Which lens to get for newbie?

[Jazzye]

Thanks for the useful advice!

I did some research and am currently looking at Canon 50D and Nikon D5000. However, I came across reviews of the Pentax k-x and k-r, and they fit into my budget as well. Sadly, none of my friends are have Pentax dslr.

Do you have any experience with the k-x or k-r that you can share with me?

Thanks!

 

[SkyStrike]

What kind of experience are you looking for others to share? If technical specifications, I think the reviews did a very good job... Ergonomics wise (from Size, Placements of buttons, Menus etc..), it depends from person to person.. I find the grip small for my liking.

 

[infineum6822]

Kit lens 18-55 is sufficient for a start. Started off with the 500D and moved on to the 60D which I have sold it sometime back. I am still using the 500D now. I went for Canon as the lens were more affordable than Nikon's. The canon 50mm f1.8 is a good example. Goes for $125 new while Nikon's counterpart was $160+.

 

[Jazzye]

Basically just what you like and dislike about it. It's good to hear that the grip is small, suitable for a female's small hand!

 

[wonglp]

Basically just what you like and dislike about it. It's good to hear that the grip is small, suitable for a female's small hand!

Why not mirrorless camera for the size, weight giving similar or sometimes better IQ? There's quite many brands out there now.
- Canon EOS-M (not launched yet)
- Fuji x-pro1
- Nikon J1/V1
- Olympus Pen EPL3/EPM1/EP3 or OMD EM5.
- Panasonic GF5/G5.
- Pentax Q
- Samsung NX20/210
- Sony Nex 5N/7

I probably just confuse you more!

Some could be out of your budget, but there's quite a few out there today.

 

[Jazzye]

You know what? This question has crossed my mind many times! Especially when I was testing the Sony nex 5n today (they're having some promo right now), and when I was reading about the canon ESO M.

Then I started asking myself again why I wanna get a dslr. Simply because I wanna take up photography as an hobby, to explore how good I can become at it. I feel that photography is a skill and if I were to get a compact system camera, that'll be like "cheating" since anyone can take good photos with it.

I decided if I turn out to be really bad with the dslr, I'll just sell it and really turn to the mirror less ones instead! Then I wouldn't keep dreaming of owning a dslr already ;p

 

[Rashkae]

Then I started asking myself again why I wanna get a dslr. Simply because I wanna take up photography as an hobby, to explore how good I can become at it. I feel that photography is a skill and if I were to get a compact system camera, that'll be like "cheating" since anyone can take good photos with it.

Disagree. A poor photographer will produce poor pictures no matter how good the gear. The basic, fundamental skill of light, composition, etc, is the same regardless of the gear.

In other words, if you are bad with a DSLR, you will be bad with Mirrorless.

 

[Blur Shadow]

You know what? This question has crossed my mind many times! Especially when I was testing the Sony nex 5n today (they're having some promo right now), and when I was reading about the canon ESO M.

Then I started asking myself again why I wanna get a dslr. Simply because I wanna take up photography as an hobby, to explore how good I can become at it. I feel that photography is a skill and if I were to get a compact system camera, that'll be like "cheating" since anyone can take good photos with it.

I decided if I turn out to be really bad with the dslr, I'll just sell it and really turn to the mirror less ones instead! Then I wouldn't keep dreaming of owning a dslr already ;p

An incompetent photographer using high quality gear typical get technically high quality but essentially lousy photos. It is like having your flaws magnified. Another way of looking at it is to having an incompetent driver drive a Ferrari. You know it is gonna be ugly.

 

[Jazzye]

So it's recommended that beginner start with a mirror less camera than a entry level dslr?

 

[rain5533]

Hi peeps,

I'm totally new to DSLR and I'm into getting my first Camera!

It'll either be a Nikon D5000 or a Canon 500D.

Problem is, should I get the kit lens that comes with the camera?
Or opt for a 50mm F1.8 lens?
I can only afford ONE lens now.

I'll be using it for when I go for vacations (that means taking photos of food, people, scenary),
and also for taking protrait shots.

Please advise me!

