Advice needed.

[froztheart]

Hi guys, as you can see I joined in Oct.
Have been picking up photography on the way.
Been using my friends Nikon D3200 for awhile.
So.. pardon me for some of the wrong terms and understanding. Please be patient with me, still a beginner here!

Alright, so now I am currently deciding on which DSLR to get for myself though.
Into shooting close ups(bokeh etc?), day & night landscapes, street photography
Kind of interested in others too, like Silhouettes, sunrise/sunset, long exposure, night photography, high speed photography/water drops, panorama, timelapse.

So currently, what I know is that for Canon their mid range will be EOS 700D/EOS 70D.
Nikon I am not too sure though. Is it, D7000/ D7100?
Samsung came out with the NX1 too.

Personally, I kind of fell for the Canon EOS 70D & the Samsung NX1.
Definitely, having Video capabilities will be a plus.
Would like to know what is the ideal one for me and what needs to be considered?
What about second hand ones? Are they worth it?

Thanks!

*Will update the details, if I have missed out any. Do help to bring up what I still need to be let known*

 

[brapodam]

Canon 700D is entry level, 70D is mid-range.

All of the stuff you mentioned you wanted to do can be done by all the cameras you mentioned. But take note that the Canons don't have a built in intervalometer for time lapse photography (you have to get their flagship 7D for that functionality), while all Nikon bodies have in built intervalometers. Not sure about the Samsung. But if you're willing to tinker around with custom firmwares, you can install Magic Lantern to gain that functionality.

For video capabilities, definitely the Canon will be the best out of the cameras you mentioned. However, you should decide whether video is something you do once in a while, or if it's the main thing you're going to shoot. Personally from my experience, I will not go for Canon unless it's their top of the line. They strip away useful functionality with every iteration of their mid-range DSLR (70D), hoping that it would force people to go for their flagship 7D. I don't like this type of strategy. I'm currently a Canon user (previously Nikon), but if you ask me, Nikon will be the better option, unless you do a lot of video. I don't have experience with the Samsung system so I can't say much about it.

 

[froztheart]

Ah, I see..

So for Canon, just by installing the Magic Lantern will allow me to get the timelapse function without the intervalometers? And by tinkering around with custom firmwares, you meant something similar to rooting Android devices?

Video will be an add-on. I'm focusing on Photography instead as of now. I see..

Anyway, will it be better to buy the cameras from IT shows like Sitex etc. or visit shops listed in the forums? Which will be a better deal?

 

[froztheart]

Anyway, anyone has experience with Samsung NX1? The one that is just released?

 

[MarkersNg]

For panorama you need panoramic rails.

 

[brapodam]

Ah, I see..

So for Canon, just by installing the Magic Lantern will allow me to get the timelapse function without the intervalometers? And by tinkering around with custom firmwares, you meant something similar to rooting Android devices?

Video will be an add-on. I'm focusing on Photography instead as of now. I see..

Anyway, will it be better to buy the cameras from IT shows like Sitex etc. or visit shops listed in the forums? Which will be a better deal?

I advise going to the shops listed in the forums. Usually the same offers will be given at the shops listed in the forums (in terms of free gifts, provided they have the same supplier/distributor). However, if the same free gifts are not given, you may consider going to SITEX to get. SITEX is always very crowded, prices can be even more expensive than shops, and majority of the free gifts are useless.

And yes, custom firmware is similar to rooting. But not all Canon cameras have Magic Lantern available. The last time I checked, Magic Lantern (ML) is not available for 70D. Also, sometimes when they develop new features, they may not implement them into the official builds yet. You will have to compile ML by yourself in such a case, or request a build and hope someone will do it for you.

As for intervalometer, it is something implemented through software. There's nothing special about intervalometers; it's just a timer and a trigger. Canon gimped their cameras by not including an intervalometer into the camera, ML adds it in.

Do take note that when you tinker with custom firmwares, you have to be careful and know what to do when things go wrong. You'll have to know how to troubleshoot (I've had a lot of weird stuff happening to my camera), and when something goes wrong, you need to pull the battery from the camera fast (fixes most minor problems), otherwise there may be permanent damage (very rare). If you generally know what you're doing, you should be fine.

