Buying a DSLR

[graffian]

I have a Pentax K5ii DSLR.
I was sure I needed to be looking though a viewfinder, it is much better to take pics with than a compact.

I recently wanted something carryable size and bought a sony a5000.
Have to say I prefer the sony and if I can flog the pentax for the price of an a6000 I will, I really like the a5000.
But the sony is to big for a normal pocket.

 

[AKN]

If it's a 50th birthday, then it's special!

In that case it comes down to one choice, a gold plated Leica!!

 

[droopsnoot]

I've also had Pentax from a long time ago, so I went for Pentax when I decided to buy a DSLR a few years ago, in the shape of a Kx which was pretty much entry-level back then. For the same reasons as others - so I could use the lenses I'd already got, and I've found quite a lot of bargains around, some with M42 mount as I have an adapter. I have spent a bit of money on auto-focus lenses, I must admit, but I don't carry a load around with me. I dropped on a 28-200 zoom which now sits on the camera all the time, and spent quite a lot on a Sigma 50-500 which is a decent lens for stuff like motorsport. I've considered upgrading to a better Pentax camera, but I haven't looked around at prices or what's available recently. I don't use any of it as much as I used to - I can't find any motivation for taking it around a static car show, for example, when I can get a decent snapshot on my phone.

I am disappointed that Pentax seem to have somehow gone from a premium camera brand to now not even being considered second-hand, never mind new.

 

[Robotstar5]

Clearly, lots of people do love their DSLR's, but I wonder how many just sit on a shelf?

I've always taken photo's, rarely a day goes by without snapping something with my phone, compact or DSLR

 

[Farside]

I am disappointed that Pentax seem to have somehow gone from a premium camera brand to now not even being considered second-hand, never mind new.

Ditto. I was happy enough with my K10D and K20D, but when the expected fall-off in used prices for Pentax's K1 full-frame didn't happen, I got peed off and just bought a FF Canon 5Dii, followed by a Nikon D600, both of which are great cameras, but ain't Pentaxes.

 

[Ruffian]

All comes down to spend.
As can spend £100 up to £5000.
Same as everything.

If its for something to point and shoot a Canon 2000d or 4000d kit and add another couple of lenses will be £600 and be cracking starter dslr.

If you want to go nicely a decent mirror less canon rp or similar will set you back £1500 for the same package.

These are pricing for new where as some used deals can be had but then it wants to be a mint clean example as dust etc will cause havoc.

 

[Maker]

Get a Canon A1, this digital nonsense will never catch on.

 

[Misterg]

Mrs Browser hits 5 decades this August and would like to get a DSLR, which I know nowt about, so any advice on what to buy welcomed.

I haven't seen it asked, but what sort of thing does she like photographing? There are probably favourite cameras for birds* / landscapes / etc.


*I meant the feathered ones, but I guess it applies either way.

 

[outofthefire]

Asking what camera should I buy is as bad asking what welder, tools, car should I buy, or how long is the proverbial piece of string, you'll get 50 answers and most of them will be different Most people choose Canon or Nikon because of the choice of lenses both new and used (pretty much why nobody buys pentax any more)
I own canon and is probably the most popular brand at my camera club with nikon 2nd with a few sonys and olympus as well, and I would say they all pretty much take photos of the same quality. What does set some apart is the lenses used and unfortunately the editing. If you're buying new Wex and Jessops are good as are some of the smaller shops, but since covid they are struggling to keep stock in the shops, 2nd hand i'd definitly look at mpb i've bought and sold a lot with them and a couple of times they've upped there trade in quote when i've said a lens or camera was good quality they've said it was excellent. Cameras are relatively cheap it's the lenses that add up, but if you can afford it i'd go for mirrorless, but what ever you do i'd go to a camera shop and actually hold some so you can see how they fit in the wifes hand. I bought a 2nd hand compact camera the other month to take to places I didn't feel comfortable having my main camera, but it's too small in my hands and I draw more attention to myself fumbling it.

 

[Kayos]

Have a good play with it first. I had convinced myself I was going Nikon until I got into shop, walked out with a Canon

This is my go-to these days. Out of stock but a bit cheaper than I paid. 97% of the SLR capability and 1/4 of the size

 

[redlig]

Don't chase pixels . Make sure there is a supply of OEM and aftermarket lenses and be prepared to spend money on a good lens they are more important than the camera . Personally I prefer a mirror system and not a digital viewfinder . Make sure you can adjust the aperture and speed independently as well as auto. Metal body although heavier is nicer to hold steady . Learn to hold the weight of the camera with the lens and operate the controls with the other( right) hand. I use a Nikon d200 ,10 Mpx and 15years old . No intention of" upgrading" . There is a lot to learn if she wants to get the best out of a DSLR they are not a point and go but far more rewarding to use. Also possibly join a club as they should be helpful and give ideas .

