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Which Camera for an Entry Lvl. Photographer

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EastCoastSkiier
Posts: 1343 - Karma: 76
Hey Guys,

So I went cliff jumping today and tried to get some photos of it on my family's point and shoot. Well after reviewing what we had captured I realized that the camera just wasn't cutting it. So I have decided to pony up and try to get an entry level DSLR. So knowing what type of people cruise M&A I thought I'd ask you guys.

I checked the sticky on asking for help, so here are the answers.

1. I'm looking at getting something in the $400-$500 range. I will have cash to add to this later on as well.

2. I've been using a point and shoot and have fooled around with some DSLR's in the store.

3. I have no other equipment.

4. I'm looking at using the camera for mostly shooting skiing and other action sports. But I may also use it for family stuff as well as some nature stuff. On a side note I may split the camera with my father (who is not tech savy and is used to a point n' shoot) who is a real estate agent and will use it to take pictures of homes he is selling. (So the camera needs to function easily in a basic way.)

5. I will mainly use the camera but as I said my dad may also use it in a basic capacity.

6. I will probably shoot from a tripod while filming snow-skiing. I will probably also shoot from a boat filming water skiing. (Any hints for donig this will be greatly appreciated.) I will probably also shot out of hand from time to time. Photos will probably be my main thing but I will shoot some videos to.

7. I have a MBP 13" which I will use to edit the photos. It is stock so it has 4GB Ram and I believe a 500gb hard drive.

8. I don't have a serious editing software at the moment. I would love any suggestions on a cheap or free program. Doesn't have to be too serious.

I have looked around online and I think that a NIKON D3000 will probably fit the bill. WOULD THIS WORK? I believe this camera is my frontrunner. I was looking at just getting a basic lens with it as well.

I have found it new online for $450.
 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+10.2-Megapixel+D3000+Digital+SLR+Camera+-+Black/9456803.p?id=1218107268800&skuId=9456803
Could I find it cheaper? Are there any good used options? Would someone on NSer's be looking to get rid of one?

P.S. Are there any good review sites so I could review cameras?
Jul 19 2011 12:04AM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
My suggestion is save up. You'd outgrow a d3000 quite fast and you'd save money in the long run getting a better camera. If you're sold on Nikon, maybe look into a d3100? If you're looking to shoot video at all go with Canon.

http://the-digital-picture.com/
^^best review site out there for everything
Jul 19 2011 12:15AM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
whoops, just looked thru digital picture and it looks like they only review canon bodies...
Jul 19 2011 12:16AM
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EastCoastSkiier
Posts: 1343 - Karma: 76
Thanks, I was looking at the Nikon reviews and it all said crappy video. So Canon is definitely an option.
What would be your suggestion for a nice fairly cheap Canon for photos and videos.
Jul 19 2011 12:21AM
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plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 528
I am selling my D60 (essentially the same as the D3000, the only difference I can think of is the AF system). Included would be the body, 18-55 kit lens, strap, lens cap, body cap, battery, charger, USB cord, a 2GB and a 4GB SD card, and all the original packaging and paperwork. Price would be $400+shipping. PM me if you're interested and want pics/more info.
Jul 19 2011 12:24AM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
My canon! check my threads.

But in all seriousness if you want a DSLR for video go with the T2i. Anything cheaper is sub-par and only shoots 720p30. In my sig I have 2 links of stuff I've done mainly with a T2i.
Jul 19 2011 12:25AM
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quaive
Posts: 1055 - Karma: 99
I have a D60 - basically a d3100 - and I've been using it for about 3 years give or take. Now that i've had some experience I really wish I went with a Canon. Nikon's video capabilities are lacking compared to Nikon and I've found that I really enjoy filming through use of my friends Canon (60D). A Lot of people say that Nikon takes better photos than Canon. That is true - but I'm pretty sure its only due to the glass Nikon uses in it's lenses. What i'm trying to get at here is go for a refurbished T2i (It's slightly over your budget, but totally worth it). I started photography thinking the same as you - mainly shooting skiing and nature. Over time i've figured out that I prefer shooting other action sports than skiing (Soccer, Rugby ect.). I'm getting a bit off topic now but my advice to you would be to get a Canon.

Sparknotes:
Photo: Nikon>Canon
Video: Canon> Nikon
I Regretted getting a Nikon due to the fact that the video is crappy, and I have a feeling you will too. Check out Canon.
Jul 19 2011 12:26AM
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EastCoastSkiier
Posts: 1343 - Karma: 76
Thanks all. Karma has been given. Honeybadger check your inbox.
Jul 19 2011 12:30AM
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Mkvackay
Posts: 1903 - Karma: 5,465
720p30 doesnt always mean the camera is sub-par. the 5d mkii doesnt shoot 720p60.

but nonetheless that deal is prime.
Jul 19 2011 12:39AM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
but the 5dII does shoot 1080p24, with a full frame. Most cameras stop at 720p30.

