I couldn't find the camera thread in the search...

Anyways, I'm looking to buy a starter DSLR.

Right now, I'm debating between the Nikon D3100/D5100 or the Canon t2i/t3i.

Anyone have any advice for a novice user?

I finally found a used Canon 5D Mark I, but I'm not sure whether to fork out the extra money for it if I'm just starting out.

The t2i seems to be the best bargain for the buck: $550.

The D3100 is at the same price range but the video capabilities worry me. The more recent models of both run 100 to 200 dollars more, and the Mark I is being sold for $900.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Last edited by OrangestO on May-02-2012 at 15:14

micro 4:3

ditch the dslr

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quote:

Originally posted by EarnYourKeep micro 4:3 ditch the dslr

Hmmm. Interesting.

Each has its advantages/disadvantages.

Being that I want to learn the technical side of photography and possibly upgrade in the future, a starter DSLR seems like the better choice.

quote:

Originally posted by OrangestO I finally found a used Canon 5D Mark I, but I'm not sure whether to fork out the extra money for it if I'm just starting out.

Definitely not a good idea to spend so much if you don't know how photography is going to go for you. Its better to spend as little as possible the first time around and then just upgrade your equipment.

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quote:

Originally posted by kamil Definitely not a good idea to spend so much if you don't know how photography is going to go for you. Its better to spend as little as possible the first time around and then just upgrade your equipment.

It's going to be a part of my job, in some form or fashion.

But yea, I'd rather start with a more basic DSLR before upgrading.

Any recommendations?

quote:

Originally posted by OrangestO It's going to be a part of my job, in some form or fashion. But yea, I'd rather start with a more basic DSLR before upgrading. Any recommendations?

I'll sell you my nikon d60 if you want

comes with a sigma 24-200 vr lens

i'll throw everything in actually, extra batter, carrying bag, cleaning kit etc

after going to micro 4:3's i don't even use my dslr anymore.

i dont know how many shutter actuations are on the body but i can look it up when i get home. the lens also comes with a warranty from B&H.

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I'm looking for something I can shoot video with as well. Thanks, though.

I'm curious...

Which micro do you have? What kind of photography do you do?

quote:

Originally posted by OrangestO I'm looking for something I can shoot video with as well. Thanks, though. I'm curious... Which micro do you have? What kind of photography do you do?

i'd go up to the D90 if you want video that's far enough out of date to be affordable if you are a nikon guy. the only problem with the D series is there is no motor mount on the body which means you have to purchase a lens with AF if you use AF. I don't use AF (autofocus) so it wasn't a problem for me but a lot of people who went with the D60/90 had to buy expensive lenses since the af motor was built into those lenses. end of the day, glass is expensive so I'd go with a med body and expensive glass (canon L is nice though)

the following 4:3's i've shot with are: Ricoh GXR, Luminx GF1, and Nikon 1

at first i bought the d60 cuz i was doing a lot of traveling, then i started working the nifty fifty great depth of field. at the end of the day for me its more about all around conditions, low light, landscape, macro, and portrait.

the new m4:3's also come with interchangable lens, so finding a prime lens and a zoom lens for a compact body is what im after. I really like the Nikon 1 but haven't bought it yet. I'm holding steady at the moment on a new camera purchase but my next one for sure will be soon.

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I just bought a Sony A55 and I'm digging it immensely. It has slightly less mega pixels than the 2T-i but better options for video, a nicer viewing screen, and faster FPS. Also some neat lil tricks like auto-stitching panoramics and low lighting shots. The images may be of slightly less quality than the Canon, but I feel like it's a more well rounded camera, and at this price range the quality is more or less indistinguishable. I took it to Coachella last weekend, here are some shots I brought back.

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I picked up a refurb Nikon d3100 for $400. Don't think you can get anything better at that price

quote:

Originally posted by EarnYourKeep micro 4:3

IMHO

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quote:

Originally posted by stan229 I picked up a refurb Nikon d3100 for $400. Don't think you can get anything better at that price

Yea, I'm basically in debate whether to get that or the Canon t2i.

Both are $550 at BestBuy, right now.

I'm leaning toward Canon, though, because of its video capabilities. Otherwise, they both seem to be fairly equal.

How do you like yours, so far?