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Considering buying my first DSLR.

Roscue2

Roscue2

Active member
I have been considering for quite some time to buy a entry level DSLR (think Canon T3, Nikon D3100). I have spent the last 5-6 years using 4 digital cameras, although currently 3 of the 4 have a problem or do not work. My first camera was a Argus 3 megapixel camera, which I used for taking crummy hiking photos for about a yr. Currently, it is broken, and I will eventually throw it to the electronics recyclers when I get the heart to. The Argus was a $30 camera, and really was as basic a P&S camera you can have. One of the photos I took with it before it died is my avatar.

My next camera was a Vivitar 10 megapixel camera. I never liked it because, well, I knew it was a cheap piece of crap. Currently, the lens and screen have issues due to abuse on the trails from a view yrs ago. It still works technically, but I do not see it in my future for much longer. After all, I haven't used it in about 2 yrs. It cost around $80 when it was bought.

The third camera I have used to take pictures over the yrs was a JVC camcorder. It has a problem with the lens as well from abuse in the field, and I haven't used it in over a yr, although it may be useful again at some point.

The forth and final P&S camera I have owned in the last 5-6 is the Kodak zx5. Although it is more of a rugged camcorder, I enjoy using it the most of the 4. It is 5 megapixels, and has no zoom, but for macro and broad photos it does good enough for me. It was $100 when I bought it last yr, and I plan on keeping it for as long as it lasts. Easy to use and small. I intend on it being my hiking camera.

Now, as I mentioned in the title of this thread, I am looking at buying a DSLR for in town (not on the trail, due to weight and possible damaging of body and lens). I would like, however, to use it in say easy nature shots that don't require me to hike out in the middle of nowhere and get dirty. Of course, due to being in college and working at a minimum wage job, I cannot spend $1000s of dollars on a DSLR. I am content with a beginner basic DSLR for the time being. By beginner, as I said before, I am thinking of a $400-500 body and starting lens. Of course, over time I may buy another lens.

I would also consider it a gift to myself for working all summer, just to ease the pain of the cost.:)

So, basically, my question to you is, does it make sense for me to get a beginner DSLR after 5-6 yrs of point and shoot cameras? At this point, I just can't see spending hundreds of more dollars for a good point and shoot, when I can buy a DSLR for a little bit more than the top point and shoot cameras.

One more reminder, I am not one of those people that believes my photos are great and should be in a gallery for sale, nor do I intend on getting professional with photography. I just want to be able to have a good level of control with my camera, and like the outcome photos. Like many of you, I consider photography a hobby.

HH and GL
 
I was faced with the same situation about two years ago. I did not have alot of money to spend on a camera and decided to buy a used mint condition Sony A300 DSLR camera. I chose the Sony because it can use Minolta AF lens which can be purchased on eBay and on occasion on Craig's List for bargain prices. I have no regrets going the route that I did. My camera is older technology, but so what...it is capable of producing some great pictures if used properly.

I suggest that you do lots of reading on the Internet, ask a few friends...do your research. For me, buying used equipment was the best route, photography on a budget. Kelley (Texas) :)
 
Thank you for the reply Kelley. I am definitely going to do my research on the DSLR's I am considering. Reading online reviews, of course, is also a must from sites such as Cnet. Right now, buying used from ebay or craigslist is not an option for me, but then again I do not plan on buying all types of camera gear for quite a while.
 
It is the model A58. With two kit lens, you should be able to pick one up for around $700 to $750. Do an Internet search on "Sony A58 DSLR camera." Nikon or Canon should have similar kits, but may be a tab higher, again, do a Internet search for the field reports on the cameras. Kelley (Texas) :)
 
The prices of factory refurbished DSLR's is quite lower than just about any reputable dealer. I am seriously considering a factory refurbished camera right now. The only real negative to buying factory refurbished is instead of a 1 yr limited warranty, they only offer a 3 month limited warranty. Not a bad deal.

Thank you for the info on the Sony. I will have to take a look.
 
Most folks buying refurbished cameras have been very satisfied. In regards to the 3 months guarantee, it is OK because anything originally wrong with the camera has been fixed. I would not hesitate to purchase a refurbished camera. Kelley (Texas) :)
 
I purchased this used mint condition Sony A300 DSLR (Manufactured in 2008 ) from an individual. The lens used to take this picture is an old Minolta 28-85mm lens (manufactured in 1985) that I purchased for $50. This equipment is old technology, but is still capable of producing a good picture if used corectly. Also, no sharpening was done to this picture. I used the Histogram as an aid for exposure to take the picture and very little editing was done to the original picture. I am posting this to show you the options when you are participating in the hobby of photography on a budget. Living on a fixed income, I did not have the funds available to purchase new equipment. I must admit that I am having fun with this older equipment. Kelley (Texas) :)

[attachment 268091 DRC01882edited6-8-13.jpg]
 
Kelly said it best.

I buy refurbished stuff and often times you cant tell the difference between new and refurbed. Usually the guarantee is the same.

However, if you do decide to buy new, consider Costco....my experience with them is that they normally include accessories most other retailer do not include...bag, card etc and you cannot beat their guarantee.
 
