Help on choosing a new dslr nikon camera?

[LGV]

Need to be nikon.
dslr
macro lens for inside work
general outside work
budget 1000£ (UK)
need to be delivered in 5 day.
Please add good and bad points to your comment.

Amazon or shop in /around Torquay


If wrong thread, please mod move it.
Thanks

From a dslr noob.

 

[sneekypeet]

Since we don't have a camera/photography section,I will allow this to stay here

If you don't get much attention in this specific thread, head over to the DSLR clubhouse and see if you can roust the fellas up as they already get emails to posts that pop up there. (should spike DSLR owners to see the question)
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76565

 

[LGV]

Thank you very much Sir!

 

[repman244]

D7000

 

[Kreij]

Since we don't have a camera/photography section,I will allow this to stay here

Since photography has advanced from drawing stick figures on cave walls to high tech digital, maybe you could petition W1zz to add a subforum under the Audio/Video section by suggesting it in the suggestions and comments section.

If there is enough interest I think he might be accomodating.

 

[sneekypeet]

Since photography has advanced from drawing stick figures on cave walls to high tech digital, maybe you could petition W1zz to add a subforum under the Audio/Video section by suggesting it in the suggestions and comments section.

If there is enough interest I think he might be accomodating.

I do believe it was on the list with science and home theater additions, it got nixed

 

[LGV]

D7000

Oke... looks this D7000 ok for a start.
Can you ( or anyone)give a little more help on lens , please?


Half decent micro pics
Outside pic-s of nature ( landscape , water , sky )

This can be done with one lens?

 

[repman244]

Oke... looks this D7000 ok for a start.
Can you ( or anyone)give a little more help on lens , please?


Half decent micro pics
Outside pic-s of nature ( landscape , water , sky )

This can be done with one lens?

If you're looking at primarily taking those kind of pictures then a wide angle lens would be for you, but expect paying more than 600 ($, € whatever) for a good one.
I myself use a 35mm prime lens since I don't focus much on landscapes, but it's a very very versatile and fast lens (I also have the standard 18-105mm kit lens but the 35mm is much better (sharpness, a lot faster...)).

You also mentioned macro...that's mostly what I use (Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro AT-X PRO-D) with a Nikon D90 + an SB-600 speedlight with a difuzor, but I wouldn't recommend it for you if it's your first time with a DSLR (macro shooting is hard, expect to shoot everything with manual settings).
Maybe a D7000 + 35mm prime lens for a start? The 35mm is the cheapest lens you can get for a DX format DSLR but it's also one of the sharpest.

I suggest you take it easy and don't buy 2-3 lens at once, only focus on one and you will see what exactly you need next. If your interested in landscapes the most then maybe do research on some wide lens (it's best if you do research on your own, you will learn a lot along the way rather than just asking someone for his opinion and buy it straight after that).
But like I said, expect paying quite a lot for the wide.

I hope my post made some sense, and was somewhat helpful

 

[LGV]

It is helpful, any info, I just dont want to buy something , what I ditch l8er.
Here is some pic what I made with Compact Pentax
http://naildepo.jalbum.net/
Thets what I need better picture of it.

Landscape no need super duper. just for a start.
The D7000 come with 18-105mm VR in a kit.
Thets would be a good start?
I would be able to redo these pics and everyday use?

Thanks a lot

 

[repman244]

It is helpful, any info, I just dont want to buy something , what I ditch l8er.
Here is some pic what I made with Compact Pentax
http://naildepo.jalbum.net/
Thets what I need better picture of it.

Landscape no need super duper. just for a start.
The D7000 come with 18-105mm VR in a kit.
Thets would be a good start?
I would be able to redo these pics and everyday use?

Thanks a lot

Yeah 18-105 would do good for a start, just so you get the idea of what exactly you need. I used it for shooting some product, but I have to say that having a flash unit makes a world of difference, look into an SB-600 or the newer SB-700 (you can always get the flash later on, so maybe try without it).

 

[Fourstaff]

Realistically, if you are buying new, you have 5 choices: D3100, D3200, D5100, D7000 and D90.

