entry level interchangable lens recommendations?

[Thorium19]

So I'm looking to treat myself to a new camera for Christmas, an interchangable lens one preferably, and I am looking mainly for advice or other recommendations on what to get.

 

I'd like to get one for less than £300 (very much entry level) but I am willing to pay a little more if there is something that is unrivalled and far superior to other options.

 

What I've considered so far is the Sony A5000, Nikon D3200 and Canon 1200D. I've also looked at the Samsung nx 300, but it's too difficult to get, and the original canon eos m, but the autofocus issue and lack of built in flash were what put me off.

 

I'm leaning to the side of the Sony as I can get it cheapest, but the cost of lenses for it and the lack of a hotshoe for expandability (not a major issue tbh) are mildly annoying

 

I'll be using it for photos primarily, largely focussing on car shows, scenery close ups and landscapes, with the occasional group/family photo. I'll only be doing a little bit of filming, largely for casual family events but I would like the ability to film a decent youtube video if required.

[ALwin]

snip

 

You say your budget is GBP 300, but if the need arises you are willing to go a bit higher.  How much higher?

Secondly, do you want to stay with a kit lens or get additional lenses?  And other accessories such as spare memory cards, batteries, a flash unit, tripod, etc.?

[Thorium19]

You say your budget is GBP 300, but if the need arises you are willing to go a bit higher.  How much higher?

Secondly, do you want to stay with a kit lens or get additional lenses?  And other accessories such as spare memory cards, batteries, a flash unit, tripod, etc.?

 

No more than £30-40 really, and that's if there's something unbeatable.

Initially I'd stick with the kit lens, at a later date I'd buy new lenses but not right away.

I don't need any new memory cards, I got some new ones about 2 months ago that will see me through a while, and I've also got a tripod already.

I've not looked at getting a flash unit as I'm only doing amateur photography and have never considered them.

Batteries are probably unneeded unless the chosen camera has a very small battery and uses a proprietary charger.

[ALwin]

No more than £30-40 really, and that's if there's something unbeatable.

Initially I'd stick with the kit lens, at a later date I'd buy new lenses but not right away.

I don't need any new memory cards, I got some new ones about 2 months ago that will see me through a while, and I've also got a tripod already.

I've not looked at getting a flash unit as I'm only doing amateur photography and have never considered them.

Batteries are probably unneeded unless the chosen camera has a very small battery and uses a proprietary charger.

 

In that case, buy the camera you are comfortable holding and using.  In terms of photo image quality, all 3 cameras should perform more or less the same.  And all 3 models seem like they would produce about the same quality video.

 

The best way to compere them would be to read the reviews and check which one offers the specs you require.

[Antwan]

Hello,

 

From the cameras that you have listed I can only recommend the Canon one. By themselves they are pretty similar. But the Canon one has the option to "hack" the firmware and install Magic Lantern, which gives a loooooot of features to your camera. 

 

I have a 600D and I cannot imagine having a camera without Magic Lantern.

 

Also consider the combo "cheaper body + good lens". Trust me the lens makes the picture, not so much the body (depending on scenario, but in general)

Also consider buying used camera gear, totally worth it. I got a 50mm used canon lens -70% cheaper than retail price, couldn't be happier. A lot of people are changing camera brands which makes their lenses useless to them and they are willing to sell cheap. 

[ShadowCaptain]

A5000 or D3200 get my vote

A5000 = mirrorless, smaller and lighter, can use legacy lenses and cheap old glass off ebay with adapters, cons = no built in flash or mic jack

 

D3200 = DSLR, awesone range of nikon glass, built in flash and mic jack, cons = bigger and heavier

 

 

Image quality and video features for both are pretty much on par

[Thorium19]

Hello,

 

From the cameras that you have listed I can only recommend the Canon one. By themselves they are pretty similar. But the Canon one has the option to "hack" the firmware and install Magic Lantern, which gives a loooooot of features to your camera. 

 

I have a 600D and I cannot imagine having a camera without Magic Lantern.

 

Also consider the combo "cheaper body + good lens". Trust me the lens makes the picture, not so much the body (depending on scenario, but in general)

Also consider buying used camera gear, totally worth it. I got a 50mm used canon lens -70% cheaper than retail price, couldn't be happier. A lot of people are changing camera brands which makes their lenses useless to them and they are willing to sell cheap. 

Honestly, I'm not sure if I'd make use of the features magic lantern has, I'm not planning on doing more than casual photos for myself and family, I don't necessarily need "pro" features.

I'd consider used stuff, but as it's my first major camera buy I'd like to have a warranty, although I'm open to getting used lenses.

