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Good first camera for around $500

This is going to be my first camera. Video is going to be my first priority, but I don't want to skimp out on image quality either.  DSLR or mirrorless is okay. I'll only be using the stock kit lens since this is just for schoolwork and casual photography. Thanks!

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I quite like the Panasonic LUMIX G7, but you might want to give a bit more info like: what kind on environment you'll use it in, what you'll be filming, how important are future upgrades, what connectivity you want, is form factor important to you?

Does you mum know you're here?

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24 minutes ago, djdelarosa25 said:

 I'll only be using the stock kit lens since this is just for schoolwork and casual photography. Thanks!

If you are buying a DSLR and never intend on upgrading from the Kit Lens, just dont bother buying one

better off getting like an RX100 or RX10  (or equivalent)

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9 minutes ago, VVoltor said:

I quite like the Panasonic LUMIX G7, but you might want to give a bit more info like: what kind on environment you'll use it in, what you'll be filming, how important are future upgrades, what connectivity you want, is form factor important to you?

 

Yes, I have seen the G7, but unfortunately, it's not available in my country (Philippines).

 

1. ?

2. I'll be filming short clips like music videos, infomercials, etc. 

3. Not important. What I'm gonna buy is what I'll use. I'm not that into learning photography, I'm still a student.

4. ?

5. Nope. As I said, DSLR or mirrorless.

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16 minutes ago, djdelarosa25 said:

 

I won't be needing 4K. 1080p 30fps is enough.

 

Maybe the Sony a5100? Great camera, compact, easy to use and pretty versatile

 

The Nikon D3300 is also a great camera to start with, and quite a bit under your budget.

Does you mum know you're here?

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7 minutes ago, VVoltor said:

 

Maybe the Sony a5100? Great camera, compact, easy to use and pretty versatile

 

The Nikon D3300 is also a great camera to start with, and quite a bit under your budget.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. The D5300 and 700D/T5i are also within my budget.

 

Which do you think is a better road, DSLR or mirrorless?

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17 minutes ago, djdelarosa25 said:

Which do you think is a better road, DSLR or mirrorless?

For video id say mirrorless, for stills, either

though both can do both

 

(wow I hope that made sense)

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25 minutes ago, djdelarosa25 said:

 

Which do you think is a better road, DSLR or mirrorless?

Both can do the job just fine. Mirrorless cameras are usually more compact and maybe technically more advanced.

Although sometimes a cheap DSLR can give you a bit more than a budget CSC. Also, battery life is generally better on DSLRs.

 

I know, not really making it easier here xD

Does you mum know you're here?

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10 minutes ago, ShadowCaptain said:

For video id say mirrorless, for stills, either

though both can do both

 

(wow I hope that made sense)

 

If you were me (lol), what would you choose?

 

A5100 vs D3300 vs D5300 vs 700D

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16 minutes ago, djdelarosa25 said:

 

If you were me (lol), what would you choose?

 

A5100 vs D3300 vs D5300 vs 700D

Sony A6000

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9 minutes ago, ShadowCaptain said:

Sony A6000

 

Out of my budget here in the PH.

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3 minutes ago, djdelarosa25 said:

 

Out of my budget here in the PH.

Ah, you said $600.. so I was assuming $600 

 

its utterly pointless giving youd budget in USD

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9 minutes ago, ShadowCaptain said:

Ah, you said $600.. so I was assuming $600 

 

its utterly pointless giving youd budget in USD

 

Under 600 USD.

 

So in PHP it's under 30,000.

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6 minutes ago, djdelarosa25 said:

 

Under 600 USD.

 

So in PHP it's under 30,000.

Well the A6000 is $599 in the US.... haha

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9 minutes ago, ShadowCaptain said:

Well the A6000 is $599 in the US.... haha

 

Damn haha. Well, out of my choices, which one would you go for?

 

Or you can recommend something in the $500-550 range just to be safe.

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1 minute ago, djdelarosa25 said:

 

Damn haha. Well, out of my choices, which one would you go for?

 

Or you can recommend something in the $500-550 range just to be safe.

How much is it there? have you looked into it?

 

I guess if you could link me to a few stores there I could have a look

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SRP is PHP 34,999

 

http://www.henryscameraphoto.com/store/sony-a6000-black-w-e-pz-16-50mm-f35-56-oss.html

 

Cheapest that I could find after hours of researching. Unfortunately, my mother's not in a good spot for cash right now, since it's back to school and she has to spend loads on my siblings, too. So the hard cap of the budget is PHP 30,000.

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4 hours ago, djdelarosa25 said:

2. I'll be filming short clips like music videos, infomercials, etc. 

Professionally or as a hobby?

Guide: DSLR or Video camera?, Guide: Film/Photo makers' useful resources, Guide: Lenses, a quick primer

Nikon D4, Nikon D800E, Fuji X-E2, Canon G16, Gopro Hero 3+, iPhone 5s. Hasselblad 500C/M, Sony PXW-FS7

ICT Consultant, Photographer, Video producer, Scuba diver and underwater explorer, Nature & humanitarian documentary producer

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4 hours ago, ALwin said:

Professionally or as a hobby?

 

As school projects haha. Of course, as students, our teachers don't expect us to be pros when it comes to filming.

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5 hours ago, djdelarosa25 said:

 

As school projects haha. Of course, as students, our teachers don't expect us to be pros when it comes to filming.

OK, I just wanted to clarify.  In this case the cameras that others have recommended are good.  It's not necessary for me to get involved.

Guide: DSLR or Video camera?, Guide: Film/Photo makers' useful resources, Guide: Lenses, a quick primer

Nikon D4, Nikon D800E, Fuji X-E2, Canon G16, Gopro Hero 3+, iPhone 5s. Hasselblad 500C/M, Sony PXW-FS7

ICT Consultant, Photographer, Video producer, Scuba diver and underwater explorer, Nature & humanitarian documentary producer

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On 5/13/2016 at 5:41 AM, djdelarosa25 said:

This is going to be my first camera. Video is going to be my first priority, but I don't want to skimp out on image quality either.  DSLR or mirrorless is okay. I'll only be using the stock kit lens since this is just for schoolwork and casual photography. Thanks!

panasonic g7

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10 hours ago, AlanAlan said:

panasonic g7

 

Overpriced here in my country.

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I've narrowed down to these:

 

Nikon 3300

Canon 700D

Sony A5100

 

Which is the best for both video and photo?

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