Looking to buy a new camera? ASK HERE!

[v_tec]

Originally Posted by JACKED

Hi guys I'm looking to buy my first camera. I plan on mostly shooting video. I'd say $450 is my absolute max. I did do a little googling and I guess the Canon T3i is the best option? Any recommendations or thoughts?

No.

Videos of what?
You're better off buying a P&S or m4/3rd with your budget and needs.

[jcmaz]

Not to mention that 60D, T2i, T3i, 7D all share the same sensor...

For video work, you'll probably want to stick with Canon dslrs. T3i is nice for video due to its flippy screen. However T2i is cheaper so you should have the budget for a second lens like the 50 1.8.

[m3thods]

Originally Posted by Traum

LOL~ I am not familiar enough with the Rebel line, but I wouldn't say the entire line of Canon crop body cameras are junk. At the very least, the Canon 60D, 70D, and 7D are all very nice crop body cameras.

Also, I continue to stress that the Canon EOS EF lenses offer a much wider selection to choose from, compared to the Nikkor offerings. As every veteran photographer will tell you, good glass makes for a bigger difference than the body itself.

That is not to say Nikon cameras are junk. In fact, Nikon makes some very capable bodies. What I am trying to say is, if someone hasn't already committed to either system yet, both camps offer competitive products.

This.

For those of you who are not committed to a system and are starting fresh-

There are so many options aside from dslrs. My previous post might be long to read, but I've outlined the different systems available to you. There's a reason why the used market is saturated with crop systems. People either decide it is too big to lug around and want to downsize, or that they don't take pictures as much as they thought.

Most current bodies handle ISO well, so don't look too much into that. And that's not just crop. m4/3rds has come a long way in terms of IQ, and offer users everything a dslr does in a smaller package. Let's face it- most people who specifically target "entry-level" dslr systems don't look into things like sensor size, ISO performance, and noise as much as price. Couple that with capable editing software, and pretty much anything under $800 on a retail shelf today can offer very similar pictures.

Before you lucky people waste your money on dslrs, really take the time to figure out if it's really what you want. If it is, decide what's really important to you in terms of subjects (portraits, action, wildlife, etc) and go from there. Don't just buy a camera or jump to a brand because "you heard company X was better" or "my family friend who's a semi-professional photographer says company x is much better" or "m4/3 IQ is horrible compared to crop/FF".

Originally Posted by jcmaz

Not to mention that 60D, T2i, T3i, 7D all share the same sensor...

For video work, you'll probably want to stick with Canon dslrs. T3i is nice for video due to its flippy screen. However T2i is cheaper so you should have the budget for a second lens like the 50 1.8.

The new Canon 40mm 2.8 STM is likely a better option due to the focusing motor. Very very quiet.

I've been thinking about selling mine for a 35, but I'm finding it tough to justify. The 40 is such a great little lens.

[JACKED]

Originally Posted by v_tec

No.

Videos of what?
You're better off buying a P&S or m4/3rd with your budget and needs.

Skateboarding and documenting trips

[jcmaz]

Go Pro comes to mind for videos of that sort.

@m3thods: yeah the 40mm is a better option, but I don't think he can afford it given his budget of max $450 for body and lens where bodies are ~300-350.

[m3thods]

^While I can understand what a budget means, in this case it'd be 20-50$ above budget for what he's looking for if he buys everything used and a body on the low end of the price scale. Personally the construction and optics of the 40 make it much better.

He can save 20 coffees or 2-3 meals out to make that difference. It's not much to get a lot more in return imo. There are a million T2i/T3i's out there, so they aren't going to go anywhere, and you can likely negotiate a better price because of the supply.

[Cr33pUh]

Is a Nikon d90 used with 16k actuations for $325 a good price?

[yray]

^y not get a D300 for $500

[Cr33pUh]

Originally Posted by yray

^y not get a D300 for $500

Because it is way over my budget.

[v_tec]

Originally Posted by Cr33pUh

Is a Nikon d90 used with 16k actuations for $325 a good price?

