manchu Posted March 13, 2017 Posted March 13, 2017 A family member is after some help shopping for his first decent camera. Budget is around the $400 mark so I guess 2nd hand is the way to go. I've only ever had 1 dslr (canon 450d) and am all m43 now so I'm not too sure what to suggest. How about Nikon D7000 with an 18-105 lens as a start? Maybe add 35 or 50 for a cheap fixed/fast option down the track. For or some reason I'm leaning toward Nikon but would consider Canon, Sony etc.
Guest Misterioso Posted March 13, 2017 Posted March 13, 2017 11 minutes ago, manchu said: How about Nikon D7000 with an 18-105 lens as a start? Maybe add 35 or 50 for a cheap fixed/fast option down the track. That would have been exactly my recommenation. This was my first DSLR as well (after a long history of analog photography). Good camera.
Spearmint Posted March 13, 2017 Posted March 13, 2017 In my experience many getting into photography tend to follow brands their friends and family use. If they do decide to go down the D7000 & 18-105mm path, I have one which I'd be happy to discuss a deal.
awty Posted March 13, 2017 Posted March 13, 2017 Cheapest one you can beg, borrow or steal. Then spend the rest on lessons. The cameras the least important piece of the equation IMO. 1
manchu Posted March 13, 2017 Author Posted March 13, 2017 9 hours ago, Spearmint said: In my experience many getting into photography tend to follow brands their friends and family use. If they do decide to go down the D7000 & 18-105mm path, I have one which I'd be happy to discuss a deal. I did think of suggesting canon because I have a couple of old lenses he could have, but they're not much chop. Nikon came to mind because my old man has a D90 with the 18-105 and I quite like it.
manchu Posted March 13, 2017 Author Posted March 13, 2017 8 hours ago, awty said: Cheapest one you can beg, borrow or steal. Then spend the rest on lessons. The cameras the least important piece of the equation IMO. If if I know him he'll be pretty serious about learning how to use a camera properly and capable of doing so. Probably not paid lessons though, so don't see any point suggesting his modest $400 budget is too much.
awty Posted March 13, 2017 Posted March 13, 2017 10 hours ago, manchu said: If if I know him he'll be pretty serious about learning how to use a camera properly and capable of doing so. Probably not paid lessons though, so don't see any point suggesting his modest $400 budget is too much. Hi, Amazes me how many times people have asked me what camera they should buy (cause apparently if you use a slr type camera you are some sort of expert ) without knowing much or anything about how it actually works. Photography improves immensely with a few basic lessons. Just saying if its a choice of camera or proper lessens, Id choose lessons. Plenty of able DSLR's for under $100 and friends and relatives often have older models lying around they can lend. My preference is for sub $30 film cameras, like to do things the hard way.
Guest rmpfyf Posted March 13, 2017 Posted March 13, 2017 s/h d90 and a 50mm f/1.8. Forget the zoom lenses whilst learning (and at any rate the older 18-70mm is considerably less expensive and practically as good). You'll learn plenty. Got spare cash and really want to blow your mind? Add a basic flash. You'll want lessons after this much - you'll have a pin-sharp fixed focus lens and all the lighting flexibility you could ask for. Any gaps in performance will be human, and you'll know about them, and learn fast.
manchu Posted March 16, 2017 Author Posted March 16, 2017 I've decided I'll lend him a spare m43 camera (Oly EP3 + Pana 14-45) so he can have a play and work out what he needs.
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