Totally new, what camera is best for me?

MidoriUma · Apr 14, 2018

Hi! First off, I actually have spent a fair bit of time trying to do my own research, but I'm clueless to a good chunk of the terminology and concepts...

I'm wanting to buy a good digital camera that wouldn't be too complicated, but something better than my cell phone or a cheap point and shoot camera. I've looked over a ton of different models, but except for storage space and battery life, I have no idea what most of the features mean or what they do.

I was thinking either Nikon or FujiFilm, because I want a Japanese model since I'll be doing cosplay photography.

For the Nikon, I think either 3400 or 5500... I assume the 5500 is better since it's more expensive, but would it have instructions for beginners and stuff? Or is it better to just go for the lower number? Also, I notice some models were sold without a lense or without mirrors, does that mean I need to buy them extra, or are they optional?

The other model I liked was a FujiFilm one, but it also has no mirror included. But it's much smaller than the Nikon, would this mean less features? It's the same price range tho. And I assume it's digital, despite having the word "Film" in the title? Or can it use both?

Come to think of it, are there any hybrid digital/film cameras? I would 100% go for them. My school has a decked out darkroom that barely gets any use these days. Are there any film cameras comparable to these?

Sorry for the newbie questions!!!

PhotoTeach2 · Apr 15, 2018

tedolf said:
PhotoTeach2 said:

bobn2 said:

PhotoTeach2 said:

Do you plan to shoot cosplay OUTDOORS, (in SUN-light) ???

You will NOT be able to use fill-flash in sun-light with D3400 or D5500, (or any Interchangeable-Lens-Camera)

Click to expand...

Yes you can. You simply set 'fill flash' mode, or, if you want the shutter speed set for the background, use 'slow fill flash' mode.

tedolf said:

With most FIXED-lens 1" you CAN use FLASH in SUN-light.

The FZ-1000 has been suggested and I agree it is the best value and the most options and features you can grow into using, (jnc. Time-Lapse ANIMATED MOVIES).

You can start simple in full-AUTO modes and move into semi-auto and total-manual.

It also has the FULLY-articulated LCD the D5500 has.

Click to expand...

I see over on the 'Open Talk' forum you're belly-aching about the treatment you get here (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/61025275) and suggesting it's due to some large sensor prejudice. It has nothing to do with that. You'll see from my post above that I actually agree that for this OP, 1-inch is the most appropriate way to go. What it has to do with, is your being such a fanatic about the issue that you're willing to tell falsehoods, as above, in order to promote the cause. Stop doing that and maybe people will be less hard on you.

Click to expand...

Bob ... what is the max effective 1:1 fill-flash range

Click to expand...

1:1 is not fill flash and you know it!

A typical fill flash ratio is 1:4 or as little as 1:8.

I can accept 1:2 or even 1:3, but 1:4 and especially 1:8 is totally absurd.

But I suggest that my examples are the MINIMUM amount of light/power required, ANY less would be ineffective.

tedolf said:
At 1:1 you are starting to over power the ambient light source and that by definition is no longer fill flash.

My examples are all 1:1 and I suggest are NOT "over-powering" the ambient. Even "1" stop less flash-power would not have been as effective.

tedolf said:
This is why most amateurs are fine with 1/250 sec. flash sync focal plane sutter sync. speeds, or if necessary HSS. They never need full power for fill.

tedolf said:

possible in SUN-light w/ FP shutter @ 1/200s & built-in flash ???

I can do 17' w/ FZ and I suggest <3' w/ Dxxxx.

Click to expand...

Nobody needs full power flash at 17 feet for fill with shutter speeds over 1/250 sec.

I suggest that 12-15' is a typical distance a "family" may stand in front of a camera when on vacation with something "scenic" in the background. (a "single" person may be 8-10' away)

tedolf said:
In the Catholic Church, the only sin which is punishable by excommunication is misleading the faithful.

You are treading on dangerous ground Joe.

I would hate to see you have to change your name to PhotoTeach3!