I rather get the latest entry model for $380 than a 6 year old camera.
Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm Lens - London Drugs

[Matsuda]

Originally Posted by v_tec

I rather get the latest entry model for $380 than a 6 year old camera.
Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm Lens - London Drugs

I'd rather keep my d90 then get a d3100
Nikon D3100 vs D90 - Our Analysis

[m3thods]

^I agree with this statement.

[cruz-in]

hmm,

i have a dilemma, i need to buy a waterproof camera but i dont know what to get. I've considered a go pro but the lack of audio when its inside it's case isnt the greatest thing. I want audio while recording.

I've read reviews on waterproof point and shoots, but im just curious if anybody has any real world experiences with them.

thanks!

[m3thods]

^Don't take this the wrong way, but what kind of audio are you expecting when underwater? Any audio I tend to hear is the "nothing" you "hear" when you dunk your head under water. Unless the go-pro is picking up some whale/porpoise/dolphin chatter (which may not happen due to the frequency they happen), I wouldn't base an underwater camera purchase decision on audio.

[Jegz]

Hi guys, amateur here. I'm looking to buy a camera that will be primarily used for pictures; however, we will also plan to record videos as well (doesnt have to be state-of-the-art quality).

The camera will be used for mainly used for close-ups to midrange ecommerce photography. Examples of products will be e-cigarettes, clothing, etc. Most of our photos will be taken against a white background with additional lighting as well.

Any good cameras that wont break the bank you guys recommend? (budget max: $600?) Buying used is no problem and if you could recommend a lens as well that would be really great! TIA.

[m3thods]

Originally Posted by jegglez

Hi guys, amateur here. I'm looking to buy a camera that will be primarily used for pictures; however, we will also plan to record videos as well (doesnt have to be state-of-the-art quality).

The camera will be used for mainly used for close-ups to midrange ecommerce photography. Examples of products will be e-cigarettes, clothing, etc. Most of our photos will be taken against a white background with additional lighting as well.

Any good cameras that wont break the bank you guys recommend? (budget max: $600?) Buying used is no problem and if you could recommend a lens as well that would be really great! TIA.

A couple of things to clarify here:

1. Does your budget factor in the lens cost as well?
2. When you say close-ups, do you mean stuff like product shots/head-shots? Or do you mean macro/detail work.
3. What's "midrange ecommerce photography"?
4. Does it have to be a dslr?
5. When you say "additional" lighting- are these studio lights? speedlights? If they're studio lights, how are you planning on firing them? Is all that stuff provided to you, or do you have to buy that stuff too?

If it's 600 all in, then your selection is pretty much limited to entry-level SLR/mirrorless, or a point-and-shoot.

If it has to be a dslr, then you're probably looking at a used t2i/t3i or equivalent Nikon kit. However, that doesn't leave you much left budget-wise with respect to lenses. Depending on your answer to my second question, I could suggest just buying a macro lens (ef-s 60mm) for product/head shots and it'll cover you for detail work as well. You can get those for cheap used. The kit lens with the camera will cover your sporadic video use.

Long story short- for us to make a good suggestion, we'll likely need a bit more info. Also, if it doesn't have to be a slr, please take the time to read my long-ish post about people looking to buy a camera but aren't attached to a "system" yet. You may find that a dslr isn't really what you need.

[Jegz]

Originally Posted by m3thods

A couple of things to clarify here:

1. Does your budget factor in the lens cost as well?
2. When you say close-ups, do you mean stuff like product shots/head-shots? Or do you mean macro/detail work.
3. What's "midrange ecommerce photography"?
4. Does it have to be a dslr?
5. When you say "additional" lighting- are these studio lights? speedlights? If they're studio lights, how are you planning on firing them? Is all that stuff provided to you, or do you have to buy that stuff too?

If it's 600 all in, then your selection is pretty much limited to entry-level SLR/mirrorless, or a point-and-shoot.

If it has to be a dslr, then you're probably looking at a used t2i/t3i or equivalent Nikon kit. However, that doesn't leave you much left budget-wise with respect to lenses. Depending on your answer to my second question, I could suggest just buying a macro lens (ef-s 60mm) for product/head shots and it'll cover you for detail work as well. You can get those for cheap used. The kit lens with the camera will cover your sporadic video use.

