Entry Level DSLR or Iphone 5?

[mcalc55]

This post isn't necessarily to argue which is better, as I clearly understand photo's will be leaps and bounds crisper and cleaner with a DSLR. That being said, I would like to get into some beginner car photography when my F30 arrives. I know nothing about photography but willing to learn some, but would I get the most enjoyment out of learning how to use a basic lens on a DSLR or do people suggest it take some shots with my iPhone 5 and learn to use some photo editors afterword to spice things up?

My budget would be around $400 to dive into photography, looks like there is a decent selection of used dSLRs on amazon that I could pick from...d90 etc..

[Billup]

For $400, you should be able to find yourself a good startup kit, probably used, but as long as it comes with some nice glass, you will be able to learn the basics of A/F, ISO, WB, etc.

I suggest looking on CL or something for someone looking to get rid of a package, and once you find out if you really want to stick with DSLR, you can upgrade the body and lenses in good time. There are a lot of tricks and tips, and you'll learn a lot more with even a beginner DSLR setup.

Using an iPhone I feel is for instagram and facebookers. If you want to take photography for the art it is, spend some money on a beginner kit and you'll have many more options to play around with and get real results.

Cheers.

[IEDEI]

don't buy a DSLR. buy a mirrorless compact.....like a Fuji X10 or a Ricoh GR.

the iphone is GREAT to take photos with...but doesn't teach you much about the technical merits of photography.

DSLRs are ridiculously bulky and useless....you don't need one.

[mcalc55]

http://hickory.craigslist.org/ele/3992935112.html

is that something similar? I might be able to get this guy lower..would I be able to 'learn' about photography with those lenses?

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

don't buy a DSLR. buy a mirrorless compact.....like a Fuji X10 or a Ricoh GR.

the iphone is GREAT to take photos with...but doesn't teach you much about the technical merits of photography.

DSLRs are ridiculously bulky and useless....you don't need one.

While I don't have experience with a mirrorless compact like the Nikon 1, etc, DSLR's have the benefit of a bigger sensor, better lens, etc.

The iPhone is a good point and shoot camera, but the sensor is small, has no optical zoom, etc.

I have a Nikon D60 and I love it. I'm not a hardcore photographer and only have the stock 18-35mm lens and a 70-300mm lens. I have taken some great pictures with it.

http://imageshack.us/a/img163/5153/a7fw.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img69/3465/1ess.jpg

[IEDEI]

don't get me wrong...nothing wrong with a DSLR if somebody already has one....but I one doesn't, the mirror less options right now are SO good that there's no need to buy a DSLR, IMO....

they used to not be THIS good

[mcalc55]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

don't get me wrong...nothing wrong with a DSLR if somebody already has one....but I one doesn't, the mirror less options right now are SO good that there's no need to buy a DSLR, IMO....

they used to not be THIS good

Ok im looking at a Nikon J1 on CL for $280 with 2 lenses or Sony nex-3 for $165 online used with no lens.

Alternatively maybe the d3100 Nikon for $346 returned by Nikon with 18-55mm lens.

Thoughts? I don't really take a ton of pictures right now but the portability might be good or it might not make a difference to me. Some of the effects (auto focusing, blurred backgrounds etc) on a dslr appeal to me too though.

Tough decision

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by mcalc55

Ok im looking at a Nikon J1 on CL for $280 with 2 lenses or Sony nex-3 for $165 online used with no lens.

Alternatively maybe the d3100 Nikon for $346 returned by Nikon with 18-55mm lens.

Thoughts? I don't really take a ton of pictures right now but the portability might be good or it might not make a difference to me. Some of the effects (auto focusing, blurred backgrounds etc) on a dslr appeal to me too though.

Tough decision

you can't go wrong with something like a Sony Nex......

i personally use a manual focus only (no autofocus on the camera at all) Leica M8.....so i'm biased to manual focus!

[mcalc55]

Went with with Olympus pen epm 1 for $190 new from a seller on amazon. Assuming he's legit I'll get it in a few days. I'm looking forward to experimenting with some more advanced modes as it seems fully capable for a novice like me. Thanks for all the input! I'll be sure to post when my f30 Msport gets here..

[dorifto88]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

don't buy a DSLR. buy a mirrorless compact.....like a Fuji X10 or a Ricoh GR.

the iphone is GREAT to take photos with...but doesn't teach you much about the technical merits of photography.

DSLRs are ridiculously bulky and useless....you don't need one.

i sold my d300s for a fuji xe1 (mirrorless, and a lot smaller) and i havent looked back, though i do miss the 105mm dc i just sold today =(

[Inspired]

Originally Posted by dorifto88

i sold my d300s for a fuji xe1 (mirrorless, and a lot smaller) and i havent looked back, though i do miss the 105mm dc i just sold today =(

Are the lens interchangeable on these new mirrorless cameras? I am looking to upgrade my old Nikon D90 to a full frame but these mirrorless camera looks interesting.

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

don't get me wrong...nothing wrong with a DSLR if somebody already has one....but I one doesn't, the mirror less options right now are SO good that there's no need to buy a DSLR, IMO....

they used to not be THIS good

Depends what type of photography you plan on doing.

