Decent camera for an amateur photographer

[Zohan2000]

Ello wizards of the LTT forums, I'm thinking about possibly doing a bit of photography but the only decent camera I have is on my One Plus One, and I have no clue at what to look at when buying a camera, mainly want something that can take clear crisp photos of animals, nature and storm clouds, and maybe some people now n then (-wink-) so any advice would be great and also looking at a camera where it's possible for some lenses, tripod and other accessories that might help with taking good photos, also if there's some sort of video guide I could watch on the camera about using it and get some tips and tricks that would be helpful as well.

Thanks in advance <3

[Zeke]

What's your budget?

 

For starters, I'd suggest something out of Nikon's 3xxx (or 5xxx maybe) series DSLR. Read some guides, familiarize yourself with ISO, shutter speed, aperture settings, etc.

 

EDIT: as @RZeroX said, it makes sense to get up body only (i.e. you buy only the camera itself, no lens included) and then pick a lens yourself. 

[RZeroX]

t2i t3i t4i t5i BODY ONLY and pick a decent non-kit lens http://lenshero.com/

[Zohan2000]

At the moment my budget is around $500 AUD but at the moment just sorta seeing what's out there and find a decent price to work towards, do have something's I'll be selling for extra money so the budget could end up around $1000 AUD maybe even more or less

[shadowblitz3]

Fujifilm S8600?

[LarsReviews]

Panasonic G6 or G5

[Bsmith]

i would say anything form a reputable camera brand as long you are allowed to change lenses, i don't really know the price diffrence between EU and there, but i think you would be looking for something like a canon t5i or something form nikon in the same price range.

[Zohan2000]

can you guys post some links, having trouble finding them on local retailer sites

[Bsmith]

can you guys post some links, having trouble finding them on local retailer sites

 

if you are looking for the canon models, be sure you are using the right naming schedule, for US its rebel, EU is eos xx00D and asia/japan is kiss.

 

name list is just past the bottom of this page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS

 

will try to look for shops that sell in aus, altough i doubt i can find any.

[Dimwitted]

You can go three ways with this. Simple point and shoot, mirrorless 4/3, or full fledged DSLR.

 

Your budget will get you a pretty good point and shoot camera. Something like the Sony RX100 III is getting rave reviews. As long as you stay within its limitations it will do everything you need it to do.

 

4/3 will give you the added flexibility of lenses. Something like Panasonic's Lumix series is excellent. That budget will only allow for medium grade versions. You'll have to save for the lens. And sorry, the GH4 is out of the question.

 

The DSLR is only at the basic level. Canon's Rebel series and equivalent. Lightweight bodies and a basic lens. It can expand but the line will be limited. You'll have to replace the camera if you want to go for more sophistication down the road.

 

Your best bet is to buy used. Much more available hardware and far better bang for the buck. Go to a camera store and find what fits you well. Does it fit your hands? Too big? Too small? Too many fiddly buttons? Fuzzy screen? Slow focussing? Too complicated? Once you found something that you like, take a ton of pictures. You'll quickly find out what *really* works for you. You'll end up finding out that either you like the capabilities of a flexible system, or having to haul around a ton of junk just to take pictures is a royal PITA.

[Zohan2000]

Currently looking at the canon eos 600D camera, in my price range and brand new at $550 AUD from Harvey Norman in Australia

[Mo5]

Currently looking at the canon eos 600D camera, in my price range and brand new at $550 AUD from Harvey Norman in Australia

The 600D is a good camera and there are surely good lenses available for it, but you need to ask yourself 1 very important question: do you want to carry such a bulky camera around?

I have a D5100 and if I'm not going on a dedicated photoshooting day I just take my tiny S6600 instead.

Just my 2 cents.

[Bsmith]

Currently looking at the canon eos 600D camera, in my price range and brand new at $550 AUD from Harvey Norman in Australia

 

good camera, qutie a few lenses availeble for it.(thinking of trading my 1200D in for a 600D)

 

and like @Mo5 said,be prepared to take it with you, those things aren't to big imo, but not veyr light or easy to transport(if you do it safe)

[Zohan2000]

When I go to the shops I'll see if I can check it out in person and go from there

[Zohan2000]

been thinking of whats been said here and most of the photos ill be taking will most likely be around the yard of the birds that come in to feed and maybe some cats n kittens and also some clouds/storm clouds, rain falling in the distance and just small things like that but i want really clear photos and i might even take the camera out to certain places just for some fun like if we decide to go to the beach fishing out on the boat most likely wont be taking it out with me in the boat, probably would use my mums smaller camera for that but yer, dont really know at the moment, will be going into town this week hopefully to find a place with the camera and hold it to see if i like the way it feels

[legoset0]

At the moment my budget is around $500 AUD but at the moment just sorta seeing what's out there and find a decent price to work towards, do have something's I'll be selling for extra money so the budget could end up around $1000 AUD maybe even more or less

 

The EOS 700d is good not sure about the cheaper entry level ones as I haven't used them.

At $1000 you will still have to stick with the kit lens or the EF 50mm F1.8 for about $150. There is nothing wrong with the kit lenses for the kind of stuff you would be using it for.

