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Looking to buy a new camera, need input

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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
Hey NS
I'm looking to buy a new dslr, and I'm wondering what you guys use. I have a 500 dollar budget, and it needs
A high shutter speed for action shots, but I would also like one that is good for filming. If you guys could give me some suggestions that would be great.

-gnar-whal
Oct 18 2014 10:53AM
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zbphoto
Posts: 7789 - Karma: 12,037
Oct 18 2014 2:41PM
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gustavkb
Posts: 75 - Karma: 612
From Nikon: D3200 or D3300. I've used the D3200 myself, and it's quite a good camera(based on it's price). The D3300 has better specs, but costs a bit more. If I were to choose on of these, I'd go for the D3300.
From Canon: T3i or T5. I don't have a clue about these two Canons, but i believe(from what I've heard) that the T3i is a better camera than the T5.
Also, you get great value for the money with the Pentax K-50, but I don't know shit about Pentax(just something I read).

Overall, I'd go for one of the Nikon's(preferably the D3300). What you should do is go to your nearest camera store and try the cameras yourself. That is in fact the only way you'll get the camera that YOU want, not just based on what I or others say, but on how it feels in your hands and how you like it overall. The T3i is also a great alternative to the two Nikons, and should not be forgotten(same with the Pentax). And by the way, you should also check out the Nikon D5200. If you find one for 500$, consider it as an extra alternative. It's not up to me to decide what you should or should not go for, but these are truly some great cameras for the price that you are looking for.

Cheers.
Oct 18 2014 3:18PM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
I did actually find a Nikon D5300 for a good price, would that also be a good option?
Oct 18 2014 5:07PM
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JibbaTheHutt
Posts: 2132 - Karma: 1,597
are you going to be using it mostly for filming? or for photos? in reality for $500 you might swell buy yourself a new gopro 4. $500 won't come close to the amount of money that you will need to sink into a full dslr setup for filming.

+the new gopros actually look pretty sweet, especially if the ability to change manual settings has become easier(?)
Oct 18 2014 7:28PM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
I don't want a gopro, I already have one. I want to use it mostly for photos, and some filming. Mostly photos. Would the D5300 be a good choice?
Oct 18 2014 7:37PM
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gustavkb
Posts: 75 - Karma: 612
gnar_whalI did actually find a Nikon D5300 for a good price, would that also be a good option?


That would be an even better, in fact much better option than all the others I mentioned. It's a clear winner. But remember to try it before you buy it(although it is without doubt a better camera).
Oct 18 2014 7:40PM
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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
D5300 is a good choice, depending on the price. But always know that lenses are way more important the body itself. You might wanna put your money in a good lens and skimp the body.
Oct 18 2014 7:40PM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
SteezyJapaneezyD5300 is a good choice, depending on the price. But always know that lenses are way more important the body itself. You might wanna put your money in a good lens and skimp the body.


I agree that the lense is more important. What lenses would be good for the Nikon D series?
Oct 18 2014 9:50PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
gnar_whalI agree that the lense is more important. What lenses would be good for the Nikon D series?


Nikon 1200-1700mm.
Forget freezing your fingers out in the cold on the mountain, shoot your friends from the comfort of the restaurant at the base and enjoy cheese fondue with hot chocolate whilst also making creeping shots of hot birds.

Oct 19 2014 1:14PM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
pls help
Oct 19 2014 3:46PM
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Ryanp4
Posts: 1 - Karma: 10
I use a canon t3i and it works pretty good for pictures, a Panasonic gh3 would be great for videos. but 500 dollars isn't enough if you want a good dslr
Oct 19 2014 4:09PM
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gustavkb
Posts: 75 - Karma: 612
gnar_whalI agree that the lense is more important. What lenses would be good for the Nikon D series?


Finding a good lens as well as a DSLR for 500$ is, unfortunately, a bit difficult. I'd say that Nikon's 35mm is the best option. You can pick it up for about 200$, I believe. But, I would still recommend you get a good camera too, especially when it comes to filming. The D5300 shoots full HD up to 60fps, which is pretty good for a camera with that sort of price tag. I would say you'd have to up your budget if you want both a good DSLR, a good lens, AND a good rig(never forget the rig).
Oct 19 2014 4:38PM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
ok let me clarify. I will spend up to 500 for the body, and lenses under 200-250 would be good.
Oct 19 2014 6:07PM
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Amarino
Posts: 218 - Karma: 2,417
I would put most of your money into a decent lens, the camera you have is only as good as its lens. Plus if you decide to upgrade you still have the nice lens. I would splurg the extra $200 and get the sony a6000 with its kit lens.
Oct 19 2014 7:02PM
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steezy_doge
Posts: 781 - Karma: 1,718
nikon d3200 its a great camera
Oct 19 2014 7:40PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24703 - Karma: 29,680
Consult the NS camera questionnaire.