Thanks!

Kit lens be the very useful lens.
I have my one of friend he used the D80 kit lens until today.

He was actual day photographer, but he never complain about the kit lens at all.

Like travel or landscape, family group all you need kit lens on 18mm Eq. 27mm in FF.

 

[Blur Shadow]

So it's recommended that beginner start with a mirror less camera than a entry level dslr?

It doesn't matter what you start with. You can go for the high level equipment as well, if you want.

I am just saying that there is no guarantee of good quality pictures just because you use better equipment. It is all down to a series of good skill, luck and equipment. Make the most out of what you have.

 

[SkyStrike]

So it's recommended that beginner start with a mirror less camera than a entry level dslr?

it doesn't matter what you start with... But in short: If your photo sucks , it's very likely to suck on whichever system you are on.

btw, who says that you can only learn photography thru dslr/mirrorless etc? Get any camera with advance features (or at least with P A S M) and you see how much you can learn from it. The basics are the same.

Sorry if I sounds too harsh..

 

[Chillibomber]

So it's recommended that beginner start with a mirror less camera than a entry level dslr?

Not really. A mirrorless camera is competent enough for most serious hobbyists. It has the advantage of a compact size which makes it more convenient to bring it everywhere. So it is worth considering. There are many photographers here that change from dslr to mirrorless. But if size is not deterring at all, then dslr should be better in most aspects (comparing within the same price range).

 

[Rashkae]

So it's recommended that beginner start with a mirror less camera than a entry level dslr?

Nope. Get the camera that is COMFORTABLE for you.

 

[TWmilkteaTW]

So it's recommended that beginner start with a mirror less camera than a entry level dslr?

Nope. Like others mentioned. It really dosent matter which 1 you choose to start with because end of the day. They are still equipment that will be held by you to take picture whenever you press the button.

The only differences is the interfaces, ergonomics, and etc is bit different. For this you can research more on whats a mirror less camera and a DSLR. Altogether, they are equipments created to capture moments.

 

[bonrya]

Whichever system you end up on, you definitely need the 70-200mm f2.8. :bsmilie: might as well get it now than later.

 

[Chillibomber]

Whichever system you end up on, you definitely need the 70-200mm f2.8. :bsmilie: might as well get it now than later.

Eh... Jazzye, Bonrya was just pulling your legs. This lens is very expensive - no need to bother now.

 

[bonrya]

Eh... Jazzye, Bonrya was just pulling your legs. This lens is very expensive - no need to bother now.

This is my serious face. :lovegrin:

 

[thoongeng]

This is my serious face. :lovegrin:

70-200 f2.8 is serious poison
then again look at her APAD and iphone also poison! hehe...

You know what? This question has crossed my mind many times! Especially when I was testing the Sony nex 5n today (they're having some promo right now), and when I was reading about the canon ESO M.

Then I started asking myself again why I wanna get a dslr. Simply because I wanna take up photography as an hobby, to explore how good I can become at it. I feel that photography is a skill and if I were to get a compact system camera, that'll be like "cheating" since anyone can take good photos with it.

I decided if I turn out to be really bad with the dslr, I'll just sell it and really turn to the mirror less ones instead! Then I wouldn't keep dreaming of owning a dslr already ;p

from your last statement, I think I may understand where you are coming from
Would say that if you are a person who will keep on thinking of 'what ifs', like 'what if I bought a DSLR, would this picture turn out better', then go ahead and get it. If really can't achieve then at least you would have known that you tried, and pay a bit of $$ for that lesson but gained a peace of mind in this aspect.

If not then I would say to learn about photography, any camera from a compact with manual controls to high end DSLRs can help you achieve it. The best camera is the one that is with you... if you don't feel like bringing your camera out then no point. Limitations in equipment sometimes spur you to work around it and learn more

Happy shopping and enjoy shooting!

 

[Jazzye]

Thank you! You know where I'm coming from!

I just got a 2nd hand Pentax k-r for a good price.

I compared it with the Nikon D5000 and the Canon 50D, and felt most comfortable with this one

I'm excited to get started now!