D3100 is the cheapest of the bunch, and its not too bad unless you really need good pictures
D3200 is a Nikon videographer's dream, but that is not saying much as Nikon's video mode is still pretty underdeveloped compared to competitors
D5100 costs about the same as D3200, but it has slightly better in most ways other than megapixel count.
D7000 uses the same sensor as D5100, but has bling such as weather sealing, U modes and autofocus motor. This is the one you would get if you need the things. You will know if you need them or not, eg working in the rain.

And then you have a nice selection of macro and normal lenses:
For "normal lens" I would just stick to kit. A bit soft, a bit distorted, a bit slow, but all that problems can be fixed by stopping it down (to about F/8-11 and be careful with the extremes (55mm and 18mm). You will know if you need a better lens. The 35mm DX is loved for its cheapness and decent performance, if you need zoom there are other options. Don't get the 18-200mm unless you really want a do it all lens, I think its better to get the extra cheap 55-200mm or the slightly faster 70-300mm. Skip the 55mm-300mm, its neither cheap nor good enough.
For Macro, things get a bit tough because there are currently no "very good" macro lens for Nikon unless you are willing to break the bank or look for 2nd hand ones. 40mm is good and cheap, but too close. 105mm and above is ideal but a bit expensive. This one you need to compromise a lot.

Shop I used is DigitalRev, they are based in HK, have amazing prices and ships within 3 days.

Yeah 18-105 would do good for a start, just so you get the idea of what exactly you need. I used it for shooting some product, but I have to say that having a flash unit makes a world of difference, look into an SB-600 or the newer SB-700 (you can always get the flash later on, so maybe try without it).

Not too sure about flash, I would personally just get a lightbox instead of a flash. Much cheaper, and if you need a flash you can get it later, but you will almost always need a lightbox for macro.

 

[repman244]

Not too sure about flash, I would personally just get a lightbox instead of a flash. Much cheaper, and if you need a flash you can get it later, but you will almost always need a lightbox for macro.

Yeah that's a good idea as well, I was only thinking about the flash because you can use it for other things as well (shooting macro outside etc.), you can use it as slave as well (using the built in flash as the commander).
But of course if you don't have any need for a flash whatsoever then a lightbox is the way to go.

 

[LGV]

Thanks a lot!
Thets link looks promising!

Im a bit confused now..

Would be too much if I ask some opinion on Canon?

Basicaly I look for the best, buget can be raised to 1500£

 

[Fourstaff]

Thanks a lot!
Thets link looks promising!

Im a bit confused now..

Would be too much if I ask some opinion on Canon?

Would be the same idea, but camera would either be 600D or a used 7D. Consumer lens lineup is roughly the same too, except you will have to pay quite a bit more for Canon's 35mm prime if you are those kind of shooter. You gain an "affordable" 100mm Macro which is really really nice. IQ and other things like that are largely similar.

 

[LGV]

NO used camera. may on speedflash, but thets it.
I would prefer full frame
speedlight with macro O ring

Dont mind to have two lens for a start.

on nikon DX put me back the lens DX , cant be used on properly on FX.

Best Bang for buck!

 

[Fourstaff]

NO used camera. may on speedflash, but thets it.
I would prefer full frame
speedlight with macro O ring

Dont mind to have two lens for a start.

on nikon DX put me back the lens DX , cant be used on properly on FX.

Best Bang for buck!

£1000 and full frame doesn't go together. You will need at least about £2000 for a new full frame body (D600), and then that much again to get the lenses.

Also, a good macro O ring is very expensive, if you are getting a cheap one might as well build a lightbox.

You will need 2 lenses if you want macro and general photography, unless you get those silly 40mm macro lenses which is neither wide enough for landscape (depending on your style), nor tele enough to get your lens not to cast a shadow on your macro subject.

 

[LGV]

I did look up.
Looks stay with the D7000. ( SD card is a + )

good start.
Any macro lens in sigma?
The 40mm for macro is good inaf?

Oh god... this choices killing me.
and time ticking pfff

 

[repman244]

I did look up.
Looks stay with the D7000. ( SD card is a + )

good start.
Any macro lens in sigma?
The 40mm for macro is good inaf?

