In The Market For A New Digital Camera?
When you walk towards my cubicle at work, you are greeted by a 16×20 print of the Daibutsu (Big Buddha) I shot. I get the usual “what camera did you use to take that shot,” followed up by the “what camera should I buy since I am in the market now?” After this happened for the third time I realized I was basically giving out the same advice to everyone. Now I am sharing this helpful assistance with the masses.
Let’s first start out with my background in photography. A friend of mine got me interested in shooting during our off-time. I bought a Sony DSC-V1 and was also using a friend’s Canon EOS-3 film camera with slide film. I was torn between the ease of use on digital and the system flexibility and lens choice on the SLR. After a few weeks doing this balancing act I decided to purchase a DSLR.
The Nikon D100 and Canon D60 were coming out at the same time. Since I did not have any previous investment in either system I was left wide open to choose between Nikon or Canon. Ultimately, I choose the D100 and purchased an 18-70 and 70-300 Kit to go with it. (that was a bad choice since neither lens was very good).
I shot the daylights out of my D100 and learned a lot through trial and error. I started buying better glass (70-200VR, 85 1.4, etc). I joined in heavily on the dpreview.com forums. Those forums can be both helpful and frustrating at the same time. (Way too many fan-boys on there!). Once the D2X was announced, I got myself on the pre-order. I went straight from prosumer camera to the flagship.
I ended up being one of the first non-professional users to actually receive my D2X, since the store gave it to me a day early and because Japan was the first country it was released. I had my D2X two days before anyone!!! This camera has been my workhorse for the last 3 years, covering everything from the Spyder Ski Big Air Battle to the Tokyo Motor show. The D2X is a great overall performer, but is not the best low-light shooter.
Since I needed to cover my wife’s school’s performance day play (wow a mouthful), I started looking for a better low-light performer. The other kicker was I bought my D2X when I was single and I don’t think I will be able to get away with another really expensive camera. After evaluating my choices, I went with the D90. I ended trading in my AFS-300 F4 lens since it had seen little use in the past 2 years. It covered the cost of the D90 and a bunch of memory cards. I have been nothing but seriously impressed with the D90 since I bought it. It is very light and the image quality is just as good as the D2X. Today, I currently own a D2X, D90, and a D100.
So what camera should you buy? Here are the major things to consider.
Do you have existing gear from one of the major companies? (lenses, flashes, etc)
If so, this is a no brainer. Stick with that company and evaluate your decision on your other needs. Camera companies make most of their profit off lenses and flash accessories. The actual camera body is a low-profit margin item.
What will your output be? (web postings only, 8×10 prints, wall size prints)
6 megapixels can easily produce great 8×10’s and even 11×16’s. I have personally printed numerous 16×20’s and 20×30’s from the 12MP D2X. 10-12 megapixels is more the the average user will ever need. Right now 10 megapixel DSLR’s are at a great price point and 6 megapixel cameras are a steal. If you need to do commercial work, get a 20+ megapixel camera or begin delving into medium format.
What will you be shooting? (kid’s soccer, travel photos, studio work)
The pro-level cameras can give you 8-10FPS (frames-per-second shooting). Most mid-level cameras over 5-6 FPS and entry level at 3-5 FPS. When I was shooting the ski competitions I rarely went above 6FPS. For the average high-school or youth soccer game, 5 FPS will work great.
If you will be shooting studio work, look for a camera with a very low starting ISO, such as 50 or 100. If you will be doing a lot of low-light work you will need something that performs well at IS0 1600. The Canon 5D and Nikon D700 excel is low-light situations. Really think about what you will be shooting the most.
What is your budget?
I have seen it too many times where people will spend all their money on an expensive camera and then buy cheap lenses. Camera bodies today have about an 18-24 month lifespan. Good lenses can last a lifetime.
Image quality depends on both the lens and the camera sensor. There are many lens bargains out there, such as the Nikon 50 F1.4 retailing under $100. Don’t shy away from all the cheaper lenses. Make sure you budget for a quality lens in addition to the body before you make the actual purchase!
I have had my Nikon 70-200VR since I got my D100 and have never felt the need to upgrade in the zoom range. If you go cheap in the beginning you will end up paying later for the better glass after you have seen the results of your cheap glass.
How does it feel in your hand?
I am amazed at how many people will buy a camera without ever touching it. Each camera feels different and each brand has their own ergonomics. You might love the image quality of a camera, but absolutely hate it’s physical set-up.
You won’t use a camera that you find confusing to use. Take one for a test drive at your local camera store or go rent one for a week. Better yet, rent competing brands and truly see which one you love at the end of a long shooting day. If you have small hands you might not like a full size SLR with built in grip, but an EOS Rebel might feels great in your hands.
Today’s camera buyers have a ton of options. Check out sites like dpreview.com or digital imaging resource. After you have done some initial research, go to the camera store and do some hands-on evaluations on the camera you are interested in.
Test drive the camera you are interested in with a variety of lenses attached, especially any potential lenses you are considering purchasing. See how the combination of body and lens feels in your hands. Does it balance well for you with a 70-300 lens on it? Look at all the lens options within your budget while you are there.
Next, go home and sleep on it. Don’t make a rash decision!!!
Finally, get your camera and happy shooting!
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