JoeMitchell
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So my lovely honeydip dropped a subtle reminder that she had requested a new camera for capturing pictorial shots of precious memories. Intrigued I inquired maternal, matrimonial, or money? She retorted perhaps all which resulted in the matter immediately becoming relevant to my interests.
Cyberscouring has led me to this:
Nikon D3100/5100
or
Canon T2i/T3i
Or approved alternate knowing the objective is simply to take purdy pichers.
Any advice?
Mercurius
First Avenue
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The biggest costs of really getting into SLRs are the lenses. Pretty much any body from any brand is going to take great pictures (everything you are looking at has APS-C sensors) - but for portraits or indoor photography the biggest improvement is going to be the lens. Something with a low focal ratio or f-stop and good glass is going to make the difference.
That said, if you've inherited or have any lenses already - I'd probably stick with that brand. Currently, out of the two you listed the Nikon is probably better. However, Canon just had a new top of the line camera come out - and the tech in that will trickle down. If you want to buy a Canon, I'd wait until whatever you are looking at is updated with the Digic 5+ processor; probably in about a year for 600/700 series.
I had some old Canon lenses so I shoot Canon. DPreview seems to like Nikon and Sony mirrorless more? But any SLR > Point and Shoot.
Top in my book:
http://www.dpreview.com/products/sony/slrs/sony_slta77
http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/cameras
Mercurius
First Avenue
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You may also consider just buying a body and getting an off-brand lens that is slightly faster and better than the kit lens (like the Tamron 17-50mm lens -- bit on the expensive side though) which will give you a definite edge on the image quality. While not what you're looking at, personally, I don't find it worthwhile shelling out for a full-frame, unless you're making serious money off of it.
GW_Justice
Grandview Hts.
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You really need to give us some more info about what you are going to do (or expect to do) with the camera. "take purdy pichers" can be done with a low end point and shoot. Are you expecting to take low light photos? Action photos requiring fast recycle time between shots?
If you buy a camera that has good lenses and fast recycle, you are ready for those situations. But if you don't bring your camera out much because it is too heavy and too expensive to risk being damaged, why did you bother buying it? If "take purdy pichers" is really all you want, go with a compact model camera. Maybe the Canon G series.
JoeMitchell
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Thank you very much for your advice is was quite helpful.
Picked up a G12
Chicken
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JonMyers said:
I'm chomping at the bit wanting to pick up the NEX-7.Any word when they are going to release it?
Apparently, just this week they got production started back up after flooding in Thailand pretty much destroyed all of their stock and manufacturing plants there. Sounds like they are gonna have them in the US by Christmas. I haven't used the NEX series, yet, but I am stoked on what I have seen from the NEX-5n, especially in the video department. Here is an awesome little short documentary shot on it:
| Get the Video Plugins |
patient_zero
Falafel District
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JoeMitchell said:
Thank you very much for your advice is was quite helpful.Picked up a G12
The G12 is an amazing camera! I've thought about buying one for Summer concerts for it's tilting view screen and relatively small size. I have the highly rated sister camera, the S95 which I like a lot, but since it's the size of a pack of Talls, it lacks a tilting screen, but has a really bright 4" stationary screen. It does have an f/2.0 lens, which is one stop quicker than the G12 which sometimes makes a difference.
I highly recommended the form fit case that can be found on Amazon or Ebay for around $20. Not only is it vintage in style, it's highly functional because it keeps the camera at chest level, which it where you need it. I have one for my S95 and I love it.
Both cameras are equipped with the Digic4 processor, which is an amazing piece of photo technology. It's the same processor used in bigger cameras, and is the first processor that feels like it's an extension of my creativity. Vivid mode processed by the Digic4 is richly enhancing, and can be left on most of the time for maximum results.
Miniature effect is a lot of fun to play with, and produces some unique images if you have the right subjects. Used at a distance, it can make a large scene with buildings look like Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. Used in a close setting with a person or flower, it adds a dreamy effect that that I find appealing.
Miniature mode with person
Miniature mode with scene
Although I love my little camera, I do notice the resolution differences between it and my larger Olympus E-600. Besides having a bigger sensor and 12 megapixels, it has interchangeable ED (extra definition) glass lenses that are very nice, but a pain to lug around. The 70-300 zoom lens yields some great shots, but I hate carrying it around.
At some point you may want to invest in an slr with multiple lens options. As nice as the G12 is, it has it's optical and resolution limitations that can only be overcome by an slr. A medium level Canon or Nikon will blow your mind when (or if) you choose to purchase one.
JonMyers
HCMC ✈
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Chicken said:
Apparently, just this week they got production started back up after flooding in Thailand pretty much destroyed all of their stock and manufacturing plants there. Sounds like they are gonna have them in the US by Christmas. I haven't used the NEX series, yet, but I am stoked on what I have seen from the NEX-5n, especially in the video department. Here is an awesome little short documentary shot on it:
Get the Video Plugins
I went and took a look at the Nex-5 and really loved the size and form factor. It really is a tiny camera. I know the Nex-7 has the same basic form. The video and image quality I've seen from both seem incredible.
I'm holding out some hope that the Nex-7 hits stores for Black Friday.
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