Tedolph

Skipper494 · Apr 15, 2018

The one that feels right.

evetsf · Apr 15, 2018

Alex Ethridge said:
I cannot let this pass unchallenged. I disagree strongly. Feature-wise, bridge, one-inch-sensor-type cameras such as the FZ1000/2500 and the Sony RX10 series offer more features -- are literally packed with more features than you can find in any other cameras.

Thank you.

I have to agree - IMO the one- inch type cameras hit a sweet spot that balances size & weight, overall cost, convenience, lens reach and IQ very well.

I'm a member of a local- area camera club. Every month members submit photos for evaluation and scoring by trained judges. The images are judged "blind"; they don't know whose image they're seeing until after the score has been awarded.

As far as I know, I'm the only club member shooting with a one inch type superzoom camera. The scores I receive on my images are comparable and competitive with others using bigger, heavier and costlier gear. At no time has the sharpness or IQ of my images been a factor in the scores.

So I personally am very satisfied with this type of camera.

Steve

tedolf · Apr 15, 2018

evetsf said:
Alex Ethridge said:

I cannot let this pass unchallenged. I disagree strongly. Feature-wise, bridge, one-inch-sensor-type cameras such as the FZ1000/2500 and the Sony RX10 series offer more features -- are literally packed with more features than you can find in any other cameras.

Click to expand...

Thank you.

I have to agree - IMO the one- inch type cameras hit a sweet spot that balances size & weight, overall cost, convenience, lens reach and IQ very well.

I'm a member of a local- area camera club. Every month members submit photos for evaluation and scoring by trained judges. The images are judged "blind"; they don't know whose image they're seeing until after the score has been awarded.

As far as I know, I'm the only club member shooting with a one inch type superzoom camera. The scores I receive on my images are comparable and competitive with others using bigger, heavier and costlier gear. At no time has the sharpness or IQ of my images been a factor in the scores.

So I personally am very satisfied with this type of camera.

Steve

In this day and age I can no longer recommend a fixed lens camera when good ILCs have become so inexpensive.

Olympus recently had refurbished E-pl7 bodies for $199 USD. Couple that with a Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 lens for $150 and the excellent 40-150mm for $99, the VF-2 EVF for $150 and you have a compact system that is way ahead of any fixed lens camera for a whole lot less.

Tedolph

PhotoTeach2 · Apr 15, 2018

tedolf said:
evetsf said:

Alex Ethridge said:

I cannot let this pass unchallenged. I disagree strongly. Feature-wise, bridge, one-inch-sensor-type cameras such as the FZ1000/2500 and the Sony RX10 series offer more features -- are literally packed with more features than you can find in any other cameras.

Click to expand...

Thank you.

I have to agree - IMO the one- inch type cameras hit a sweet spot that balances size & weight, overall cost, convenience, lens reach and IQ very well.

I'm a member of a local- area camera club. Every month members submit photos for evaluation and scoring by trained judges. The images are judged "blind"; they don't know whose image they're seeing until after the score has been awarded.

As far as I know, I'm the only club member shooting with a one inch type superzoom camera. The scores I receive on my images are comparable and competitive with others using bigger, heavier and costlier gear. At no time has the sharpness or IQ of my images been a factor in the scores.

So I personally am very satisfied with this type of camera.

Steve

Click to expand...

In this day and age I can no longer recommend a fixed lens camera when good ILCs have become so inexpensive.

Olympus recently had refurbished E-pl7 bodies for $199 USD. Couple that with a Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 lens for $150 and the excellent 40-150mm for $99, the VF-2 EVF for $150 and you have a compact system that is way ahead of any fixed lens camera for a whole lot less.

Tedolph

You just reached the $600 price of a NEW FZ-1000 that does MUCH more, (and MUCH FASTER), than your "used" combination, (and now w/ 3-yr warranty).