 

 

A5000 or D3200 get my vote

A5000 = mirrorless, smaller and lighter, can use legacy lenses and cheap old glass off ebay with adapters, cons = no built in flash or mic jack

 

D3200 = DSLR, awesone range of nikon glass, built in flash and mic jack, cons = bigger and heavier

 

 

Image quality and video features for both are pretty much on par

I think the A5000 has a built in flash but no hotshoe for external flash, which is my only real gripe with it.

[ShadowCaptain]

I think the A5000 has a built in flash but no hotshoe for external flash, which is my only real gripe with it.

 

yep you are right sorry I was being dumb, I meant that you cannot fit a flash to it, just the built in flash, though you could use this to remote trigger another flash

 

Depends if you need a flash, 99% of the time I dont use one (in fact up to this point I have never even owned one)

[Thorium19]

yep you are right sorry I was being dumb, I meant that you cannot fit a flash to it, just the built in flash, though you could use this to remote trigger another flash

 

Depends if you need a flash, 99% of the time I dont use one (in fact up to this point I have never even owned one)

Yeah, I never really use flash, I'd much rather increase exposure or aperture than use the flash.

I think I know someone with an a5000, so I might see if I can give it a go. Otherwise I'm limited to trying the nikon in store.

[ShadowCaptain]

Yeah, I never really use flash, I'd much rather increase exposure or aperture than use the flash.

I think I know someone with an a5000, so I might see if I can give it a go. Otherwise I'm limited to trying the nikon in store.

Either are good (or save for the A6000 or best 6100)

[Thorium19]

Either are good (or save for the A6000 or best 6100)

I don't think I can afford the A6000, even when saving up, it's double the price of the A5000 if I want a lens with it sadly.

[ShadowCaptain]

I don't think I can afford the A6000, even when saving up, it's double the price of the A5000 if I want a lens with it sadly.

 

It comes with the kit lens,but fair enough if its out of budget

 

the D3200 is a great camera if not, but the benefit of the A5000 is adapted glass

[Antwan]

Honestly, I'm not sure if I'd make use of the features magic lantern has, I'm not planning on doing more than casual photos for myself and family, I don't necessarily need "pro" features.

I'd consider used stuff, but as it's my first major camera buy I'd like to have a warranty, although I'm open to getting used lenses.

 

 

I think the A5000 has a built in flash but no hotshoe for external flash, which is my only real gripe with it.

 

I really don't understand why you want to pay the same amount and get less with the sony or nikon.

I have a D3200 and a 600D. A friend of mine has a 1000D.

If you give me the choice right now to buy a camera in that price range... I'd probably go for a used 1100D with a good lens, to be honest!

 

 

P.S. - Im a pro photographer by the way, if that matters to you in any way...

[ShadowCaptain]

I really don't understand why you want to pay the same amount and get less with the sony or nikon...

 

Less than what?

 

the 1100d is a really shit camera, the 3200d wipes the floor with it in literally everything

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-1100D-vs-Nikon-D3200/detailed

[Antwan]

Less than what?

 

the 1100d is a really shit camera, the 3200d wipes the floor with it in literally everything

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-1100D-vs-Nikon-D3200/detailed

 

 

Don't give me numbers... have you shot with both of them?

+1100d is 30-40% cheaper, meaning more budget towards lenses, isn't that the point of a interchangeable lens camera after all... 

 

 

1100D + Magic Lanter - cheap, a lot of features + more budget for glass!

D3200 - more expensive, not that much better, less budget for glass!

I cannot speak for the Sony since I have not tested it.

[Thorium19]

Don't give me numbers... have you shot with both of them?

+1100d is 30-40% cheaper, meaning more budget towards lenses, isn't that the point of a interchangeable lens camera after all... 

 

 

1100D + Magic Lanter - cheap, a lot of features + more budget for glass!

D3200 - more expensive, not that much better, less budget for glass!

I cannot speak for the Sony since I have not tested it.

As someone who is a beginner really, what benefit does magic lantern have? thinking not from a professional standpoint but that of someone who is new to it all.

[ALwin]

As someone who is a beginner really, what benefit does magic lantern have? thinking not from a professional standpoint but that of someone who is new to it all.

 

Not much benefit to a beginner.  None at all.

 

And as you said, you are looking for a camera primarily for photos first, videos as an afterthought.

[Antwan]

As someone who is a beginner really, what benefit does magic lantern have? thinking not from a professional standpoint but that of someone who is new to it all.

 

Okay... lets back up. Its not about professional standpoint and etc. Magic Lantern offers also simple features like "HDR" and etc. 

On a 300GBP budget I'd get a...

1. 1100D/1200D BODY ONLY - used or new depending on how much you spend below:

2. Canon EF-S 24mm f2.8 - USED (it costs 100gbp new)

3. Canon EF 50mm f1.8 - USED (it costs 85gbp new)

 

You will get 2 great lenses on your budget! One for landscapes/wide shots and one for portraits.