At this point a factory refurbished DSLR is looking very tempting for me. Today, before I go into work, I will stop in at Walmart and look over the 2 DSLR models I am looking into that they have on display. I want to see which one I like more when held and where the buttons are according to my hand size.

Also, some good news, I have been able to find a local photography club that meets monthly at the library. I will be attending a meeting on Monday night.
 
The local photography club that meets monthly at the library will be a good source of local help for you. You might meet someone that will become a picture taking buddy and you will have the advantage of getting help 24/7 as well as learning other phases of photography. I will give you just one word of caution, you will find some folks are extremely brand loyal, and just take it with a grain of salt. It is similar to the Ford VS. the Chevrolet debate that has been taking place since cars were first invented. You will find at most modern cameras are capable of producing great pictures if you know how to use them properly. I am looking forward to you getting your first DSLR camera and posting some pictures taken with it. Kelley (Texas) :)
 
I did get a feel for the Canon T3 and Nikon D3100 at Walmart today. Between the 2 I am leaning towards the Nikon, but mainly because of cosmetic reasons such as the grip build, and button placement, although the T3 does not do terrible in either aspect. The problem I see with buying a factory refurbished Nikon D3100 is that they are out of stock in the Nikon online store. I will be calling Nikon tommorrow to ask about them.

The D3100 has been replaced with the D3200, so I am hoping the D3100's are still being refurbished.

HH
 
Something else to pass on to you. Many people complain about the kit lens, but some are pretty good lenses. I took these pictures with a Sony 75-300mm kit lens. Kelley (Texas) :)

[attachment 268172 20120702_21_edited10-22-12.jpg]

[attachment 268173 20120618_17_edited10-23-12.jpg]
 
I believe the lens that comes with both is a 18-55 mm lens, but from the company that makes the camera.
 
Went to the photography club meeting tonight. There were about 15 people attending it, many with DSLRs. Canons and Nikons were the only brands of cameras I saw. Some of the point and shoot cameras were superzoom.

After the meeting I talked with the husband of the husband and wife team that created the club, and asked him about his thoughts on DSLRs. To my surprise, he told me that he doesn't spend a lot of money on the camera bodies, but instead splurges on the lens. Him and his wife use Canon Rebel T2i's, but have some high dollar lenses. He was also in agreement in me buying a refurbished beginner DSLR.

Overall, I enjoyed the meeting, although some terms that were used were over my head for now. The meeting consisted of the showing of club member recent photos, an attempted demonstration of how to shoot a precisely timed water drop into a bowl of water (although the timed dropper didn't work), and a time for people to ask about photographic topics. Not a bad meeting, and I will be attending next months meeting.
 
You still need a good body as a foundation. Once you have a camera body that you like, you then start getting better lens. You will learn much at that camera club and have fun at the same time. Kelley (Texas) :)
 
For hiking and other trail stuff, why don't you get a Go - Pro Hero, just hook it to your hat or bicycle and go for it. I use a Fujifilm HS20EXR as my main camera. It is a super zoom, bridge camera, non slr. Most all my pics posted here are taken with this camera. One lens only, it goes from 24mm wide all the way up to 720mm zoom.........nge
 
The go pro hero is for video, not photography. I have thought about buying another p&s, but an leaning towards a dslr.
 
Before digital era i had a Nikon FE with 3 lenses and when taking pictures i carried all that stuff around iwth me and probably only used one lens...when the digital age came i reluctantly went for it. However, the big change i made is that I got a Superzoom (Sony HXV100)...this thing does it all....close ups, tele, regular distance(?)...Movies...it is 30X Optical.....more than enough for ANYTHING im gonna do with it. The ONLY thing i wished it had was remote control to take pictures like tholden days we had a cable release....
no more carrying 2-3 lenses..
Im told the picture from the DSLRs are great because what you see is what you get.....it is probably so, but to me im thinking....how much of a difference can there possibly be? not enough for me to invest in a DSLR.....you got the right idea....the club will steer you in a direction youll be comfortable...good luck and have fun...ive learned (someone correct me ) that most of the cameras have so many options that more than likely you wont use half of them...i know my P/S is that way.
 
they do not want to carry lots of lens and equipment anymore. One of the more popular cameras, the Canon SX50is has excellent image quality for the average photographer. The Sony camera that you are using is popular too. There is much to choose from now days compared to just a few years ago. Heck, even the pictures taken with a cell phone have vastly improved. Kelley (Texas) :)
 
You are correct and that was the reason for my post....i even know people that do no own a wristwatch OR a camera because of they use their cellular phones for those reasons....me? i gotta bave both... That SX50 is VERY nice...and id say in one year the price will be down a lot due to sales / popularity etc.

Im curious as to why people go to DSLRs...are there any big reasons other than it is available? i do understand why some may wish higher megapixel (enlargements/cropping) cameras 15+megapixels...however i do read that all anyone really needs is a 6 megapixels camera ...they claim that it will produce a 10x12 print clearly. Sorta ironic that in most cases i use the lower resolution so that i send my pictures by email or post them here due to various requirements.

I love to hear what you think based on your experience. My personal experience on digital cameras is somewhat limited.
 
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