New Entry Level DSLR/Mirrorless Camera- Suggestions?

[Khawaja]

AoA Guys,
Time for me to upgrade, as right after my exams I've got a wedding coming up and another trip, I'm planning to get an idea and start saving right now. I'll be selling off my current camera(Nikon Coolpix P500) and upgrade to an entry level DSLR/Mirrorless camera. Following are my concerns:

1. How much will my P500 sell off for, warranty expiring at the end of this month, scratchless condition, not used much?
2. Which Camera should I upgrade? Please note that I've never tried any other brand other than Nikon.
3. I'll be needing a Macro Lens, Wide Lens for Landscapes, Normal Day to Day use lens and a long zoom lens? Can I get an individual price breakup of each lens, I'll be needing basic lenses

Budget: Entry Level, made this thread to get a basic idea of the budget that I'll need

Please do note, I am not much of a post-processor so I'll need the best possible RAW photos.

Thanks!
[MENTION=38771]Anurin[/MENTION] [MENTION=4563]opethian[/MENTION] [MENTION=4999]Pleasant[/MENTION] [MENTION=20555]Dragg3r[/MENTION] [MENTION=10537]DeNitro[/MENTION] [MENTION=8932]The Avenger[/MENTION]

 

[Anurin]

I'm not really much aware of prices, but I'll help you out with what I can.

If you wanna stick to Nikon, go for atleast a D5100, though I'd suggest a D7000, seeing as how its price should be going down in the coming months.

For lenses, I'd suggest a 18-105mm (which comes bundled with D7000 and some variants of D5100) and a 35mm. That'd cover your wide, everyday zoom and fast lens. Other basic zooms like 55-200mm and 70-300mm are only good for day light sports and bird/animal photography. I'm not into macros (yet), so I don't know about that category. Keep in mind that these are only Nikkor lenses. Other members who have experience with 3rd party lenses might be able to suggest you even cheaper stuff.

Also, I hope you do know what RAW is for. Theres no point in shooting in RAW if you're not gonna post-proc.

 

[Khawaja]

I'm not really much aware of prices, but I'll help you out with what I can.

If you wanna stick to Nikon, go for atleast a D5100, though I'd suggest a D7000, seeing as how its price should be going down in the coming months.

For lenses, I'd suggest a 18-105mm (which comes bundled with D7000 and some variants of D5100) and a 35mm. That'd cover your wide, everyday zoom and fast lens. Other basic zooms like 55-200mm and 70-300mm are only good for day light sports and bird/animal photography. I'm not into macros (yet), so I don't know about that category. Keep in mind that these are only Nikkor lenses. Other members who have experience with 3rd party lenses might be able to suggest you even cheaper stuff.

Also, I hope you do know what RAW is for. Theres no point in shooting in RAW if you're not gonna post-proc.

D7000 Will surely get out of my budget. A used D5100 can come into budget, keeping in mind I'll have to buy lenses as well. When I meant RAW I didn't mean the RAW-RAW I meant straight out of the camera raw.

I really do need help with prices but thanks a bunch for your suggestions!

Any idea how much my current camera can go for?

EDIT: I don't really have an extensive budget, I'm real tight on it.

 

[NaNoW]

I would suggest not to buy a used body..also see my thread..i asked the same question and have now ordered a Nikon D5100..lenses can be bought later on, when you save for them..but D5100 is not an "entry level", lets call it a mid level, since the sensor is taken from D7000.....D3100 or Canon D 550 are also great choices.

Also try to get a 35 or 50 mm prime 1.8f ..this will help you alot in bokeh and street photography (like, wide shot of landscape and in wedding as you said)

the kit lens 18-55mm can be you "everyday lens" and if you want even more...then look for 55-200 or 55-300mm
but get the 35 mm prime first



http://www.pakgamers.com/forums/f28/[nba]-calling-all-photography-gurus-162076/

 

[Anurin]

D7000 Will surely get out of my budget. A used D5100 can come into budget, keeping in mind I'll have to buy lenses as well. When I meant RAW I didn't mean the RAW-RAW I meant straight out of the camera raw.

I really do need help with prices but thanks a bunch for your suggestions!

Any idea how much my current camera can go for?

EDIT: I don't really have an extensive budget, I'm real tight on it.

Then go for a D5100 at the very least. And a new one at that. Stay far away from used bodies, unless they were previously owned by someone you can trust.

A new D5100 with the 18-55mm would cost you around 50k, don't know its price without the body. The 35mm goes for around 25k, probably less then that, its been a while since I checked.

