Buying a new camera

[johnnya]

Ok. Here is my situation. I have a point and shoot. I love photography to the point I now want to take some college photgraphy and business courses to become very good and start my own business one day. (i'm 42 so I would prefer sooner than later :p ) I understand the time that I must put in and the practice practice practice and snap shoot snap shoot. So I understand and am responsible enough that I must crawl before I can walk. I have a few simple ideas up my sleeve to get things rolling as I learn the craft to get some exposure and help fund this adventure.
Here is my question. I need to purchase a dslr. I do not want to purchase an entry level nor do I want to go out and purchase top of the line pro equipment at this time. That time will come. Canon or Nikon are the only brands I will consider. What are some really good mid range cameras. Something that will be adequate as a back up camera when the time does come for an upgrade.
Thanks in advance for the input and advice.
JohhnyA

[jerryph]

Before you decide what camera:
- What are you wanting to shoot?
- What are your future photography goals?
- What aspects of photography are you interested in?
- What is your budget?

These are questions that should be very clear for you before you spend a penny. ;)

It is like me saying I want to get into racing. Are we talking NASCAR? Drag racing? Lawnmowers? Airplanes? Motorcycles?

Each has very specific needs not touched on in the other styles. The more info you provide, the more chances you will get the right equipment.

For me personally, I would never ask the "what should I buy.." question. I define my needs, do my own homework and make my own purchases. I never leave such a decision in the hands of someone that doesn't even know me, and even if you knew me personally, I'd still never let anyone even suggest something to me. The more time I invest in my homework, the less chance I will feel buyer's remorse.

I am up to 5 digits in dollar amounts I have invested in photoraphy, and value every item, every penny I put in. I heavily research and test out all items before purchasing and never even once came close to being sorry for anything I bought.

One last thing... Canon vs Nikon... IMHO each have pluses and minuses that the other doesn't have and in the end, that is an unanswerable question for you by anyone here... there you have no choice, you have to define your needs and do your own research. Think of it as an exercise in getting to know yourself... who knows you and your needs better? ;) :D

[coffee]

As far as Canon goes, Here is the line up
1Ds Mark 3 7000.00
1D Mark 4 5000.00 (new design)
1D Mark 3
These camera are the professional cameras and are well worth the money if you have it.

5D Mark 2 2500.00
7D 1700.00
The above are also professional cameras.

50d 1000.00
40d 650.00
These two aren't what most would consider professional rigs, but some pros do use them. I have the 40d and I would certainly recommend this as a upper level starter camera, and a great backup.

If I were you, I would go for the 5D if you can swing it. It is professional grade, professions love it, and will last you till you grow old(er) hehe. Don't worry, I'm older than you. I don't know anything about the 7D as it's newer and I haven't kept up with things for some months. You might look into this one.

[johnnya]

Before you decide what camera:
- What are you wanting to shoot?
- What are your future photography goals?
- What aspects of photography are you interested in?
- What is your budget?

These are questions that should be very clear for you before you spend a penny. ;)

It is like me saying I want to get into racing. Are we talking NASCAR? Drag racing? Lawnmowers? Airplanes? Motorcycles?

Each has very specific needs not touched on in the other styles. The more info you provide, the more chances you will get the right equipment.

For me personally, I would never ask the "what should I buy.." question. I define my needs, do my own homework and make my own purchases. I never leave such a decision in the hands of someone that doesn't even know me, and even if you knew me personally, I'd still never let anyone even suggest something to me. The more time I invest in my homework, the less chance I will feel buyer's remorse.

I am up to 5 digits in dollar amounts I have invested in photoraphy, and value every item, every penny I put in. I heavily research and test out all items before purchasing and never even once came close to being sorry for anything I bought.

One last thing... Canon vs Nikon... IMHO each have pluses and minuses that the other doesn't have and in the end, that is an unanswerable question for you by anyone here... there you have no choice, you have to define your needs and do your own research. Think of it as an exercise in getting to know yourself... who knows you and your needs better? ;) :D

Well I didn't ask "what to buy" I asked about good mid range cameras by Canon and Nikon for me to really investigate into more.
My budget really i'snt an issue. However I don't think a top line pro grade camera is what I need at this stage of the game.
As far as what area I want to get into. I would like to be diversified and not limit myself to one or two areas. I understand there is a lot of work in store for me to achieve my goals. I will take it slow, learn and practice as I mentioned. Rushing = Failure in my books.
Thanks for the advice :D

[johnnya]

Thanks Joseph :)

[johnnya]

Sorry Jerryph. I guess the topic was a little misleading.

[coffee]

johnnya, You are in a unique position in that you are looking for a better than average camera, and money, at least how I read your posts, isn't an issue. For most, money is an issue. And because money is the deciding factor for most, most will buy a camera that they quickly outgrown and is ready for an upgrade in short order.

I know if I was in your position john, knowing what I know now, I would forget about buying a lesser camera as a way to break my way into DSLR's, and go right for the best your money can buy. If the Canon route, I would go for the 1d mark 3. You see all the professionals on the sidelines taking shots of the Olympics, pro football games, things of this nature. This is the camera they are using. Again, assuming you are going for Canon.

I know everyone will tell you that it isn't the camera that takes the pictures, it's the photographer. I believe this too. But I also know that a better camera will give you more options, more opportunities, more keepers. A pro camera will give you more frames a second, better noise control, bigger files to work with, better focusing, better ISO to noise ratio.

Yes, it's the photographer that takes the pictures, but the camera you use will make a big difference too. Do yourself a favor and get all the camera you can afford. The resale value on the pro line of Canon's is good. If you find you don't need a 3-4000.00 camera, sell it and get a lesser one at that time. Don't be like most that buy a lesser camera cause that's all the money they have, then scramble some months later cause they get the itch to upgrade cause they think they need it. I know if you buy a 1dm3, NO ONE will pry it from your fingers.