I would take the FZ over your collection above ANY day !!!

bobn2 · Apr 16, 2018

PhotoTeach2 said:
tedolf said:

evetsf said:

Alex Ethridge said:

I cannot let this pass unchallenged. I disagree strongly. Feature-wise, bridge, one-inch-sensor-type cameras such as the FZ1000/2500 and the Sony RX10 series offer more features -- are literally packed with more features than you can find in any other cameras.

Click to expand...

Thank you.

I have to agree - IMO the one- inch type cameras hit a sweet spot that balances size & weight, overall cost, convenience, lens reach and IQ very well.

I'm a member of a local- area camera club. Every month members submit photos for evaluation and scoring by trained judges. The images are judged "blind"; they don't know whose image they're seeing until after the score has been awarded.

As far as I know, I'm the only club member shooting with a one inch type superzoom camera. The scores I receive on my images are comparable and competitive with others using bigger, heavier and costlier gear. At no time has the sharpness or IQ of my images been a factor in the scores.

So I personally am very satisfied with this type of camera.

Steve

Click to expand...

In this day and age I can no longer recommend a fixed lens camera when good ILCs have become so inexpensive.

Olympus recently had refurbished E-pl7 bodies for $199 USD. Couple that with a Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 lens for $150 and the excellent 40-150mm for $99, the VF-2 EVF for $150 and you have a compact system that is way ahead of any fixed lens camera for a whole lot less.

Tedolph

Click to expand...

You just reached the $600 price of a NEW FZ-1000 that does MUCH more, (and MUCH FASTER), than your "used" combination, (and now w/ 3-yr warranty).

I would take the FZ over your collection above ANY day !!!

There is room in this world for more than one opinion.

Bob Janes · Apr 16, 2018

First, the bad news: No-one can tell you what is the ideal camera for you.

The good news: There are no bad digital cameras out there. Just find one you can afford and feels good in your hand/to your eye.

You could go for something with a fixed lens (which might be a zoom) or an interchangeable lens (in which case start off with one lens and make sure what you buy is not 'body only' (ie without a lens).

A sensor size from 1" upwards should be fine (so 1", m43 or APS-C - full frame or bigger is probably a bit over the top to begin with). The camera should give you the ability to set shutter speeds and apertures, but you don't need to worry about those at first.

Start off just concentrating on composition (what is in the frame and what perspective you take the photograph from) and learn the more technical stuff regarding apertures and shutter speeds when you are ready. If the camera has a 'P' mode for exposure control this might help, at least at first.

Experiment, enjoy and learn. You will quickly find out what sort of photography you are interested in and this can inform future purchases, but don't spend lots of money before you bump into something that you really want to do, but the current camera won't allow (that should be some time).

Mystery member · Apr 16, 2018

evetsf said:
I have to agree - IMO the one- inch type cameras hit a sweet spot that balances size & weight, overall cost, convenience, lens reach and IQ very well.

Maybe someone should reveal to the OP that the so-called 1" sensors are really only about 1/2" across.

Sensor sizes

Mackiesback · Apr 16, 2018

WryCuda said:
evetsf said:

I have to agree - IMO the one- inch type cameras hit a sweet spot that balances size & weight, overall cost, convenience, lens reach and IQ very well.

Click to expand...

Maybe someone should reveal to the OP that the so-called 1" sensors are really only about 1/2" across.

Sensor sizes

And what would the OP do with that information?

Wellington100 · Apr 16, 2018

MidoriUma said:
Hi! First off, I actually have spent a fair bit of time trying to do my own research, but I'm clueless to a good chunk of the terminology and concepts...
I'm wanting to buy a good digital camera that wouldn't be too complicated, but something better than my cell phone or a cheap point and shoot camera. I've looked over a ton of different models, but except for storage space and battery life, I have no idea what most of the features mean or what they do.

All cameras are good these days and all of them have auto modes and scene modes that make life easier for newcomers.

MidoriUma said:
I was thinking either Nikon or FujiFilm, because I want a Japanese model since I'll be doing cosplay photography.

Both are fine choices for sure.