Still, I would rather spend money on other brand cameras like Nikon. The only reason I'm using Canon now is because I'm a geek and like to keep up with the latest developments in ML and occasionally compile builds to test out the new features. These reasons are getting more and more stupid as the days go by. I still feel that at the entry to mid level, Nikons (and pretty much every other brand in the APS-C and m4/3 market) are superior to Canon APS-C in almost every aspect.

 

[pinholecam]

There is also the Pentax K3, certainly one of the best aps-c dslr for the money (build, size, features)
Intervalometer function already in the camera (plus other stuff).


Nowadays, most cameras are pretty decent unless one has very specialist needs.
So won't really go wrong with any of them.

 

[froztheart]

I advise going to the shops listed in the forums. Usually the same offers will be given at the shops listed in the forums (in terms of free gifts, provided they have the same supplier/distributor). However, if the same free gifts are not given, you may consider going to SITEX to get. SITEX is always very crowded, prices can be even more expensive than shops, and majority of the free gifts are useless.

And yes, custom firmware is similar to rooting. But not all Canon cameras have Magic Lantern available. The last time I checked, Magic Lantern (ML) is not available for 70D. Also, sometimes when they develop new features, they may not implement them into the official builds yet. You will have to compile ML by yourself in such a case, or request a build and hope someone will do it for you.

As for intervalometer, it is something implemented through software. There's nothing special about intervalometers; it's just a timer and a trigger. Canon gimped their cameras by not including an intervalometer into the camera, ML adds it in.

Do take note that when you tinker with custom firmwares, you have to be careful and know what to do when things go wrong. You'll have to know how to troubleshoot (I've had a lot of weird stuff happening to my camera), and when something goes wrong, you need to pull the battery from the camera fast (fixes most minor problems), otherwise there may be permanent damage (very rare). If you generally know what you're doing, you should be fine.

Still, I would rather spend money on other brand cameras like Nikon. The only reason I'm using Canon now is because I'm a geek and like to keep up with the latest developments in ML and occasionally compile builds to test out the new features. These reasons are getting more and more stupid as the days go by. I still feel that at the entry to mid level, Nikons (and pretty much every other brand in the APS-C and m4/3 market) are superior to Canon APS-C in almost every aspect.

I see. Will go think about it, and have more research!

Thanks for the input, appreciate it!

 

[froztheart]

Ahhh, i forgotten about the other brands too..

Will do more research first in that case!

Thanks for the input!

 

[Nikonzen]

IMO body is important but glass trumps body. So I would research the best glass available within your budget for each brand/model of body you are interested in then go down to the store and find out which one feels the best in your hands.

I always feemed (crazy poison desire) for the venerable 105/2.5 Nikkor so I ended up primarily a Nikon shooter. I have Canon stuff too because I love virtually all camera gear and also because I have learned that it is myself that limits my growth more so than any particular camera brand I may operate.

I have always bought second hand partly because of my economic situation but mainly that is just how I roll. Cameras are just lightbrushes to me...a tool. Because I research stuff pretty thoroughly I have been pretty successful with this approach so far. You might oughtta take a gander at older pro level full frame used bodies too as prices are very fair for the amount of camera body you get. This is what I have been doing for a few years now anticipating the price drop on FX as the tech evolves. We are at that point now I think.

You must design your system with many things in mind so please do take your time!

 

[KonTrol]

Anyway, anyone has experience with Samsung NX1? The one that is just released?

Why not consider the m43 offerings from Olympus and Panasonic?

Small body size with great image quality, affordable range of lens (small in size too) and if you choose Panasonic, you get great video capabilities too.

 

[ckwomdem10]

Why not consider the m43 offerings from Olympus and Panasonic?

Small body size with great image quality, affordable range of lens (small in size too) and if you choose Panasonic, you get great video capabilities too.

yup, Olympus have promotion now with great prices for bodies and lenses. had an EM10 and never looked back. though video might be lacking,

http://toolsandtoys.net/reviews/the-olympus-om-d-e-m10/

or if a little more, the flagship EM1 is one of the m43 top of class performer.

also, the camera is only as good as the eye behind it and i always believe in training the eye above acquiring the most advance equipment.

