Renewing camera choices 2020

Dollyman25442 · Post by **Dollyman25442** » Wed Apr 22, 2020 12:16 am

Sooo, a long discussion of available camera's was posted years ago but it's 2020 and lots of new camera innovations have happened.
Let's hear from the shutterbug members (hoping Alottahope and Stacy will chime in) their opinions on what cameras are out there these days that are affordable for the beginner?

stacy718 · Post by **stacy718** » Wed Apr 22, 2020 1:50 am

Ha! I’m using a rebel, with a very good lens. I am out of the loop, and I’m okay with that. I would love a new canon 1D or whatever, but I dint have the money for these things anymore.

All the best in your camera stuff, it’s a slippery slope, but so much fun!

-S

Ztar073 · Post by **Ztar073** » Wed Apr 22, 2020 3:23 am

What price range is really affordable for beginners? Depends. For me it was around $1,000. Entry level really starts around $400- $500. Then you realize that you are buying into a system and lenses are probably more important than the camera.
I don't think there are really any bad cameras out there at $500+, but some are definitely better then others.
For my part I have been happy with my Fuji xt30. The camera delivers results straight out of camera that are better then I believe I deserve. But I am by no means at the level of some others here with a ton of experience with different gear.I do think mirrorless is easier than a dslr.
Hear is what I learned in my research, although I am sure many will completely disagree. But to start a flame war;
Canon: Market leader. nice out of camera image quality (jpeg). They do however give you less for your money to create market segmentation with their own products. Just getting there feet wet with mirrorless So most of there lineup / lenses are dslr's.
Nikon: very good dslr`s, but seem to be at a dead end with new innovations. Have struggled with mirrorless.
Sony; best cameras on a spec sheet. Dominant right now with very forward tech. Out of camera color not as good as the competition.
Fuji: great color/ images straight out of camera. Mirrorless only. No full frame. Extensive collection of mirrorless lenses.
Olympus; micro 4/3 only . Great ibis. Well built little cameras. Questionable future.
Panasonic: mostly micro 4/3 and excels at video.
Probably forgetting a brand or 2.

Alottahope · Post by **Alottahope** » Wed Apr 22, 2020 6:24 am

Hello Dollyman! I’m with Stacy on the Rebel with good glass. I used that camera up until a few months ago. I recently transitioned to a Sony. But I bought the adaptor so I could use the same lens. That Canon is a work horse! You can’t go wrong with it. Super lightweight and user friendly! I use B&H in NYC for all my photo needs. They have great prices and ship most everywhere! Even to a slippery slope in Harpers Ferry! Haha!
Best wishes!

Dollyman25442 · Post by **Dollyman25442** » Wed Apr 22, 2020 12:05 pm

It seems as if the Rebel is a good bang for the buck.
That said, a little clarity between the T6 and T7?
The T6 can be had quite a bit cheaper based on my research and it seems that most ratings have it performing a little better than the T7 when it comes to indoor low lighting (which can be the case often with our particular subjects)
Thoughts?

I see in bundling between the two you can get a 75-300 lens and there's about a $100 bundled price dif between the two 325 v 420
Is the bundling (and extra lense) really worth the extra expense for the novice?
As stand alones - $240 v $278 nominal price dif, hardly matters either way.

Dollyman25442 · Post by **Dollyman25442** » Thu Apr 23, 2020 11:28 am

I found this to be an interesting comparison the T6 and T7.

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Cano ... S-Rebel-T7

Of particular interest was the part where it said the T6 could outperform the T7 in low light situations.
Thoughts?

poppy70 · Post by **poppy70** » Thu Apr 23, 2020 3:00 pm

A few years ago, I decided to get me a new camera. Had a few different ones to choose, so I went to my photo dealer and tried them. Went with the Fuji, because operating the cam was close to what I was used to from the analogue age. Got some good advice - the glass is most important, the camera body not so much, but most important is a good eye and getting to know your camera and routine.

