DSLR for Female - Please Recommend!

[tainted]

Since there are probably quite a few female photographers here, it'll be interesting to know what camera they're using, don't you think? I don't often see ladies using DSLRs and weight is probably the biggest factor. But I'd really like to know what DSLRs are favoured by our female photographers or photography enthusiasts.

I'm female and I use a dslr and personally for me weight is not the biggest factor.
For work I use a 5DII and a mix of lenses depending on the job and for personal use a well used but treasured 40D.
I'm too tired to go through all 4 pages of the thread but I assume that most of the members would have emphasized and advised on the who what whys and whatevers of photography and the gear relating to it.
Whatever camera you get, the most important is having fun while you're shooting.
And don't forget to visit the secret subsection of the forum once you're given access to it.
Its pretty much a fun place to be in.
:bsmilie:

 

[libgirlmom]

You have to ask yourself how good you wanted the pictures to be and how far you're going in the future and HOW HEAVY IS CONSIDERED HEAVY TO YOU?

There's really no "designed for ladies" DSLRs.

There's a reason why DSLRs are heavier. Bigger sensors for better IQ, heavier material used to construct the body for durablity, more screws and nuts to make it more weather-proof, more buttons and switches for better and faster configuration and when all these added up together, the camera is heavy.

I am not trying to say that the heavier the camera is, the better it is. But they are reasons they why they were heavy. Also, personally I deemed that most of the DSLRs, especially those entry to mid-entry level camera's weight is reasonably acceptable.

If you just wanted to shoot you and your friends pushing the peace sign then upload facebook with DSLR results, go for NEX-3, NEX-5, Olympus PEN, Leica, etc.

But if you're serious with photograhy and wanted to find a good and light mid-entry level camera to start with, I would recommend you Canon 550D.:thumbsup:

Most importantly, go down to the stores and feel it yourself.

Recently, I felt the 550D for myself and I like it! It was with kit lens 18-55mm which probably would not last me too long...I'll likely be looking for another lens in a few months which then really adds on the weight. A friend of mine is a fan of Nikon's D90 and her shots are AMAZING. But I've heard Canon's user-friendly features and I may not know how to handle Nikon's. I haven't handled the Nikon's at all at this point.

 

[banana0ne]

Recently, I felt the 550D for myself and I like it! It was with kit lens 18-55mm which probably would not last me too long...I'll likely be looking for another lens in a few months which then really adds on the weight. A friend of mine is a fan of Nikon's D90 and her shots are AMAZING. But I've heard Canon's user-friendly features and I may not know how to handle Nikon's. I haven't handled the Nikon's at all at this point.

All modern DSLR are user friendly IMHO. it's just a matter of getting used to it.

 

[flintflameinferno]

lol even I've seen a 12-14 years old kid took pictures with his nikon d40..
dude, photography is not physics...

 

[galmen]

Recently, I felt the 550D for myself and I like it! It was with kit lens 18-55mm which probably would not last me too long...I'll likely be looking for another lens in a few months which then really adds on the weight. A friend of mine is a fan of Nikon's D90 and her shots are AMAZING. But I've heard Canon's user-friendly features and I may not know how to handle Nikon's. I haven't handled the Nikon's at all at this point.

Personally i feel that most important is you are comfortable with the camera and the budget fits your requirement, the rest is secondary. Whether the kit lens can last you a long time or short while depends on your need and requirement as well because i have seen from CS that alot of nice pictures are taken with the kit lens, therefore i guess is how much potential of the lens you are making full use of.

 

[quizesilver]

Personally i feel that most important is you are comfortable with the camera and the budget fits your requirement, the rest is secondary. Whether the kit lens can last you a long time or short while depends on your need and requirement as well because i have seen from CS that alot of nice pictures are taken with the kit lens, therefore i guess is how much potential of the lens you are making full use of.

ah bro, i see your equipment have starting to built up

 

[libgirlmom]

Last night, I went and got a feel of D90 v 550D. I don't have large hands so I felt D90 was a little bigger and heavier esp when I compare that to 550D. If the lens is heavier than the body, will that be a problem (eg wrist hurting)? I see that scenario happening with the 550D more than with the D90.