Long story short- for us to make a good suggestion, we'll likely need a bit more info. Also, if it doesn't have to be a slr, please take the time to read my long-ish post about people looking to buy a camera but aren't attached to a "system" yet. You may find that a dslr isn't really what you need.

Hi sorry I guess I was kinda unclear on a few things.

1. Budget factor does not include lens.
2. Mostly product shots. Macro is a bonus though but not important.
3. Haha midrange for example, I meant like the distance range of taking a picture of a full t-shirt. Sorry "midrange" was a really bad description.
4. Well I assume using a DSLR would produce better quality pictures
5. I'll be getting two strobe lights and umbrellas as well. Was planning on connecting the system through a wireless remote flash? or hotshoe method (need to do more research on this lol)

Hope that helps!

[m3thods]

DSLR is definitely better if you're making bigger prints, but if it's for an ecommerce site using web-sized pictures you can get away with m4/3ds or even a premium point and shoot. Though in your case if this is going to be used 90+% in a studio setting then I'd probably go with a budget dslr for the sake of an easier time with studio lighting.

I'm no lighting expert, so I can't really comment. If I'm correct to assume that it's mostly for studio work, then I'd probably spend more money here as it'll make a bigger difference to your proposed needs than your camera imo.

Again, if it's mostly for a studio setting, I'd go cheap body/kit (T2i/T3i) and macro (efs 60). The kit lens will cover wide focal lengths and video. The macro would be a versatile option for full item shots, as well as details when you need them. Maybe throw in a tripod to keep your product shots looking consistent.

Theoretically, you could also get something like a G-series camera from Canon and still have access to wireless triggers like Pocketwizards and Yongnuos for lighting. I may be wrong, but the G-series has a hotshoe not unlike the Canon dslrs, so I'm pretty sure it would work. You could probably get an older G12+ for dirt cheap. That would take care of your lens and body cost, leaving you much more for lighting. These guys will also shoot your "here-and-there" video when you need it, but obviously a G-series won't be as accommodating to changing needs (read: you can't change the lens on it) as a dslr would.

[Traum]

For static, studio lighting type of shots that are only posted on e-commerce sites, a budget dSLR + budget lenses would be good enough. In particular, the kit lens + a cheap macro (Canon 50mm macro or 60mm macro) combo would work well, as long as you step the aperture down. It'd be wiser to spend your money on the lighting equipment instead - Alien Bees are surprisingly cheap and produce reasonably good results.

[Jegz]

Thank guys above. I'll most likely get something in the T3i range and the 60mm 2.8g seems perfect for my ideal use. I'll also be doing more research on the lighting equipment as well. Then its shopping time!

[m3thods]

Shopping time is the best time!

With studio lighting you can pretty much get whatever type of lighting effect/mood you want. Like Traum and I said, it's the best place to spend more of your money.

[v_tec]

Adorama and B&H...I know you can't possibly go wrong with either one.

But given the price is the same (and with Amazon), any preference over the 2?

[m3thods]

If I'm too lazy to drive down to pick it up, BH offers shipping to Canada that avoids brokerage charges (pretty sure it's still around). Otherwise, whichever is cheapest.

Amazon has to be at least 9% cheaper than the other two companies as they charge sales tax if you ship to Washington, and there are no guarantees regarding Canadian shipping.

[Traum]

Don't automatically assume that Adorama and B&H are cheaper than Canadian stores. For a lot of stuff, they are. But it seems like at least for a good number of high end Canon items, Canadian retailers actually have better prices. Other times, the prices are more or less comparable.

During the past Black Friday / Cyber Monday / Boxing Week sale, for example, Broadway Camera was actually selling their Canon 5D3 and 6D at approximately the same price as B&H.

[v_tec]

Originally Posted by m3thods

If I'm too lazy to drive down to pick it up, BH offers shipping to Canada that avoids brokerage charges (pretty sure it's still around). Otherwise, whichever is cheapest.

Amazon has to be at least 9% cheaper than the other two companies as they charge sales tax if you ship to Washington, and there are no guarantees regarding Canadian shipping.

Thanks. I'll have to pick it up in WA for sure as the product I want isn't available to shipping to Canada even if I want to pay those extra $$$.