I think most cameras with exchangeable lenses don‘t differ too much in what they are able to deliver. And as our dolls don‘t tend to move too quick, you most likely don‘t need the high speed focus and shutter abilities Sony is famous. A tripod is a much more essential accessory. I would recommend not to go for the absolute entry level model, but go above, or even get a refurbished top model for cheap if need be. Spend more money on glass

Ok I stayed with fuji, because I bought several lenses and treated myself with a fuji X t3 for christmas and still learning... So no real recommendation from me

poppy

ranger42 · Post by **ranger42** » Fri Apr 24, 2020 2:10 pm

Dollyman25442 wrote: Of particular interest was the part where it said the T6 could outperform the T7 in low light situations.
Thoughts?

I think the theory behind that is something I am used to from dealing with astronomical photography cameras. The T7 has a higher megapixel count but the same sensor size, meaning each pixel is smaller. This means that for a given light level, less light will be captured per pixel in a time period. You may either need to use longer exposures, or more gain (higher ISO) to expose the photograph. This assumes equivalent sensing technology, efficiency, and processing.

I echo what has been said earlier in the thread. A reasonable (but not bargain basement) body, something older is fine - mine is from 2012. Good lenses help, especially the wide aperture ones. Lighting and technique make the biggest difference, practice helps a lot. Cameras don't take great pictures, great photographers do.

Dollyman25442 · Post by **Dollyman25442** » Sun Apr 26, 2020 11:33 am

I went ahead and bought a T7. SHould be here in a week!
Meanwhile, learning how to use GIMP for photo manipulation. BIG learning curve, lol!

GraFXman · Post by **GraFXman** » Sun Apr 26, 2020 8:15 pm

Stacy and ALottaHope have always been my absolute Idols and inspiration ever since I fell hopelessly in Love with RD, got my 1st Doll (on my 3rd Doll now) and then discovered I had a fervent passion for Doll-ography & the Digital Arts.
I feel that every image of theirs is like an Artistic Masterpiece, a “Mona Lisa” of sorts telling an expansive story from their unique perspective and I have literally immersed myself completely in their teachings like a devout Scholar who studies the sacred ancient scrolls of Egypt!

Ok, so before I get sidetracked any further, back to the Topic..

Unfortunately, I’m also a bit of an innate ‘bonehead’ with slightly more $$ than brains, talent/skill, studio space, time to devote – or physical ability to even do so..

Being that as it may,
Here’s what I got recently as part of my aspirations and inept attempts to try and follow in their footsteps;

Nikon D500 DSLR
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S
AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
SB-5000 AF Speedlight
Blackmagic Design Video Assist 4K 7" Monitor & Porta Brace Field Case
Studio backdrop & essential lighting kit with green/white/blue screens
Tripod + numerous other accessories
Always had PS so no xtra $ there..

Do I even know how to use any of this gear ?
No, not yet..
I have a bad habit of always trying to get the best I can and figure it out later

So could a setup like this be a good place to start as an Amateur aficionado ?

Of course, money can’t buy natural Talent like what Stacy and ALH have, but at least I’m devoted to learning and keep on trying my best..
Is there any hope for me..?

Dollyman25442 · Post by **Dollyman25442** » Sun Apr 26, 2020 9:27 pm

So, here's my first attempt at photo manipulation using GIMP and an old photograph taken with my Olympus FE-370 (I know, laughably outdated).
I'm looking forward getting my T7 and getting to know GIMP (big learning curve lol).

: Jo at the lake.PNG (629.01 KiB) Viewed 2850 times

GraFXman · Post by **GraFXman** » Mon Apr 27, 2020 4:35 pm

Dollyman25442 wrote:So, here's my first attempt at photo manipulation using GIMP and an old photograph taken with my Olympus FE-370 (I know, laughably outdated).
I'm looking forward getting my T7 and getting to know GIMP (big learning curve lol).

Beautiful simplicity!
Excellent for a 1st attempt -
I've heard favorable comments regarding "GIMP" several times now..
Considering I am a "Gimp" I'm gonna have to check it out!

Alottahope · Post by **Alottahope** » Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:25 pm

Hello GraFXman! Thank you for your support here at TDF. I’m deeply grateful not only for your complimentary thoughts, but also for the times you checked in on me. Knowing you and people like you are there and express kindness like your post opening about Stacy and I, I’ll never forget. I appreciate everything you’ve done with those words more than you’ll ever know.

Thanks again,

ALH