Hey there guys n dolls. I am sitting in no man's land at the moment when it comes to deciding what camera I should get to upgrade. I am currently using a Pentax K200d and I want to go to the next level with a better camera. A more Professional Camera. Pentax has launched the new K5 that looks amazing. I have read a lot about it and it looks to be a fantastic camera. But Obviously you get the people that say rather go for the Canon 7D or Nikon D300s.
I am totally lost. Can you guys please comment if you have some ideas on what I should do? I need some help before I buy.
I'm using a Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi. They're running at about $500.00 on Amazon.com right now... I got it two years ago, and it's held up REALLY well through trips to Canada and the Caribbean... and of course, day-to-day use.
All kinds of lens you can select to use with this great camera body. Besides, in many places including my country (Thailand) Canon lenses are cheaper than Nikon while the qualities are comparable. I also find that Canon lenses are easier to find, both used and new.
@csievert I love my XSi as well . . . versatile and user friendly . . . but I've always been a Canon gal . . . my film cameras are Canon, my first digital was Canon, my point and shoot is Canon . . . Canon accessories are a little more affordable and available as well!
I adore my Nikon! But it depends really, do you have a lot of pentax fit lenses? I think, and please dont heistate in correcting me if am wrong, that pentax lenses will work on other bodies with an adapter ring only... If you do have a lot of lenses, then at least they'll all work no prob with the pentax body.
@smartie I would personally get the 7d as well. However if you already have pantex lenses, cost wise it might be best for you to stay with the k5. Sure they do make adapters but this will be something you'll have to take into account.
However if you are doing any sport or action shots frequently, get the 7d, hands down.
I picked out a Nikon D90 because I had a hand me down Nikon SLR with several lenses and I wanted to be able to use them. I can't say anything about Canon because I have never used a DSLR made by them. My Canon P&S though lasted through two overseas deployments with the military!
As far as quality, they seem comparible so I would concentrate on price points for the camera AND accessories. If the camera is cheaper but the accesories cost more, it might not be worth it in the long run. @viranod brings up a great point about availability and cost as does @lynnmwatson.
Also think about what you want to do with it. Some brand new ones shoot in 1080i HD video or even 3D. If you aren't going to use it, why pay for it? Unless the camera has a lot of other features you want and that is just a bonus.
Also P&S have come a long way, check out this thread: http://365project.org/discuss/tips-n-tricks/4645/p-and-s-for-concerts
There are some great cameras mentioned here and I am seriously considering getting one of them to have as a p&s back-up for my DSLR. They can do some amazing things.
The Nikon D300s is nice, it's heavier then the Canon 7D, and the pictures are awesome, but the Canon 7D is faster, lighter, and especially if your leaning toward sports, go with the Canon 7D. If you doing portraits or things like that where your in low light tho go with the Nikon, better low light, low noise pictures
I agree with the suggestion of going to a camera shop and seeing how the different cameras feel to you. Buying a camera is a highly personal choice, and while I may love the 7D, you may get it and hate it. Buy the camera that feels the most comfortable in your hands, the one whose controls make the most sense to you. Try different models within each manufacturer's lineup. I can't speak to the Nikon, but Canon's 7D is their bridge from consumer to pro, and you may find that it's more camera than you need but that that the 60D (or something else in their lineup) is perfect. I think buying a camera is like buying a car. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive to make sure you like the way it handles, even though you've read the specs, compared it to the competition, asked for opinions, etc. and I think camera buying should be approached the same way.
I just got the 7d. I love love love it. Seriously, LOVE it! I haven't found a creative limitation with it yet, EXCEPT I often wish for a wider lens. The only lens I have is the EF 50mm 1.4...
Also, you might want to check out adorama.com
I got mine as a factory refurb... It only had 13 photos ever taken on it. And they offer warranties on their refurbs, too.
@viranod - Nikon user here, but I have to say, I might be regretting it a bit. It does seem easier (and cheaper) to find lenses for cannon. So if you are thinking of expanding your collection, you might want to consider cannon.
Doesn't Pentax DSLR's use its entire range of lenses going back decades? You might want to keep your camera and invest in some lenses instead. If you stick with Pentax you will always be able to use them.
@crappysailor Hi Anthony, I also like Nikon system and was using the Nikon system last year until I changed to Canon mainly because I couldn't find the lenses I wanted because they were "unavailable" here. Decided to switch to Canon mainly due to lens availability issue although some of Nikon lenses are exceptional!
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All kinds of lens you can select to use with this great camera body. Besides, in many places including my country (Thailand) Canon lenses are cheaper than Nikon while the qualities are comparable. I also find that Canon lenses are easier to find, both used and new.
However if you are doing any sport or action shots frequently, get the 7d, hands down.
As far as quality, they seem comparible so I would concentrate on price points for the camera AND accessories. If the camera is cheaper but the accesories cost more, it might not be worth it in the long run. @viranod brings up a great point about availability and cost as does @lynnmwatson.
Also think about what you want to do with it. Some brand new ones shoot in 1080i HD video or even 3D. If you aren't going to use it, why pay for it? Unless the camera has a lot of other features you want and that is just a bonus.
Also P&S have come a long way, check out this thread:
http://365project.org/discuss/tips-n-tricks/4645/p-and-s-for-concerts
There are some great cameras mentioned here and I am seriously considering getting one of them to have as a p&s back-up for my DSLR. They can do some amazing things.
Also, you might want to check out adorama.com
I got mine as a factory refurb... It only had 13 photos ever taken on it. And they offer warranties on their refurbs, too.
Doesn't Pentax DSLR's use its entire range of lenses going back decades? You might want to keep your camera and invest in some lenses instead. If you stick with Pentax you will always be able to use them.