MidoriUma said:
For the Nikon, I think either 3400 or 5500... I assume the 5500 is better since it's more expensive, but would it have instructions for beginners and stuff? Or is it better to just go for the lower number? Also, I notice some models were sold without a lense or without mirrors, does that mean I need to buy them extra, or are they optional?

The 5500 has a flippy screen and is slightly more video centric than the 3400. Both cameras have beginner modes as I recall.

MidoriUma said:
The other model I liked was a FujiFilm one, but it also has no mirror included. But it's much smaller than the Nikon, would this mean less features? It's the same price range tho. And I assume it's digital, despite having the word "Film" in the title? Or can it use both?

Fuji cameras are strictly digital and they are all very good.

MidoriUma said:
Come to think of it, are there any hybrid digital/film cameras? I would 100% go for them. My school has a decked out darkroom that barely gets any use these days. Are there any film cameras comparable to these?

Short answer is no.

MidoriUma said:
Sorry for the newbie questions!!!

Dareshooter · Apr 16, 2018

PhotoTeach2 said:
tedolf said:

evetsf said:

Alex Ethridge said:

I cannot let this pass unchallenged. I disagree strongly. Feature-wise, bridge, one-inch-sensor-type cameras such as the FZ1000/2500 and the Sony RX10 series offer more features -- are literally packed with more features than you can find in any other cameras.

Click to expand...

Thank you.

I have to agree - IMO the one- inch type cameras hit a sweet spot that balances size & weight, overall cost, convenience, lens reach and IQ very well.

I'm a member of a local- area camera club. Every month members submit photos for evaluation and scoring by trained judges. The images are judged "blind"; they don't know whose image they're seeing until after the score has been awarded.

As far as I know, I'm the only club member shooting with a one inch type superzoom camera. The scores I receive on my images are comparable and competitive with others using bigger, heavier and costlier gear. At no time has the sharpness or IQ of my images been a factor in the scores.

So I personally am very satisfied with this type of camera.

Steve

Click to expand...

In this day and age I can no longer recommend a fixed lens camera when good ILCs have become so inexpensive.

Olympus recently had refurbished E-pl7 bodies for $199 USD. Couple that with a Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 lens for $150 and the excellent 40-150mm for $99, the VF-2 EVF for $150 and you have a compact system that is way ahead of any fixed lens camera for a whole lot less.

Tedolph

Click to expand...

You just reached the $600 price of a NEW FZ-1000 that does MUCH more, (and MUCH FASTER), than your "used" combination, (and now w/ 3-yr warranty).

I would take the FZ over your collection above ANY day !!!

I knew that you were going to recommend the FZ before I clicked on your reply.

sportyaccordy · Apr 16, 2018

Everyone is making this really complicated.

Here's my very simple answer. Buy a used Nikon D3300 with the 18-55 lens. Figure out what everything does and how to achieve certain photographic objectives and then move up from there. That is basically how I started and it all worked out fine.

The great thing is that D3300 generates image quality I would have dreamed about when I first started in 2012, so you will be way ahead of the curve in output.

PhotoTeach2 · Apr 16, 2018

WryCuda said:
evetsf said:

I have to agree - IMO the one- inch type cameras hit a sweet spot that balances size & weight, overall cost, convenience, lens reach and IQ very well.

Click to expand...

Maybe someone should reveal to the OP that the so-called 1" sensors are really only about 1/2" across.

Sensor sizes

The 1"-type sensors are NOT the ONLY sensors using the old "vidicon/plumbicon" reference.

They are what-they-are, (w/ both advantages and disadvantages the same as ALL sensors -- even FF)

tedolf · Apr 16, 2018

PhotoTeach2 said:
tedolf said:

evetsf said:

Alex Ethridge said:

I cannot let this pass unchallenged. I disagree strongly. Feature-wise, bridge, one-inch-sensor-type cameras such as the FZ1000/2500 and the Sony RX10 series offer more features -- are literally packed with more features than you can find in any other cameras.

Click to expand...

Thank you.

I have to agree - IMO the one- inch type cameras hit a sweet spot that balances size & weight, overall cost, convenience, lens reach and IQ very well.