 

[Nikonzen]

I think these bros Kon and ck are offering wise advice TS. When I go for my new camera soon I could just as easily end up on a Fuji or Oly..again the tech has caught up to a certain level to make that a very good option now. I still need big camera too though so must work till drop... :sweat: :faint:

 

[SeAnCoLd]

Offering my 2 cents worth: Lenses determine largely how good the image will turn out. The camera does play a big part too, because the sensor cannot be changed. In film era, the camera doesn't matter as much. If the lens is good, you will get good photos since you're using the same light capturing media (film). That's why good compact cameras such as the Contax T2 and T3 were and are still worth so much. They offer a compact body with a very good lens. Now, when we buy a camera, we get a sensor that is fixed, and trust me, different sensors make a whole lot of difference. For one, the image quality of full frame sensors cannot be matched by smaller sensors (my word, and not everybody will agree). Even when the sensor is of the same size, they vary in terms of quality and characteristics of the images they capture. I was using a Canon 40D and I thought my friend's 550D with newer technology will allow me to capture better pictures. Thus, I borrowed it for a trip up Mount Kinabalu. The pictures were sharp and had low noise, but were disappointing nonetheless. I haven't really scrutinised them, but I just don't like how they looked.

Moral of the story: Prioritise your needs (weight, image quality, other useful functions like a tilty-swivelly screen), and get the best camera body you can afford. (My 40D is still serving me well after 5-6 years). EOS 70D is not too bad, but consider EOS 6D too. Like what other brothers have said, maybe skip the Samsung and consider Olympus and Fujifilm (my pick).

 

[SeAnCoLd]

Me too! Waiting for the arrival of the X-pro 2!

I think these bros Kon and ck are offering wise advice TS. When I go for my new camera soon I could just as easily end up on a Fuji or Oly..again the tech has caught up to a certain level to make that a very good option now. I still need big camera too though so must work till drop... :sweat: :faint:

 

[brapodam]

Moral of the story: Prioritise your needs (weight, image quality, other useful functions like a tilty-swivelly screen), and get the best camera body you can afford. (My 40D is still serving me well after 5-6 years). EOS 70D is not too bad, but consider EOS 6D too. Like what other brothers have said, maybe skip the Samsung and consider Olympus and Fujifilm (my pick).

Good advice, but don't forget that you need to get the best set of equipment you can afford, not just the best camera body. I know some people who get a 6D and only have enough money left for a 50/1.8. If that's what you can afford, I would rather you get a m4/3 body with a full set of lenses.

 

[KonTrol]

Good advice, but don't forget that you need to get the best set of equipment you can afford, not just the best camera body. I know some people who get a 6D and only have enough money left for a 50/1.8. If that's what you can afford, I would rather you get a m4/3 body with a full set of lenses.

Haha, I do know some friends that feel that FF is the end all and be all of photography.

Tried advising them that if you dump all your money upgrading to that glorious FF body but are stuck with the kit lens, then there is no point in upgrading at all.

 

[SeAnCoLd]

Hmm... I don't know... The kit lens for Canon's 6D and 5DMKIII seems point enough

Haha, I do know some friends that feel that FF is the end all and be all of photography.

Tried advising them that if you dump all your money upgrading to that glorious FF body but are stuck with the kit lens, then there is no point in upgrading at all.

 

[ckwomdem10]

Haha, I do know some friends that feel that FF is the end all and be all of photography.

Tried advising them that if you dump all your money upgrading to that glorious FF body but are stuck with the kit lens, then there is no point in upgrading at all.

many newbies in photography only think that there are 2 types of cameras, DSLRs and compacts, other than phone cameras. they would think that lugging a huge DSLR is very pro and cool, anything smaller, like M43/mirrorless, would be classed as a compact, amateurish and uncool...sigh

with today's technology, DSLRs are slowly being sidelined and M43/mirrorless gaining traction with the masses as well as professionals.

in the end its what that comes out of the camera that counts, not whats in the hand that matters.

 

[Nikonzen]

For panorama you need panoramic rails.

This is another good point...you may want to factor other equipment into your budget. Tripods, bags, filters, extra batteries, etc.