Oh god... this choices killing me.
and time ticking pfff

If you don't mind me asking, why are you in such a rush to buy it fast? I don't think that's good TBH.
You need to decide what mm will work the best for you, I use a 100mm Tokina macro lens but for a totally different purpose (shooting insects etc.).
Why not use the kit lens first and see if it's ok for you? The 18-105 lens isn't bad at doing close-up shots (it can't compare to the macro lense but for a start it's good).

You need to take your time and narrow it down to 2-3 lenses and decide. You may regret buying something if you rush it

 

[Fourstaff]

The 40mm for macro is good inaf?

unless you get those silly 40mm macro lenses which is neither wide enough for landscape (depending on your style), nor tele enough to get your lens not to cast a shadow on your macro subject.

Any macro lens in sigma?

You can find good macro lenses in Sigma and Tokina, but I personally would avoid them because they might not be compatible with camera 10 years down the road.

If you are willing to take the risk, then Sigma's 105mm F/2.8 Macro and Tokina's 100mm Macro F/2.8 are worth a look. Just make sure you get the correct mount.

 

[LGV]

If you don't mind me asking, why are you in such a rush to buy it fast? I don't think that's good TBH.

I leave UK in one week, thets why. ( You right)

I did made my choice for a smaller and cheaper D3200 ( Because of the weight only 500g)
looks
D3200 kit with the lens came, 15-55
SB-700
40mm Micro
55-200mm

(may still look sigma macro)

This will be DX , secondary camera, more portable and cheap start.
If need it , I will buy the D800 later with FX lenses. ( hopefully, by then, I will be better these things)

Thank You guys!

 

[Fourstaff]

Don't get the 40mm, and don't get the SB700 now. Also, if you can afford the D3200, get the D5100 instead unless you primarily like to do video and in which case get Canon 650D instead.

 

[LGV]

Thanks

How about this cheap flash for start?
METZ Mecablitz 36 AF-4N Digital Flashgun - for Nikon

The D3200 Capture around 50% more detail in your photos 24 Mp , right?
New Sensor with it, not better?
Value for long term?
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D3200-vs-Nikon-D5100
( The price is actually 9 pound D3200 cheap )

The Canon out of Question now.
Thanks

 

[Fourstaff]

Thanks

How about this cheap flash for start?
METZ Mecablitz 36 AF-4N Digital Flashgun - for Nikon

The D3200 Capture around 50% more detail in your photos 24 Mp , right?
New Sensor with it, not better?
Value for long term?
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D3200-vs-Nikon-D5100
( The price is actually 9 pound D3200 cheap )

The Canon out of Question now.
Thanks

Skip cheap flash too, what you want for macro is a light box not a flash. Flashing a macro subject causes harsh shadows, which can be fixed by using bounce flash (and that is what a lightbox provides in the first place). Built in flash is good enough for most uses, unless you absolutely have to have a flash then get one.

I would rather have a D5100 for a second body than a D3200 because of tilty-swively screen, but you will be pleased with whatever you get.

Edit: The 24mp will not give you any advantage unless you have the right lens.

 

[Fourstaff]

T3i kit
Nifty 50 lens and filters
50-250 telephoto with IS and filters.

Why 50mm? I find it a bit restrictive in a 1.6 sensor. Also, why 50-250mm when you will get the 70-200mm red ring in the future anyway? Genuine questions.

 

[repman244]

Skip cheap flash too, what you want for macro is a light box not a flash. Flashing a macro subject causes harsh shadows, which can be fixed by using bounce flash (and that is what a lightbox provides in the first place). Built in flash is good enough for most uses, unless you absolutely have to have a flash then get one.

I would rather have a D5100 for a second body than a D3200 because of tilty-swively screen, but you will be pleased with whatever you get.

Edit: The 24mp will not give you any advantage unless you have the right lens.

Since he will be using the flash indoors you have no problems bouncing it off the ceiling or walls. And you can use the flash for other occasions as well.

I wouldn't buy a D5100 just because of the tilt screen, I rarely even look at it except when I want to check the histogram.

More MP gives you room when it comes to cropping, but I agree that the quality depends on the quality of the lens.