I'm a member of a local- area camera club. Every month members submit photos for evaluation and scoring by trained judges. The images are judged "blind"; they don't know whose image they're seeing until after the score has been awarded.

As far as I know, I'm the only club member shooting with a one inch type superzoom camera. The scores I receive on my images are comparable and competitive with others using bigger, heavier and costlier gear. At no time has the sharpness or IQ of my images been a factor in the scores.

So I personally am very satisfied with this type of camera.

Steve

Click to expand...

In this day and age I can no longer recommend a fixed lens camera when good ILCs have become so inexpensive.

Olympus recently had refurbished E-pl7 bodies for $199 USD. Couple that with a Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 lens for $150 and the excellent 40-150mm for $99, the VF-2 EVF for $150 and you have a compact system that is way ahead of any fixed lens camera for a whole lot less.

Tedolph

Click to expand...

You just reached the $600 price of a NEW FZ-1000 that does MUCH more, (and MUCH FASTER),

It's not faster. The E-pl7 with a 25mm f/1.7 lens is faster than the FZ-1000 at the equivalent focal length by over one F stop.

Tedolph

PhotoTeach2 said:
than your "used" combination, (and now w/ 3-yr warranty).

I would take the FZ over your collection above ANY day !!!

evetsf · Apr 16, 2018

tedolf said:
In this day and age I can no longer recommend a fixed lens camera when good ILCs have become so inexpensive.

Olympus recently had refurbished E-pl7 bodies for $199 USD. Couple that with a Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 lens for $150 and the excellent 40-150mm for $99, the VF-2 EVF for $150 and you have a compact system that is way ahead of any fixed lens camera for a whole lot less.

Tedolph

Depends on one's definition of "way ahead".

I see a one- inch fixed lens camera as "way ahead" of your proposed kit in total size & weight (by that I mean the total volume all the pieces occupy in the camera bag), not to mention not having to deal with the hassle of changing lenses when one's focal length needs change.

Just my $0.02,

Steve

tedolf · Apr 16, 2018

evetsf said:
tedolf said:

In this day and age I can no longer recommend a fixed lens camera when good ILCs have become so inexpensive.

Olympus recently had refurbished E-pl7 bodies for $199 USD. Couple that with a Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 lens for $150 and the excellent 40-150mm for $99, the VF-2 EVF for $150 and you have a compact system that is way ahead of any fixed lens camera for a whole lot less.

Tedolph

Click to expand...

Depends on one's definition of "way ahead".

Lens speed, lens cost.

There at least half a dozen good lenses for m4/3 that are f/2 or faster and they are not expensive. Having lenses that fast gives a two to three stop IQ advantage (ignoring the difference in sensor size) over the fixed lens 1" sensor cameras.

evetsf said:
I see a one- inch fixed lens camera as "way ahead" of your proposed kit in total size & weight (by that I mean the total volume all the pieces occupy in the camera bag),

I don't know about that. An E-pl7 with the 20mm f/1.7, the 45mm f/1.8 and the 9-18mm collapsible zoom are very tiny. From a weight point of view that m4/3 system is probably less than a 1" super zoom.

You can always add the $99.00 40-150mm kit zoom if you need more reach-it weighs almost nothing and is optically very good.

evetsf said:
not to mention not having to deal with the hassle of changing lenses when one's focal length needs change.

If you can't change a lens in ten seconds with your eyes closed you have a problem.

evetsf said:
Just my $0.02,

My $0.04.

evetsf said:
Steve

Tedolph

MidoriUma · Apr 16, 2018

LMAO I didn't read your post until I got home with the new camera, but that is EXACTLY what I ended up doing!!! I got a Nikon 3300, used but with less than a thousand shots taken, so it's apparently like-new (and some techie certified it as such). I saved almost half the budget of what I was ready to spend, so that's a bonus too!

I did seriously want to buy the FZ-1000, as some people strongly recommended, but they didn't have it (although they had a much more expensive version apparently).