[Zohan2000]

Would a 1200D be better in this situation? Is cheaper, still gotta go to the shops yet to see the cameras in person

[Zohan2000]

here are some links ive found from a place that has the Canon EOS 1200D body only and with a lens kit and a Canon EOS 600D

 

http://bit.ly/1CRv1Kj- Canon EOS 1200D with a 18-55 mm single lens kit black $448 AUD on sale

 

http://bit.ly/1D4UfoJ- Canon EOS 1200D BODY ONLY $466 AUD

 

http://bit.ly/1tUyR3A- Canon EOS 600D BODY ONLY $549 AUD

 

hopefully ill be going into town tomorrow so i can cheap out these cameras in person but was wondering what would you guys recommend since im a beginner photographer

[Zohan2000]

Went into the shop today and looked at the 1200D with the lens kit and it feels pretty good but the guy recommends another camera, the Canon powershot sx60 hs and has offered a deal for it and 4 years replacement warranty for $648 And which will cost a lot more but seems to be better in this case cause I wouldn't have to buy different lenses specially with better zoom

[Bsmith]

I got a 1200D myself, altough i must personally say its not that great, since it is basicly the lowest step in point of dslr's form canon and i personally fond it lacking some speed and the AF isnt that great in my experience.

[Dredgy]

@Zohan2000 I would recommend the Canon EOS 550D or similar (600D if you could swing it). They are abundant and cheap second hand, and have all modern features, they just lack some creature comforts.

Depending on where you live, you can get really great deals. Here in rural Queensland, a search on gumtree showed a couple of results for a body, plus 2 lenses for under $500.

 

The powershot would be a good option, if you never wanted to upgrade. I bought my 550D in 2011 and just left it in kit configuration until this year, and I was very glad that I had the flexibility to change lenses and use professional equipment with it and didn't have to drop money on a new camera as well, when I was already out by a fair bit investing in studio equipment.

[The Sweetroll]

Second hand is allways a good option if you have a tight budget. Higher end cameras like the range from canon and Dxxx from nikon keep their value a lot better than the lower end cameras. Lenses on the other hand keep their value even better especially fast primes and classics like the 24-70 f/2.8 or 70-200 f/2.8.

[Ex14]

if you can, get a mirrorless. its small, light and carries the same sensor size as most dslr (aps-c) so image quality will be the same (even better if we're comparing with canon...lazy cômpany hasnt really changed its sensor tech in years.) do note not all mirrorless uses this sizr of sensor tho, the nikon j and v and panasonic, olympus all usr smaller sensors but still have decent quality. dont look down on it just because its smaller than dslrs. the best camera is the one you have on you afterall

[ShadowCaptain]

if you can, get a mirrorless. its small, light and carries the same sensor size as most dslr (aps-c) so image quality will be the same (even better if we're comparing with canon...lazy cômpany hasnt really changed its sensor tech in years.) do note not all mirrorless uses this sizr of sensor tho, the nikon j and v and panasonic, olympus all usr smaller sensors but still have decent quality. dont look down on it just because its smaller than dslrs. the best camera is the one you have on you afterall

 

huh?

Canon sensor tech has changed tons, look at their dual pixel AF tech and all sorts of other things, most companies do not change their sensors all that much, they generally try and keep consistency within the brand, the only reason Nikon change, is because they are made by Sony.. so can only use what Sony are making

 

I agree mirrorless is the way, though with regards to m43, neither me nor my friend have found one whos performance really replaces a high end APSC/Full frame mirrorless/dslr, generally with poor low light and lacking critical focus (poor GX7)

 

 

"the best camera is the one you have with you".. sure Chase was right here... but it doesn't mean you cant carry a BETTER camera.....honestly its not much of a mantra

 

A camera is a tool, a better tool will perform better providing the skill to use it

[Ex14]

huh?

Canon sensor tech has changed tons, look at their dual pixel AF tech and all sorts of other things, most companies do not change their sensors all that much, they generally try and keep consistency within the brand, the only reason Nikon change, is because they are made by Sony.. so can only use what Sony are making

 

I agree mirrorless is the way, though with regards to m43, neither me nor my friend have found one whos performance really replaces a high end APSC/Full frame mirrorless/dslr, generally with poor low light and lacking critical focus (poor GX7)

 

 

"the best camera is the one you have with you".. sure Chase was right here... but it doesn't mean you cant carry a BETTER camera.....honestly its not much of a mantra

 

A camera is a tool, a better tool will perform better providing the skill to use it

their improvements haven;t benefited image quality overall tho  and have been more video focused with little gains on the photo side. Their underlying sensor hasn;t changed at all it even struggles against some smaller sized sensor, granted image quality isn't what makes or break a photograph necessarily...

Not just M4/3, haha I'm currently rocking a Fuji X-E1 and while it has excellent iso perf and IQ focusing leaves abit to be desired.

Sure you can carry a bigger, better camera. but the question is for how long? I;'ve seen counteless people buy DSLR only to buy smaller cameras down the road because the DSLRs are too bulky.  Some even just use their phones (which tbh is also pretty capable nowadays)

Argement is tho, mirrorless IS the better camera for MOST people nowadays