i hear this question alot, so i’d like to answer it here. (this discussion is specific to dSLRs but can also be applied to the “point and shoot” class of cameras as well)
there are exceptions to every rule, but please allow me to make a broad generalization. for most people, in most situations a “beginner”, less expensive, even last years model (gasp!) is going to produce results which will serve you just fine.
if you compare professional cameras from 5-10 years ago with the entry level dSLRs of today you won’t notice much difference in image quality at all. (especially when using the same lens and editing process)
now, there is certainly a difference in build quality in the two types of cameras but when simply looking at the results there is not much difference at all. most differences will only begin to show up when we enlarge these photographs to much larger proportions, like say 16×20 or larger.
so, if you are planning on printing any of your photographs out (like my wife) and you want 3x5s, 4x6s, 5x7s, 8x10s, etc a less expensive dSLR (even a used one off of ebay works great!) will treat you just fine.
the next logical question is, “what brand of camera would you recommend?”
well, again, for the most part they (they being the major camera manufacturers like Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc) all produce great results. i would highly recommend going down to your local camera store and holding each one before buying one. see how the controls and buttons are laid out. see how the grip feels when you’re holding the camera. does it feel comfortable to hold it one handed? is it to heavy? is it to small/large?
i for one really like the layout of the nikon controls and buttons. they are simple and straight forward. whenever i help someone with their canon the controls seem confusing (especially for the beginner) and out of place.
one thing i like about sony is their grip. i think it surpasses both nikon and canon in comfort.
what kind of camera do i use? my first dSLR was a Nikon D50. I used that camera for wildlife, landscapes, weddings, and family gatherings. last year i upgraded to the Nikon D90. it is alot more camera than the D50 is but still not top of the line by any means. the build quality is not pro (meaning it doesn’t offer much on the side of weather sealing, dual storage options, etc) but it does produce great results and also has some features that less expensive dSLRs don’t offer (like wireless commander mode for the flash, 11-point autofocus system instead of 5 or 3).
here’s what i would do if i were just starting out and i had the knowledge that i have now. i would buy a nikon d60 body (used is fine as long as it’s in good shape) and spend about $400 on ebay for that. by purchasing last years model (the d5000 replaced the d60 last month) i’d save about $400-$500. now after i have my nikon d60 body i would go out and buy an 18-200mm VR nikon lens for about $500-$600. i think this would be an excellent beginners setup. the 18-200mm VR lens is a great walk around lens, meaning it covers a really wide range of focal lengths. so, for around $900 i’d say that’s a pretty good deal.
now, you may be thinking “won’t i notice a difference in image quality on my d60?” the technical answer is maybe, the real answer is most likely not. you will probably never see a difference in the image quality from last years d60 and this years d5000/d3000.
this all of course is just my opinion so feel free to take it or leave it. if you have questions feel free to email me: jason@jasonweed.com.
most people don’t realize that cameras don’t see the world like we do. cameras do not work like the human eye and thus can’t produce images just as we see them. i’ll post more on that later.
mytoesarecold gallery series