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?

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?

2) What gear, if any, do you currently have? (tripod, old camera lenses, mics, etc)

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)

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?

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)

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.

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)

---------------------------Optional Section, for those seeking a more intensive upgrade/purchase------------------------
1) Do you think you might consider using a DSLR?

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS?

3) Do you know the limitations to using HDSLRS?

4) Are you willing to take the time to learn about a DSLR, and how to shoot with manual lenses?

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?
Oct 20 2014 11:09AM
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fortyvalve
Posts: 1442 - Karma: 1,570
JibbaTheHuttare you going to be using it mostly for filming? or for photos? in reality for $500 you might swell buy yourself a new gopro 4. $500 won't come close to the amount of money that you will need to sink into a full dslr setup for filming.

+the new gopros actually look pretty sweet, especially if the ability to change manual settings has become easier(?)


I'm not trying to be a dick but this isn't really good advice. You can most definitely find a quality used T3i or similar setup for 500 or less. I found a used T3i with the kit lens and another zoom lens, some filters, a bag for it and some other extras for $420. Just because you can't buy the whole dslr setup right away does not mean you shouldn't buy anything towards getting it started.
Oct 20 2014 11:33AM
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SIMPLE.
Posts: 1093 - Karma: 15,190
I don't know why but there's this misconception that t3i's and similar dslrs are alot more money then they really are. You can easily get a t3i with 50mm f1.8 (superberb beginner setup) for 500$. That's the route I would go. 50mm allows for great low light shooting and has really sharp image quality for such a cheap lens. This is the route I would go.
Oct 21 2014 3:22PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24703 - Karma: 29,680
SIMPLE.I don't know why but there's this misconception that t3i's and similar dslrs are alot more money then they really are. You can easily get a t3i with 50mm f1.8 (superberb beginner setup) for 500$. That's the route I would go. 50mm allows for great low light shooting and has really sharp image quality for such a cheap lens. This is the route I would go.


You can get that for darn near 400 these days...


Either way, the T3i is also extremely slow burst-rate so that won't do for OP
Oct 21 2014 3:38PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24703 - Karma: 29,680
For 500 bucks, honestly, you're not going to find a camera with a fast enough burstrate for your needs while still being able to afford lenses.
Oct 21 2014 3:58PM
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eheath
Posts: 61091 - Karma: 118,105
TBH OP you don't really seem to have any knowledge at all with photo cameras. Maybe pick up a nice point and shoot for like $300? Most point and shoots do 1080p video these days, could be a good option.
Oct 21 2014 4:10PM
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Japaneezy
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 4,267
pussyfooterTBH OP you don't really seem to have any knowledge at all with photo cameras. Maybe pick up a nice point and shoot for like $300? Most point and shoots do 1080p video these days, could be a good option.


Everybody has to start somewhere, but yeah, you're right. If op is really concerned about the burst speed, I'd also consider mirrorless cams. The gh2 with a hacked firmware is much better than some entry class canon imo.
Oct 21 2014 4:51PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24703 - Karma: 29,680
SteezyJapaneezyEverybody has to start somewhere, but yeah, you're right. If op is really concerned about the burst speed, I'd also consider mirrorless cams. The gh2 with a hacked firmware is much better than some entry class canon imo.


For video... I wouldn't consider it for photography, though... Too clunky
Oct 21 2014 4:55PM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
pussyfooterTBH OP you don't really seem to have any knowledge at all with photo cameras. Maybe pick up a nice point and shoot for like $300? Most point and shoots do 1080p video these days, could be a good option.


