 35mm film format of 28.8mm to 320mm), a lens to satisfy most every photographer. (28.8mm is wide-angle for landscape photography.);

6. The current price at Best Buy of just under $1,300 for the Canon 60D package with the 18mm to 200mm lens is a very good buy;

7. For me, this package is "for keeps". I encourage you to spring the dollars for a camera package that you will be very pleased with for a long time, than to buy a cheaper package only to regret a year or two down the road;

My long held believe is that it is the lens that make good pictures;

---

For starters, I agree with going with an 18-200mm as a starter lens.  I shoot 95% of my work with this lens.  Not missing opportunities is the big advantage with this wonder lens compared to most 18-55mm kit lens.

However, the 18-200mm creates a lot of pin-cushion and barrel distortion.  Be very careful when taking pictures of people.

This is a slow-lens and needs lots of light when indoors.  An external flash should be the next investment.  Otherwise a 50mm prime.

If you shoot mainly outdoors, you will not see the benefit of a full-frame sensor for low-light conditions. Full frames also create better bokeh with fast lenses in portraits.  Nikon APS-C sensors is slightly larger than the Canon 1.6 crop.

Full-frame camera bodies are sub $2000 now.

[#6]

You may have a valid point.

Appreciate you pointed out full frame sensor DSLR camera bodies are now as low as $2,000.

Reaffirming my point that people should never feel pressured to buy more camera than they really need and use,

simply to "keep up with the Joneses".

Surely, a few of those did cross my path.  None ever counted in any meaningful way.

My Canon 60D package do produce excellent enlargements to at least 13" by 17" with a quality printer. 

My preference is save the money towards acquiring a 16" x 20" (my preferred picture size) quality printer.

On the other hand, and if I stay in the International Photographic Competition arena, I have indepth knowledge, the cash to acquire a much high quality full frame camera package with a much higher quality lens to cover the 35mm equivalent 20mm to 400mm zooms to the toon of, say, $15,000+.

However, as a very serious classical photographer since 1957 with some repute, I am more than comfortable with my choice.

None the less, you may have a point for those still in the International Photographic Competition arena.

[#7]

Having more than one camera does not have to be a shame and it may be a blessing...

• start entry level (eg. D3100, D7000) and add as you grow.
• if you find a DSLR is not for you (cost? portability?), than an entry level camera is not a waste, but an "education fee" to cure your "personal urges"
• where to go after your first lens?  You become better educated on how you want to grow and accessorize   More zoom (digiscope)?  More wide angle (rectilinear vs fish-eye)? Macro? Outdoor (get a polarizer)? Indoor (need external flashes.. how about diffusers.... )? Low-light (tripod)?  More-focus points (Nikon's 51 focus points improves auto focus speed & accuracy)?  Weather protection (more expensive cameras come with weather seals)?
• additional cameras can be different strengths (D300s for zoom, D700 for low light with it's large sensor and pixels)
• having 2 bodies means you get less **bleep** in your cameras as you don't need to change lenses, as well as minimizing distortion (24-70 on camera 1, 70-200mm on camera 2) 

Yes, embrace the 18-200mm.... but rent/borrow a few primes.  You might be surprised by the image improvements and bokeh.  Also try some f/2.8 lenses, your images will be sharper as you can use faster shutter speeds in low light.

If you are doing photo competitions, go study what equipment the winners use.  Are they limiting themselves to 18-200mm?  Are they limiting themselves to a 60d?

[#8]

Hello |**,

You may have a couple of acceptable points (only the 1st 2).

Why not also suggest a f1.4 standard lens?

Macro?

who you are addressing???

Someone looking to acquire the very first DSLR!!!

This from a serious classical photgographer since 1957

knowledgeable in film processing, and

dark room know-how in both B/W and colour , and

who use a full 16 inches by 20 inches test paper, and

create 16 inches by 20 inches finished photographs.

[#9]

Hello,

Do you have any idea the one who posted the question is one looking to acquire the very first DSLR???

Don't thing you quite understand that!!!

[#10]

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SaintJoseph wrote:

Why not also suggest a f1.4 standard lens?

Macro?

who you are addressing???

Someone looking to acquire the very first DSLR!!!

---

There are f/1.4 lenses and there are f/1.2 lenses.  However once you go beyond f/1.8... the cost quickly escalates.... especially for a beginner.  DOF may also be an issue.  Advanced users will find better value in these lenses.

Also for a maximum sharpness, set your lenses to f/8 on tripod.  You should notice some signficant sharpness in your images of still objects.

I mentioned the f/2.8 because you and I have a fondness for zoom capability.  The f/2.8 lenses break up the 18-200mm zoom ranges evenly.

Yes, I mentioned Macro because many entry DSLR users ask for assistance to take close ups of less than 24 inches.  Macro/Micro lenses allow you to do this.  To save money, getting a Cokin closeup filter is good workaround.

My previous post is how an owner's purchase can grow as they get a better understanding of his interest.