I am totally done with my crappy little point and shoot camera!! I have been bugging my partner for some time now to let me get my first DSLR with his Dell account, and I think that for raising his offspring (including two that are not my own!), a camera is plenty payment. Plus he gets more awesome photos taken of his band :)
Given that I am limited to Dell and a price of around $700 (this is the only way I can do this, as I can make payments), I have narrowed it down to a couple of different cameras and would really love to hear people's input, opinions and experience with the below cameras:
~ Nikon D3100 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera (with 18-55 mm Lens)
~ Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2MP 18-55 mm IS II Digital SLR Camera Kit
~ Sony DSLRA390L 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with DT 55-200 mm F/4-5.6 Zoom Lens Bundle
~ Canon EOS Rebel T1i EF-S IS SLR Camera Kit with 18-55 mm Lens
~ Sony Alpha A33 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera (with 18-55 mm Lens)
I primarily do a lot of family photo shooting as well as the 365 project, but I am the unofficial photog for my partner's band. This means I am often taking photos in lowlight indoors in bars and so forth, so I would like the ability to take good photos for that. I also hope that maybe one day I can get back working on film sets and get to use my camera for that too.
A couple of things I'd like from a DSLR:
I need a camera with good continuous shooting and a good flash, so one that I can change out to an exterior flash via hotshoe terminal if I'd like to. I also would like a camera that is compatible with Lensbaby lenses. Video capability is not hugely important, but running on a rechargeable battery is (ie no regular alkaline batteries). The zoom bundle is quite appealing as it's likely I will ever have the extra funds to buy another lens.
I have wondered too what people think about Sony as a camera company, as Canon and Nikon have been longer in the game so would love any thoughts on that. I have only ever had experience with and owned a Pentax 35mm SLR, and still use a Diana F+ film camera, outside of my digital P&S, so am not looking for a camera that is crazy complicated, but still one that I can learn from and grow into.
Any and all input, advice and opinions are much appreciated. I can't wait to get my hands on a real camera; I just can't decide and I want to choose the right one for me.
Thanks, everyone!
~ Katherine
i have Canon t1i---i don't used it often cuz i'm always on the beach...but i love it..very light in weight,very easy and fun to use.but now,they came out with canon t2i and t3i ...more advance version-most of the time ,i used my canon g10--semi DSLR--great compact camera that's very handy..Good luck and check other camera reviews too.or go to the store and try and to hold/feel the ambience of the camera.
I have the Sony A33. It has been a wonderful "real" camera for me. It is compact and lightweight with more features than I will ever learn. It has a wonderful 3" LCD viewing screen. It also fires off up to 7 frames per second due to it's translucent mirror technology. Images are vivid. My photo 102 instructor was amazed at the clarity and lack of noise the images had when taken at exceptionally high ISO.
Anyone know the advantages of having an optical/pentamirror viewfinder versus the electronic one?
And difference between the processors in the cameras?? (Digic 4 / Bionz / Expeed C2)?
I would recommend going to somewhere that has them, to see what feels best to you( even if your buying it online, best to feel them out). I've been drooling over the canon t's for awhile, and recently tried a nikon in the store and was so confused at the controls. Then again, I've always had canons.
Congrats on getting a new camera! I love my camera BUT I wish I would have had a bit more money and time to research before buying my camera. The Nikon D3000 and D3100 are good cameras but don't do so well in indoors low light situations with the kit lens. I don't know if all brands of cameras in the starter level are like this or just Nikon and I don't know how far you have to upgrade from the D3100 until you get a good indoor low light Nikon. I know many Nikon cameras are amazing in low light but the one you have listed isn't if you buy the kit. A good lens and some lighting will fix this problem. I hope someone else chimes in and let you know what cameras are best in low light. It took me 5 months to save up enough money for some lenses and lighting and the amount of money I put into them I could have got a much nicer camera that works well in low light (I'm waiting for one more lens to get off back order to give me the setup I want). I think I read once that ALL entry level DSLR's struggle a bit in low light but I can't seem to find the link where I read that. I do LOVE my camera I just want you to be prepared ahead of time. I would have been much happier if I would have know the limits of my camera before I bought it. I would feel bad if you bought it and found out on the first day it didn't work for what you wanted.
OH! "The fro knows fotos" has some videos on youtube were he took beautiful low light photos of a band with the Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 (they are very similar cameras). You could buy the camera without the kit lens and add to your purchase the lenses he uses in the video. He doesn't use a kit lens. He also has some reviews of some cameras on his website. Watching his video will show you it is able to take very nice low light photos you just need the right lenses to go with it. Here is one of his videos (he has several) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2vH5JtItCU
I hope this helps. Watch the video all the way to the end to see photos of the band playing on stage. I think it'll show you Nikon D3100 is a good camera if you have a good lens (prob. the case for all cameras).
@schoolnsuch Thanks for that; it is very important that I get one that's good in low light, as that's my biggest frustration with a P&S... Anyone know a thing about the Micro 4/3 cameras??
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http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA33/AA33A.HTM
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras
You can compare them side-by-side.
I use a Nikon and love it!
(This is my second Nikon. I upgraded from a D60 to a D700 a few months ago.)
Enjoy!! whatever you decide! =)
Anyone know the advantages of having an optical/pentamirror viewfinder versus the electronic one?
And difference between the processors in the cameras?? (Digic 4 / Bionz / Expeed C2)?
because of its compatibility with more lenses and stuff like that
OH! "The fro knows fotos" has some videos on youtube were he took beautiful low light photos of a band with the Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 (they are very similar cameras). You could buy the camera without the kit lens and add to your purchase the lenses he uses in the video. He doesn't use a kit lens. He also has some reviews of some cameras on his website. Watching his video will show you it is able to take very nice low light photos you just need the right lenses to go with it. Here is one of his videos (he has several) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2vH5JtItCU
I hope this helps. Watch the video all the way to the end to see photos of the band playing on stage. I think it'll show you Nikon D3100 is a good camera if you have a good lens (prob. the case for all cameras).