[DSB335d]

I have a Sony Nex 5r w/18-55mm & 55-210mm also a Ravelli APGL4 tripod w/ pistol grip head.
There are adapters to use almost all of the A-mount lens' on the E-mount body.
I like the Sony because the body is available in white, and also I like the built in wifi.
I can sync it to my ipad and transfer my pics to it and and then if I want transfer them to my Mac book pro and really play with the pictures.
There is a decent selection of E-mount lenses available most of them are pretty affordable.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

don't get me wrong...nothing wrong with a DSLR if somebody already has one....but I one doesn't, the mirror less options right now are SO good that there's no need to buy a DSLR, IMO....

they used to not be THIS good

That depends on what kind of DSLR you own. I've yet to see a mirrorless camera provide better image quality than my setup. The only compact that comes close for me is the Sony RX1 and that's why I have one of those too.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

That depends on what kind of DSLR you own. I've yet to see a mirrorless camera provide better image quality than my setup. The only compact that comes close for me is the Sony RX1 and that's why I have one of those too.

the RX1 is a phenomenal camera IMO! that Zeiss lens is a gem!

I think professional or very experienced photographers need or are able to use all the tech or features of a full frame DSLR----however for discreetness, useability, and portability a mirror less solution works so much better for the average or novice photographer.

[mcalc55]

Yeah for what it's worth I guess this is a specific situation as I'm someone who has never had a dslr or much of a photographer and got a strong solution for less than $200 out the door. If my budget was larger I might have explored other options but I think the portability will give me more options to take pictures and practice. For those who already know they will use the camera then that's a different story

[Inspired]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

That depends on what kind of DSLR you own. I've yet to see a mirrorless camera provide better image quality than my setup. The only compact that comes close for me is the Sony RX1 and that's why I have one of those too.

$3000?

That is in the same price range as a FX Nikon D800 or nearly $1000 more expensive than the D600.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

the RX1 is a phenomenal camera IMO! that Zeiss lens is a gem!

I think professional or very experienced photographers need or are able to use all the tech or features of a full frame DSLR----however for discreetness, useability, and portability a mirror less solution works so much better for the average or novice photographer.

Totally agree, but really depends on the ultimate goal of the person. I think if you want to get really serious about photography and shoot with purely the intention of shooting (photo walks and planned shoots), a DSLR might be the better option. If you want a good everyday walk around camera, the smaller mirror less make way more sense.

And to the OP, the iPhone takes great photos in the right situation, but its horrible in anything but good lighting and if your subject moves, forget about sharp photos. I wouldn't buy one with the intention of taking nice photos. Its just a great always-on-you backup.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by Inspired

$3000?

That is in the same price range as a FX Nikon D800 or nearly $1000 more expensive than the D600.

And it probably takes better photos than them as well. It has quite a few drawbacks as slow auto-focusing (or sometimes inability to focus at all), non-interchangable lens (though I like that personally), short battery life, and lack of a viewfinder, but it takes gorgeous photos in any lighting condition. It can totally replace my 5D Mark III with the 35mm L lens. It's that good. Here are a couple photos taken with it (I've taken a lot more, but these are the only ones I've tagged rx1):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/radiant...th/8607771185/

I'm still amazed that this tiny camera can take such great photos.

[Inspired]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

And it probably takes better photos than them as well. It has quite a few drawbacks as slow auto-focusing (or sometimes inability to focus at all), non-interchangable lens (though I like that personally), short battery life, and lack of a viewfinder, but it takes gorgeous photos in any lighting condition. It can totally replace my 5D Mark III with the 35mm L lens. It's that good. Here are a couple photos taken with it (I've taken a lot more, but these are the only ones I've tagged rx1):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/radiant...th/8607771185/

I'm still amazed that this tiny camera can take such great photos.

Are those raw photos or edited? Those are some pretty good photos but your photography skills is much better than a average joe. I think even with a low end P&S you are able to achieve those photos with your photography skills.

[Slo2g]

I think the move to a DSLR is a great choice, although the smaller cameras are getting more and more popular. I purchased an entry level DSLR a couple of years ago and I honestly wish I would have saved up a few more bones and spent the money on a full frame camera. You may say that you don't take that many photos now but when you have a 600-3000 rig sitting in your closet you will find yourself taking more pictures. They only reason I wish I would have went with a full frame DSLR is because now I have a few lenses and body that if I wanted to step up and take advantage of a full frame I would not be able to use on the full frame body.

Now I'm no professional but I like the way most of my photos are shot, I'm not one to edit them in PS or crop images so the shot is what it is, no effects here. Here are a few I've shot...still so much to learn!











Like I said, you will find yourself taking your camera everywhere, not matter which one you get.

[Sylon]

I'm on my second DSLR, been thru a ton of compacts and several decent cell phones (including the iPhone). I love my Nikon D200, but it has its drawbacks. The big one is that it's, well, big! With the grip and my 18-135mm lens attached it is enormous and weighs a good mount, and would take up an entire carry-on bag when traveling. Not something that would be practical to carry around with you on a regular basis. I normally only use it for events like auto racing, car shows, etc. However, for other stuff like travel, everyday walks, etc, I wanted something smaller. Yeah my Galaxy S4 takes impressive photos, but it also lacks in some key areas. The big one being control, you have very little of it with a cell phone camera.

I looked at mirrorless, but they have their drawbacks as well for what I was looking for. I wanted a camera that was pocketable, discreet if I wanted to walk around in an area or city that I was unfamiliar with, or didn't feel all that safe walking around with a bulky camera. I've seen some awesome photos with these new mirrorless cameras, I really like the Sony NEX-5R, and if I didn't want something pocketable, I would have gone with one. But, I basically wanted the best compact available, so I went with the Sony RX100m2 today. It's still in the box at the moment but if it's anything like the RX100, then I think I'm going to love this camera.

While going DSLR is an investment, if you're not going to use it a lot, then I would go mirrorless. Mirrorless lenses are really expensive, sometimes more than DSLR lenses of the same sort.