Generic thread about a getting a camera

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DIPED_IN_SAUCEThe link doesn't work.

Try deleting the m at the beginning because I'm on mobile

Worked for me. D3200 is supposed to be a solid cam. That kit is crap though. Just wondering, what made you choose the D3200? Was it specs/price range, or is there another reason? Not trying to bash it or say it's the wrong choice, just wondering.

p.hawksWorked for me. D3200 is supposed to be a solid cam. That kit is crap though. Just wondering, what made you choose the D3200? Was it specs/price range, or is there another reason? Not trying to bash it or say it's the wrong choice, just wondering.

Im just looking at Cheaper DSLRs that are more beginner friendly but can make nice quality pictures and video. I'm split between this or a t3i and I don't have any other stuff so thats why i am looking at bundles.

yeah for 620, you can do a hell of a lot better.

DingoSeanyeah for 620, you can do a hell of a lot better.

I really don't know what to look for. Advice please.

D3200's are going for around 400$ or less body-only. I'd start with that if you're sold on the body (it's pretty good for 400$ new).

Pair that with a 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 and you'll have a very solid starting setup. You can find it for around 100-175 depending on if they're used or not. (KEH.com is a great site for finding used gear)

It's a much better lens than the 18-55 kit lens, since it has a better focus ring, more zoom range, and is faster at the long end. You give up VR, but you really don't need it that badly at these focal lengths, and it's unnecessary to use in video anyway.

[Later, you're going to want a 35mm f1.8 for low light and bokeh, but start off with the zoom so you have variety in your shots.]

At this point you're to what.. 550 or so? you can buy the takstar hotshoe mic for around 35$ - a decent starting option for audio, and pick up a half-decent tripod for around 50 (or just hit up your local goodwill/Salvation Army for a 5$ one if you want to get real cheap).

Then buy some affordable 3rd party extra batteries and a couple of sandisk 16gb ultras and you shouldn't spend more than 620, whilst having all the things you're going to need to start with.

DingoSeanD3200's are going for around 400$ or less body-only. I'd start with that if you're sold on the body (it's pretty good for 400$ new).

Pair that with a 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 and you'll have a very solid starting setup. You can find it for around 100-175 depending on if they're used or not. (KEH.com is a great site for finding used gear)

It's a much better lens than the 18-55 kit lens, since it has a better focus ring, more zoom range, and is faster at the long end. You give up VR, but you really don't need it that badly at these focal lengths, and it's unnecessary to use in video anyway.

[Later, you're going to want a 35mm f1.8 for low light and bokeh, but start off with the zoom so you have variety in your shots.]

At this point you're to what.. 550 or so? you can buy the takstar hotshoe mic for around 35$ - a decent starting option for audio, and pick up a half-decent tripod for around 50 (or just hit up your local goodwill/Salvation Army for a 5$ one if you want to get real cheap).

Then buy some affordable 3rd party extra batteries and a couple of sandisk 16gb ultras and you shouldn't spend more than 620, whilst having all the things you're going to need to start with.

Thank you sooo much

I found the lens but it doesn't come with lens cap or hood. Is that a big deal?

TwerkI found the lens but it doesn't come with lens cap or hood. Is that a big deal?

Not really, as long as you intend on having a UV or clear filter on the lens. Plus a cap is super cheap and most of the time you won't need a hood

Yeah, hoods are extremely overrated, and overused. I rarely ever use them myself. You can get a lens cap off ebay for probably a dollar - if not something like 10$ at your local camera store or best buy.

1) What is your budget? How much money can you spend right away, and do you think you can get more money to invest in the future?
$700 MAX at the moment. Will spend more later.

2) What experience do you already have with cameras? Have you ever even used one before? Have you helped your friend out with his camera? Have you owned your own?
Very Little.

2) What gear, if any, do you currently have? (tripod, old camera lenses, mics, etc)
Nothing.

4) What are you planning to shoot and how do you want to use your camera? Are you going to use this with the sole purpose of shooting skiing? or do you think you might try other stuff as well (movies, documentaries, short films, etc)
Fast moving sports for video but also photography like landscapes and car pictures.

5) Do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?
No. Only I will be using the camera.

6) When filming skiing, how do you tend to shoot? (follow cams, leave it on record on a tripod and hike, film from a tripod, etc)
I will try all different things

7) What computer do you currently have/use to edit (if not currently editing, what would you most likely use)? If you can provide specifics, such as hard drive space, RAM, processor size, that would be great.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&docname=c04293928

7) What program do you currently edit on? How familiar are you with it (1- just learning; 10- I can make tutorials and know the keyboard layout)
Ive used final Cut Pro and Sony Vegas before.

---------------------------Optional Section, for those seeking a more intensive upgrade/purchase------------------------
1) Do you think you might consider using a DSLR?
I was looking at the Nikon D3200

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS?
Very Little

3) Do you know the limitations to using HDSLRS?
Nope

4) Are you willing to take the time to learn about a DSLR, and how to shoot with manual lenses?
Yes. Im very interested in learning.

5) Again, do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?
I will be the only one using it.