 

[An drew]

Lighter is good as you are more lightly to bring it out. Lens a bit heavier is ok as DSLRs have good grips. If both body and lens are heavy then your wrist will really suffer. Unless you are doing this for a living then no choice.

 

[Rashkae]

Try the A55 since you have small hands.

 

[quizesilver]

Last night, I went and got a feel of D90 v 550D. I don't have large hands so I felt D90 was a little bigger and heavier esp when I compare that to 550D. If the lens is heavier than the body, will that be a problem (eg wrist hurting)? I see that scenario happening with the 550D more than with the D90.

good that u now compare it side by side.
juz remember the law of physic, your hand is the pivot point and if heavy on the far end, ur hand(wrist) will have to use more strength to hold.

 

[brapodam]

Last night, I went and got a feel of D90 v 550D. I don't have large hands so I felt D90 was a little bigger and heavier esp when I compare that to 550D. If the lens is heavier than the body, will that be a problem (eg wrist hurting)? I see that scenario happening with the 550D more than with the D90.

Yes your wrist will hurt when the lens is heavier than the body. If it's just a little heavier then it will only hurt if you shoot for extended periods, like when shooting events. But if it's significantly heavier (like 70-200 f2.8 IS), then it will hurt quite fast. I've tried a 70-200 f2.8 on my D5000 before, not quite the fun experience. Didn't injure my wrist from shooting with the setup but it was heavily imbalanced, so apart from the pain, it tends to be unstable since the weight is not well distributed.

 

[tirimasu]

Get 5D mark 2...

 

[songwee]

lol even I've seen a 12-14 years old kid took pictures with his nikon d40..
dude, photography is not physics...

i beg to differ....

photography is all about physics

the lens, the refraction, the reflection, the electronics, the sensor ...

its the physics that enabled the artist behind the lens to do what he/she does best...


imho, my 2 cents worth!

 

[flintflameinferno]

i beg to differ....

photography is all about physics

the lens, the refraction, the reflection, the electronics, the sensor ...

its the physics that enabled the artist behind the lens to do what he/she does best...


imho, my 2 cents worth!

u don't get my point, if a kid can use a dslr camera, I think almost everyone also know how to use it or else, try play other toy..

 

[Sispecho]

W

...For a start, the usual suspects recommended will be the Canon 550D and the Nikon D5000. They are good choices. But because they are full frame, you can expect big and heavy lenses, especially for the higher end range...

...Alternatively, you can consider the Four-Thirds (4/3) system by Olympus. They are much lighter and smaller dSLRs. As they are not full frame, their system is lighter and smaller, but still packs a big punch for hobbyists and enthusiasts... .

Just what in the world are you smoking on dude? 550D is definitely not FULL Frame as in the 35mm format. not sure abt nikon stuff but im pretty sure the D5000 is not too.

Four Thirds cannot be considered as not full fram in my opinion as its format differs from the 35mm format the other manufacturers uses. It is a Full Frame Four-Thirds sensor, which is definitely smaller than the 35mm by a 2x crop factor.

Guess you must have been tired....

Cheers.

 

[vanillaBean]

try holding onto a Canon 500d or 550d. it aint heavy with 18-55mm kit lens.
i personally prefer a heavier feel and a bulkier body, the weight does seem to make my shots more stable. just my 2 cents worth

 

[ijnek]

i think...it might b wrong to compare d90 with 550d...mayb 50d is a closer call?

i hv a lady friend using d300s, no complaints from her.
take it as a toning exercise for ur arms.

 

[KevCKP]

I'd recommend a Sony A33 with the kit lens 18-55mm for starters =)
Do go to the shops and try it out cos you might end up wanting a point and shoot or something like the canon powershot sx series.

 

[Ghostfit]

My wife loves the A55 and it looks like I ain't gonna be able to use that cam much ! :dunno:

...Oh well, time to start saving for the forth coming A77 :devil:

 

[torak]

Sony A33, cheap, light and easy to use.

Not to mention its the 2nd fastest entry level camera (losing only to the A55).

U can spend $250 more to get the A55, but I think its not really needed, a A33 will be enough for ur needs. Unless u do alot of sports photography and wants the additional speed of the A55, else the A33 is already fast enough (7 frames per second)