Prolly 50% of their stuff was Nikon, another 30% Canon, and a few random other brands like Olympic and Sony. But they have a ton of discounted lenses for Nikons that I can get as I grow in the hobby, so I'm not worried.

Thank you again, though, for everyone's help and thoughts

Aside from the mild conflicts over technical specs, it seems like the photography community is fairly welcoming

Dutch Newchurch · Apr 16, 2018

MidoriUma said:
LMAO I didn't read your post until I got home with the new camera, but that is EXACTLY what I ended up doing!!! I got a Nikon 3300, used but with less than a thousand shots taken, so it's apparently like-new (and some techie certified it as such). I saved almost half the budget of what I was ready to spend, so that's a bonus too!

I did seriously want to buy the FZ-1000, as some people strongly recommended, but they didn't have it (although they had a much more expensive version apparently).
Prolly 50% of their stuff was Nikon, another 30% Canon, and a few random other brands like Olympic and Sony. But they have a ton of discounted lenses for Nikons that I can get as I grow in the hobby, so I'm not worried.
Thank you again, though, for everyone's help and thoughts Aside from the mild conflicts over technical specs, it seems like the photography community is fairly welcoming

Well chosen!

Enjoy your new camera. I'm sure you will!

tedolf · Apr 16, 2018

MidoriUma said:
LMAO I didn't read your post until I got home with the new camera, but that is EXACTLY what I ended up doing!!! I got a Nikon 3300, used but with less than a thousand shots taken, so it's apparently like-new (and some techie certified it as such). I saved almost half the budget of what I was ready to spend, so that's a bonus too!

I did seriously want to buy the FZ-1000, as some people strongly recommended, but they didn't have it (although they had a much more expensive version apparently).
Prolly 50% of their stuff was Nikon, another 30% Canon, and a few random other brands like Olympic and Sony. But they have a ton of discounted lenses for Nikons that I can get as I grow in the hobby,

Lenses are what matter most. If that is what is available to you for lens selection then you made the right choice.

MidoriUma said:
so I'm not worried.
Thank you again, though, for everyone's help and thoughts Aside from the mild conflicts over technical specs, it seems like the photography community is fairly welcoming

TEdolph

PhotoTeach2 · Apr 16, 2018

tedolf said:
evetsf said:

tedolf said:

In this day and age I can no longer recommend a fixed lens camera when good ILCs have become so inexpensive.

Olympus recently had refurbished E-pl7 bodies for $199 USD. Couple that with a Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 lens for $150 and the excellent 40-150mm for $99, the VF-2 EVF for $150 and you have a compact system that is way ahead of any fixed lens camera for a whole lot less.

Tedolph

Click to expand...

Depends on one's definition of "way ahead".

Click to expand...

Lens speed, lens cost.

There at least half a dozen good lenses for m4/3 that are f/2 or faster and they are not expensive. Having lenses that fast gives a two to three stop IQ advantage (ignoring the difference in sensor size) over the fixed lens 1" sensor cameras.

tedolf said:

I see a one- inch fixed lens camera as "way ahead" of your proposed kit in total size & weight (by that I mean the total volume all the pieces occupy in the camera bag),

Click to expand...

I don't know about that. An E-pl7 with the 20mm f/1.7, the 45mm f/1.8 and the 9-18mm collapsible zoom are very tiny. From a weight point of view that m4/3 system is probably less than a 1" super zoom.

You can always add the $99.00 40-150mm kit zoom if you need more reach-it weighs almost nothing and is optically very good.

tedolf said:

not to mention not having to deal with the hassle of changing lenses when one's focal length needs change.

Click to expand...

If you can't change a lens in ten seconds with your eyes closed you have a problem.

In 10 seconds I could have shot 120 images. (with my eyes closed).

And probably better ones than with my eyes "open" ....

tedolf said:
tedolf said:

Just my $0.02,

Click to expand...

My $0.04.

tedolf said:

Steve

Click to expand...

Tedolph

Totally new, what camera is best for me?

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