[LensBaby]

My bit of advice on this would have to be to go to a camera store and actually play with the cameras. See how they feel in your hand...see if you like the way that the controls work and if they are easy for you (and you like the way they are set up) Some cameras can feel awkward in ones hands, while others feel comfortable.

[johnnya]

LensBaby. Thanks. I have done that already. I am equally comfortable with Nikon and Canon. I am very much leaning to Canon as I like the layout a bit better.
Thanks again

[RRRoger]

In my opinion, the Nikon D90 is the best camera made for the money.
The lense to get is the AF-S Nikkor 18-200 VR.
It stays on mine most of the time. I often use this camera to back up my D3.

That said, if I had the money, I would buy a D3x + 14-24, 24-70, and 70-200 f/2.8 Nikkors to get the best of everything.

[w8jy]

Having owned both the 5D and the 1DMkIII, either one would be an excellent choice, depending on what you intend to use it for. Obviously, the 1D3 has more features (and a steeper learning curve)and is much better for fast moving objects, such as birds in flight.

One thing that you do need to consider is which one fits your hands the best. The 1D series is heavier, larger and just plain bulkier. Some folks with smaller hands really have problems using it. Other folks complain that it is too much weight to lug around all day.

Handling the cameras in a store is definitely a good idea.

Incidentally, I am not knocking Nikon, but I have never used anything but Canon, starting back in the film days.

[celeb]

Looking for scratching head icon...

Newbie here. I'm using my employer's Nikon D60 (only kit lens) and now that they made me mad for photography, I want to buy my own everything.

I like the feel of the Nikon, so thought I'd stick with that brand (though I am open to other suggestions) and the D90 seemed to be a nice progression for me. I'm a serious amateur who hopes to take on freelance work in another year or so.

I was somewhat disappointed to learn that the D90 has video capabilities. I hate the thought of paying for a feature I don't want and won't use.

I can't spend more than $1,000 for a body + 1 lens, and haven't a clue what to buy. The more research I do, the more confused I am.

I would appreciate this forum's advice.

[RRRoger]

You might want to wait a few weeks. Both Canon and Nikon are releasing new or upgraded models.

The new Nikon D3100 is only $699 including lens. I have already ordered one for hiking and travel.

There is also a replacement for the D90, D300, and D700 in the works.

Canon announced a new 60D and the 1Ds Mark 4 is way overdue.
I personally have had it with Canon. My 5D2 (I consider their best camera) will soon be on the market.

[celeb]

You might want to wait a few weeks. Both Canon and Nikon are releasing new or upgraded models.

The new Nikon D3100 is only $699 including lens. I have already ordered one for hiking and travel.

There is also a replacement for the D90, D300, and D700 in the works.

Canon announced a new 60D and the 1Ds Mark 4 is way overdue.
I personally have had it with Canon. My 5D2 (I consider their best camera) will soon be on the market.

Thanks for the advice. I will wait. I still have 24-7 access to the D60, so it's not as if I'm camera-less. I was looking at the D3100 on a retail site earlier and (the price being right) wondered how it compared to the D60.

A lot of these models sound very similar when I read their descriptions. It's sometimes hard to tell, without looking at the price tag, which is best vs. good value.

[RRRoger]

The difference between this:
D300s will have more speed and the ability to use non AF-S lens.
The D3100 will have more resolution and better video at a lower price.

There will be a whole lot more info with real world results in a couple weeks. I have used a lot of Nikons (but not a D40, 50 or 60) and will report my own evaluation as well.

[jerryph]

I was somewhat disappointed to learn that the D90 has video capabilities. I hate the thought of paying for a feature I don't want and won't use.

You are at the beginning stage and feel this. I am more along the lines of looking at the very top of the line cameras like a Nikon D3s and thinking the very same thing.

I would gladly give up all video capabilities for 1-2 stops increase in dynamic range.

I know not everyone has the same needs, likes or dislikes, but for my own personal tastes, my current video camera gives me video superior to anything that Nikon or Canon will ever make. When I put money down for a dSLR, it is because I want it to create the highest quality photos possible, and I could not care less about video, so why am I being forced to pay for it?

[tomhest]

I vote 7D. It is high enough quality to use professionally and can be used as a great back up when you decide to upgrade down the road.

[delboy]

I would gladly give up all video capabilities for 1-2 stops increase in dynamic range.
My tuppence worth,

I agree with jerry, we would also like to see something like 1-2 stops increase instead of the video which is on the 7D. Don't want it never use it.
We have both a 50D and a 7D, and as far as I am concerned good camera's for what we are doing.
My wife's friend who's a very successful professional photographer, uses all Nikon gear and her results are superb, so I think whatever you buy, it will be a first class camera. Can I suggest, if you can afford it buy top quality glass. We have upgraded all our lenses over the last couple of years, and it has been money well spent.

Delboy.

[jimboudreaux]

Delboy brings up a good point... glass. I've been a microstock photographer for a couple years now, and I've spent way more time in those forums than I've spent yet here. Those pros will always tell you to invest in the best glass you can afford because it affects your image quality far greater than different camera bodies. I don't consider myself a pro at this point, but I can tell you from experience. I shoot with a Canon rebel XS. I started with a kit lens then added a couple low end lenses for more zoom capabilities. I only recently upgraded to a Sigma 17-70mm lens which only costed about $470, and the increase in quality from my bottom of the line dslr was pretty impressive. My newer pics are much clearer and I can shoot at a higher iso to do it. All I did was buy a little better glass!