 

[Kayos]

Have a good play with it first. I had convinced myself I was going Nikon until I got into shop, walked out with a Canon

This is my go-to these days. Out of stock but a bit cheaper than I paid. 97% of the SLR capability and 1/4 of the size

Forgot the link

Sony RX100 VII | Advanced Premium Bridge Camera (1.0-Type Sensor, 24-200 mm F2.8-4.5 Zeiss Lens, Eye Tracking Autofocus for Human and Animal, 4K Movie Recording and Flip Screen) https://amzn.eu/d/7N52Di4

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Mate is an avid photographer and lusted after an expensive Nikon so his wife bought him one as a surprise present. He loves it however he now finds the weight of the body and lenses is too much so it's become just a shelf display item and now he's using a lighter model (not sure of make).
Moral of story is go to camera shop and try out the various ones on offer to see which suits you personally as what somebody else thinks is great might not be the same for you.
BTW I've got around 15 box Brownies from 1930's onwards

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Mate is an avid photographer and lusted after an expensive Nikon so his wife bought him one as a surprise present. He loves it however he now finds the weight of the body and lenses is too much so it's become just a shelf display item and now he's using a lighter model (not sure of make).
Moral of story is go to camera shop and try out the various ones on offer to see which suits you personally as what somebody else thinks is great might not be the same for you.
BTW I've got around 15 box Brownies from 1930's onwards

Advise him to look at monopods, they can be very useful in his circumstances.

 

[Jack_K]

What will it be used for? that makes a big difference at least in what lenses are needed. I used to do lots of photography of all different types and know quite a bit about it however I haven't done much in the last few years. Mirrorless might also be an option if it doesn't actually need to be a DSLR.

I have a wide angle lens that I bought specifically for star trails and three other lenses for general purposes. If I hadn't got out of doing photography I would have heaps more, now I just buy tools.

Of course I have always used Canon so that's what I would buy.

 

[outofthefire]

Personally I prefer a mirror system and not a digital viewfinder.

Have you tried one? There's more than a few members at the camera club I go to that have said that and now own a mirrorless me included. 6 of us bought Canon R6's there's 1 R5 a Nikon and a couple of sonys and a couple of olympus, everyone of us says we wouldn't go back to a mirror

 

[redlig]

Have you tried one? There's more than a few members at the camera club I go to that have said that and now own a mirrorless me included. 6 of us bought Canon R6's there's 1 R5 a Nikon and a couple of sonys and a couple of olympus, everyone of us says we wouldn't go back to a mirror

Of course I have otherwise I would be in no position to compare. I found that when working in macro and manual focus it was difficult to obtain a clear image with a digital viewfinder whereas with the mirror it was always clear .Perhaps the technology has improved .

 

[outofthefire]

Of course I have otherwise I would be in no position to compare. I found that when working in macro and manual focus it was difficult to obtain a clear image with a digital viewfinder whereas with the mirror it was always clear .Perhaps the technology has improved .

The view finder on the R6 is fantastic, and a chap that used to be in our club uses an R5 he took this, this morning. A lot of people I know that do macro use the screen rather than the viewfinder because you can magnify it a lot to make sure your focus is bang on. I prefer the viewfinder though with my Tamron 90 macro lens, but i've just bought a canon mp-e 65mm and I am going to give it a go because you need to get so close to the subject, I think it's going to a lot easier.


Copyright https://www.facebook.com/oliver.wright.photo

 

[Nomad]

Not helpful but just as background, I had a nice lady from Brazilian stopping with me 3 years ago when she was touring UK & Europe.
She was travelling light and had made a point of buying a mobile phone with a top spec Leica camera lens so she didn't need to carry a DSLR.

Wise words: The best camera is the one you have with you.

Just for info, a selection of modern phones cameras with great lenses. https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/...ica-lens-and-largest-camera-phone-sensor-ever

 

[Maker]

Just for info, a selection of modern cameras with great lenses. https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/...ica-lens-and-largest-camera-phone-sensor-ever

Take giant sensors in phone cameras with a pinch of salt, IIRC Sony released one a little while ago which had a huge sensor but only used a small portion of it.