Jul 19 2011 12:41AM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,082
Not trying to be a dick, but i thought it was funny you wrote "lvl." instead of level.
Jul 19 2011 12:42AM
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EastCoastSkiier
Posts: 1343 - Karma: 76
Laziness is always hilarious.
Jul 19 2011 12:43AM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
well fuck me. i always wanted a mkii because it shoots full frame. never even bother to look at frame rate. i stupid:(
Jul 19 2011 12:50AM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,082
not having 60p is a big let down. also, the 2500 dollar price tag too.
Jul 19 2011 1:42AM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
true that
Jul 19 2011 1:54AM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
I think the d3100 would be okay for a video from time to time. I don't think he can get a t2i for his price range.
Jul 19 2011 2:03AM
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plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 528
Plus it's near impossible to get good video handheld on a DSLR. Even if he found a used t2i for that price, that would leave nothing left for any sort of decent support.
Jul 19 2011 2:15AM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
quoting in regards to post above me...
Jul 19 2011 2:52AM
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CliffyByro
Posts: 5678 - Karma: 3,903
noob question: i have a 500d and i'm pretty sure it shoots 1080p at 30fps, and 720 at 60... someone correct me if i'm wrong?
Jul 19 2011 8:42AM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
na 1080@20 and 720@30
Jul 19 2011 9:37AM
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lukewalnuts
Posts: 2730 - Karma: 152
you could save up money and do this basically a new camera

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_267070_-1
Jul 19 2011 10:19AM
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EastCoastSkiier
Posts: 1343 - Karma: 76
I think thats my plan now.
Jul 19 2011 11:11AM
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CliffyByro
Posts: 5678 - Karma: 3,903
ahh makes sense
Jul 19 2011 1:14PM
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.caleb
Posts: 225 - Karma: 186
buy a d3100 and save up for a good glass the d3100 is a great camera idk why it gets alot of hate on here and any dslr even cannon cannot shoot good folow shots without a steady cam. so go with the d3100 and dont get the kit lens get the body only and either a 55-300 for like 400 or a nice 50 for like 250

Jul 19 2011 1:39PM
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B1kessk1s
Posts: 953 - Karma: 691
seriously if you are shooting video go with the panasonc GH2 instead of a T3i or a 60D.
Jul 19 2011 1:51PM
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[evan]
Posts: 5628 - Karma: 117
I have a D3100 and so far it's been great for all my photography needs, but like everybody else said it really lacks in the filming sector. It has 720@24/25/30fps and 1080@24fps, I really only use 720@30 and 1080@24. I do wish I had just saved up for a couple weeks and gotten a T2i. At first I was like you and thought I wouldn't be filming much, but now I want to, and I can't do it how I'd like.
Jul 19 2011 2:00PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,082
You don't really seem to understand the advantages of shooting 720p60....
Jul 19 2011 2:08PM
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.caleb
Posts: 225 - Karma: 186
i never said i shot video. i only use it for photography my friend does all the filming
Jul 19 2011 3:22PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,082
Okay? You still dont understand it, that is what i was pointing out...
Jul 19 2011 3:24PM
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.caleb
Posts: 225 - Karma: 186
he has the 60d and i have the d3100

Jul 19 2011 3:31PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,082
Why are you telling me pointless things i dont care about? You still don't understand how people want 60p for filming skiing. Dont give advice about video shit if you don't know what you're talking about.
Jul 19 2011 3:32PM
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.caleb
Posts: 225 - Karma: 186
woah my bad sorry wasnt paying attention yeah i understand the advantages of 60p its great and i didnt see the op wanted to do filming i was thinking he just wanted to take pics

Jul 19 2011 3:40PM
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Jordan
Posts: 4079 - Karma: 2,122
D3s or MK IV should be fine until you grow out of them!
Jul 19 2011 11:18PM
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EastCoastSkiier
Posts: 1343 - Karma: 76
Thanks all. I think I'm gonna spring for a T2i and play with that for a while and hopefully get a Steadicam later on. Karma has been given. Let this one die.
Jul 20 2011 1:11AM
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IAmNotAWhore
Posts: 370 - Karma: 21
get a t2i i went with the t1i to start and it was a big mistake, seriously get a t2i and dont even waste your time with the t3i its not worth the money and is not much if any different from the t2. also another thing to think about is the price of the body is obsolete to the lens you will buy in future. just something to think about.
Jul 20 2011 2:37PM
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