I have some knowledge from the research I've done, but yeah I am new to the photography scene, although I have always been interested in it. I do have a point and shoot, and Im looking to step it up. Are you saying the D5300 is not a good camera? And yes, I understand how important lenses are.
Oct 21 2014 5:13PM
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eheath
Posts: 61091 - Karma: 118,105
gnar_whalI have some knowledge from the research I've done, but yeah I am new to the photography scene, although I have always been interested in it. I do have a point and shoot, and Im looking to step it up. Are you saying the D5300 is not a good camera? And yes, I understand how important lenses are.


If you're doing your own research then you're doing a terrible job, there is so much more to a camera then "yes its good" or "no its bad".
Oct 21 2014 5:17PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24703 - Karma: 29,680
gnar_whalI have some knowledge from the research I've done, but yeah I am new to the photography scene, although I have always been interested in it. I do have a point and shoot, and Im looking to step it up. Are you saying the D5300 is not a good camera? And yes, I understand how important lenses are.


Yeah, the camera's fine... but it's also over 500$ for just the body...
Oct 21 2014 5:34PM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
pussyfooterIf you're doing your own research then you're doing a terrible job, there is so much more to a camera then "yes its good" or "no its bad".


DingoSeanYeah, the camera's fine... but it's also over 500$ for just the body...


First, I understand there is a lot more to it than if it was good or bad. I just asked about the camera , you originally said it was a good camera then it seemed like you were recommending other cameras because the D5300 wasn't as good as "these other ones". And I found a good deal on it so its less than 500 for the body
Oct 21 2014 7:08PM
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SIMPLE.
Posts: 1093 - Karma: 15,190
DingoSeanYou can get that for darn near 400 these days...


Either way, the T3i is also extremely slow burst-rate so that won't do for OP


Oh word forgot it had to have good burst-rate. Also my knowledge of camera prices is based on what they are here in canada and was giving an approximation. That's like the average price in canada for that equipment off craigslist, but if you get it for cheap you can get it for just over 400, I agree.
Oct 21 2014 8:37PM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
So which is better for filming, the t3i or the d5300?
Oct 22 2014 8:45PM
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dan_swagner
Posts: 351 - Karma: 680
THe D5300 is a lot better for video and photos. True 1080p at 60fps
Oct 22 2014 9:05PM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
thanks
Oct 22 2014 9:14PM
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ccorey
Posts: 4 - Karma: 10
gustavkbThat would be an even better, in fact much better option than all the others I mentioned. It's a clear winner. But remember to try it before you buy it(although it is without doubt a better camera).


Yes,the D5300 is a good option to go, you can get one if possible
Oct 24 2014 12:05AM
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ccorey
Posts: 4 - Karma: 10
This site is the info for the Nikon d5300, you can just take a look, hope it works for your choice

http://thedigitalcamera.net/nikon-d5300-vs-nikon-d5200-whats-the-difference/
Oct 24 2014 12:07AM
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JahFeels
Posts: 779 - Karma: 587
i'll sell you a basically new t3i with an opteka x grip and 32gb card for 500
Oct 24 2014 12:33AM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
Im now thinking the t5i instead. thoughts?
Nov 23 2014 4:52PM
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CameraWiz
Posts: 735 - Karma: 2,112
gnar_whalIm now thinking the t5i instead. thoughts?


That's a dumb idea. Get the t3i. Pretty much the same thing but without a touchscreen. Throw magic lantern on it and then you're good to go.
Nov 24 2014 2:52PM
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ToughShip
Posts: 24 - Karma: 23
Look at a Sony dslt. Super fast burst rate and some of the best video their class. Look for one like the a57 you could get it for a good price.
Nov 24 2014 3:31PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
ToughShipLook at a Sony dslt. Super fast burst rate and some of the best video their class. Look for one like the a57 you could get it for a good price.


Hello Sony marketing slave.
Nov 24 2014 3:50PM
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ToughShip
Posts: 24 - Karma: 23
omnidataHello Sony marketing slave.

Hola, Seriously tho whats wrong with sony? I love mine and have taken some pretty sweet pics with combined with my tamron 17-50mm f2.8
Nov 24 2014 9:13PM
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PeteMahn
Posts: 1312 - Karma: 3,346
omnidataNikon 1200-1700mm.
Forget freezing your fingers out in the cold on the mountain, shoot your friends from the comfort of the restaurant at the base and enjoy cheese fondue with hot chocolate whilst also making creeping shots of hot birds.



Honestly every one of your posts are fucking hilarious. I instantly just start laughing so goddamn hard.
Nov 24 2014 9:50PM
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