 

[Khawaja]

Then go for a D5100 at the very least. And a new one at that. Stay far away from used bodies, unless they were previously owned by someone you can trust.

A new D5100 with the 18-55mm would cost you around 50k, don't know its price without the body. The 35mm goes for around 25k, probably less then that, its been a while since I checked.

I would suggest not to buy a used body..also see my thread..i asked the same question and have now ordered a Nikon D5100..lenses can be bought later on, when you save for them..but D5100 is not an "entry level", lets call it a mid level, since the sensor is taken from D7000.....D3100 or Canon D 550 are also great choices.

Also try to get a 35 or 50 mm prime 1.8f ..this will help you alot in bokeh and street photography (like, wide shot of landscape and in wedding as you said)

the kit lens 18-55mm can be you "everyday lens" and if you want even more...then look for 55-200 or 55-300mm
but get the 35 mm prime first



http://www.pakgamers.com/forums/f28/[nba]-calling-all-photography-gurus-162076/

Replying after a whole one month, lol. So I've decided to go for a new DSLR Body and will have the money soon enough now, hopefully ^_^.
The budget is still nearly the same, if I were to choose between Nikon D3200 and D5100 which one would you recommend?

And yes while we are at it, I might discuss D3000, is it worth the money? I mean 34k isn't much of a amount when you are investing for a DSLR? Also are mirrorless cameras such as NX1000 or J1 recommended?

 

[Anurin]

Replying after a whole one month, lol. So I've decided to go for a new DSLR Body and will have the money soon enough now, hopefully ^_^.
The budget is still nearly the same, if I were to choose between Nikon D3200 and D5100 which one would you recommend?

And yes while we are at it, I might discuss D3000, is it worth the money? I mean 34k isn't much of a amount when you are investing for a DSLR? Also are mirrorless cameras such as NX1000 or J1 recommended?

I'd recommend the D5100. Theres not a world of difference between the two. Its only that the 5100 can usually be had for cheaper. No-no for the D3000. Too outdated.
And yes, theres nothing wrong with mirrorless cameras. They can give most DSLRs a run for their money. The only problem is that their lenses and other accessories are somewhat limited and sometimes cost more than their DSLR counterparts.

 

[shujaswati]

I bought Canon 60D a week ago and it's awesome. The picture quality is just amazing and movie quality is equal-ant to 7D and 5DM3. The flip screen really comes handy, it comes with 18-55mm lens and its does the indoor and gathering shots pretty awesome. A guy here on Pg is selling his 60D in a good price range and he's very trustworth. Do research on Canon 60D and let me know if you are interested so I can let you his name so you can contact him.

 

[Khawaja]

I'd recommend the D5100. Theres not a world of difference between the two. Its only that the 5100 can usually be had for cheaper. No-no for the D3000. Too outdated.
And yes, theres nothing wrong with mirrorless cameras. They can give most DSLRs a run for their money. The only problem is that their lenses and other accessories are somewhat limited and sometimes cost more than their DSLR counterparts.

Better stick with the original DSLRs then

I bought Canon 60D a week ago and it's awesome. The picture quality is just amazing and movie quality is equal-ant to 7D and 5DM3. The flip screen really comes handy, it comes with 18-55mm lens and its does the indoor and gathering shots pretty awesome. A guy here on Pg is selling his 60D in a good price range and he's very trustworth. Do research on Canon 60D and let me know if you are interested so I can let you his name so you can contact him.

Don't 60d get a little too old? I mean it goes way back to 2010? Plus D5100 has larger sensor, none the less, let me know his name and his demand. It might get out of my range

 

[smaaz]

the movie capability of 60D is fantastic, also If you need to buy lenses I would advise you to get canon 5600D/650D, nikon D5xxx/3xxx lenses have to be AF-S and that range is twice as expensive. for example a 50mm f1.8 for nikon d5xxx cost 25k while for canon only 10k.

BUT my personal preference will always be nikon, as my 2 years old d5000 takes alot better pictures then my cousins 60D specially in low light. D5100 can be found for 56k these days and its a good camera only let back is the expensive lens range.

CHOOSE WISELY, you dont change DSLR body every year

 

[shujaswati]

Well I snap quite an amazing shots in low level light. It depends on the monkey thats behind the camera(70%), not the cameraitself (30%)

Also It was released in Feb 2011, that doesn't mean it doesn't compete with today's DSLR market