Doubt about three DSLR for a beginner.

[Devdurk]

Hi there. I'm thinking about to buy a DSLR camera. I've never used a DSLR lot time, i just use a DSLR few time and a digital camera with iso, aperture, and other values.

I have three options of cameras with lens:

1-Nikon D7100 with lens nikkor 18-140mm
2-Nikon D5300 with lens nikkor 18-140mm + tokina 11-16mm
3-Canon 70D with lens canon 18-135mm

I would like to know what is the best option to me. I want the camera to make photos of landscapes, night photos, milky ways, portrait, sports and a little video (short films). If anyone can give me an opinión about that cameras or maybe about another good camera (pentax or something), i'm totally open to get opinions. I just can spend not moré than 1500 dollars.

Thank you, have a nice day.

 

[Chris R-UK]

Hi there. I'm thinking about to buy a DSLR camera. I've never used a DSLR lot time, i just use a DSLR few time and a digital camera with iso, aperture, and other values.

I have three options of cameras with lens:

1-Nikon D7100 with lens nikkor 18-140mm
2-Nikon D5300 with lens nikkor 18-140mm + tokina 11-16mm
3-Canon 70D with lens canon 18-135mm

I would like to know what is the best option to me. I want the camera to make photos of landscapes, night photos, milky ways, portrait, sports and a little video (short films). If anyone can give me an opinión about that cameras or maybe about another good camera (pentax or something), i'm totally open to get opinions. I just can spend not moré than 1500 dollars.

Thank you, have a nice day.

What sports do you want to shoot? Will you be shooting outdoors in good light or indoors/nighttime in poor light?

You may need an additional lens for sports, say a 55-250mm but it will depend on the sport. Indoors and nighttime sports are difficult and will definitely need a different lens.

For night photos you will need a tripod.

 

[darklamp]

Hi there. I'm thinking about to buy a DSLR camera. I've never used a DSLR lot time, i just use a DSLR few time and a digital camera with iso, aperture, and other values.

I have three options of cameras with lens:

1-Nikon D7100 with lens nikkor 18-140mm
2-Nikon D5300 with lens nikkor 18-140mm + tokina 11-16mm
3-Canon 70D with lens canon 18-135mm

There are no bad DSLRs so you cannot really go wrong with a choice unless you have very specific needs ( and the money to cover those needs ).

The only question I would ask you is are you sure you want a very wide angle lens like the Tokina 11-16 ? It's unusual for a beginner to start with such a lens and the 18mm starting point of the kit lenses is really quite wide for normal use.

You may want to check if the Tokina will autofocus on a D5300. It may require a camera with a motor in it to focus ( the D5300 requires lenses that have a focus motor in them - Nikon uses the designation AF-S for that ).

I would like to know what is the best option to me. I want the camera to make photos of landscapes, night photos, milky ways, portrait, sports and a little video (short films).

I usually suggest that beginners buy a book on basic photographic technique before they get a DSLR. I am suggesting you do that before you go any further as it will give you a better idea of what is needed for these subjects.

A small problem is that there are some extremes of shooting ( like sports in low-ish light ) which a basic lens will have problems with but which also require good technique. This is another reason to get a book on technique before going further.

 

[Ido Scharf]

For night landscapes, the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is pretty much the best lens you can get, at least the best zoom model. However, I would strongly advise you to resist the desire to buy a second lens in your initial purchase; only get the kit lens, it will cover most aspects you'll need covered for the beginning.

As for which camera to choose, that would boil down to features you need / want.

• Controls: The D7100 and 70D have two control dials, though on the Canon, one of them is a rotating ring / wheel on the back, instead of the more traditional thumb dial. The D5300 only has one; to control another parameter besides the primary one, you need to press a button and rotate the dial simultaneously.
• Video: All three shoot very high-quality video, but the 70D has the great AF system that you probably already know about. It has a standard microphone jack, which all three cameras have, but it lacks a headphone jack, and so does the D5300, which the D7100 has.
• LCD: The Canon and the D5300 have fully articulating screens. The D7100's is fixed.
• Viewfinder: The D7100's is the biggest, while the D5300's is the smallest. The 70D is somewhere in-between, and doesn't have 100% coverage which the D7100 offers. The latter part isn't as important or as noticeable as the size of the viewfinder.
• Continuous shooting: The Canon is the fastest, and has the largest buffer. The D5300 is the slowest and has the smallest buffer.
• Autofocus: The D7100's system is the most sophisticated, but the Canon's is no slouch. The D5300's isn't as good, but is still a very, very good AF system that, with some practice, will still be sufficient for sports.

There's one giant factor that I can't comment on, and that's ergonomics. I can't comment on that, not only because I haven't held the cameras myself, but also because it's a very individual manner. You should go to a store and handle each camera, find which one feels the best to you.

You probably noticed that I did not comment on any aspect of image quality. That's simply because all three are excellent performers. You won't be disappointed by either one in that regard.

As for options from other brands, you may wish to postpone your purchase until the Sony Alpha SLT-a77 II hits store shelves and some professional reviews are published, as it looks like a very promising camera. Its kit lens is actually a very well regarded constant-f/2.8 standard zoom lens from Sony, 16-50mm f/2.8, and in that package, it costs $1800, I think.

You should also take a close look at the Pentax K-3. A review of that camera is already up on dpreview. I suggest reading that review thoroughly, as it appears to be a fantastic camera.

 

[photosen]

The safest choice in terms of image quality is to go with an 18-55 and 55-250 instead of a super zoom covering the whole range; you can then add an ultra wide zoom like that Tokina. The great thing about DSLRs is the ability to choose the perfect lens, in extremis a "prime" i.e. single focal length lens.

 

[cprevost]

The 70d is a gem. For video if you want autofocus while shooting it's the only choice. Way ahead of the others. The 18-135 kit lens is a good performer as well. Great range and excellent image quality. Any of these will offer more than you need in terms of tech specs and overall image quality so you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[Devdurk]

What sports do you want to shoot? Will you be shooting outdoors in good light or indoors/nighttime in poor light?

You may need an additional lens for sports, say a 55-250mm but it will depend on the sport. Indoors and nighttime sports are difficult and will definitely need a different lens.

For night photos you will need a tripod.

 

[OpticsEngineer]

I have a D7100+18-140 lens and it is a very good camera. But it has so many options and features I think it is a bit overwhelming for a beginner. The 5300 or 70D I think are better from that perspective. It will be a long time before a beginner advances to a point the extra features of the D7100 will help one get better pictures.

As a beginner, you might expect that when you are looking at the back panel display, the autofocus would work very fast. That is actually not true for Nikon APS-C DSLRs like the 7100 and 5300. In that area, the 70D has the Nikons beat hands-down so I think the Canon is the one to get. I hate to recommend a camera I don't have but from what I have read and the youtube videos I have watched, it seems to have real advantages over Nikon.

 

[Devdurk]

There are no bad DSLRs so you cannot really go wrong with a choice unless you have very specific needs ( and the money to cover those needs ).

The only question I would ask you is are you sure you want a very wide angle lens like the Tokina 11-16 ? It's unusual for a beginner to start with such a lens and the 18mm starting point of the kit lenses is really quite wide for normal use.

You may want to check if the Tokina will autofocus on a D5300. It may require a camera with a motor in it to focus ( the D5300 requires lenses that have a focus motor in them - Nikon uses the designation AF-S for that ).

You have the whole reason about the DSLRs, I see that the people can do amazings things with the most simple cameras.

Your question is going to do that I make me the same question about the Tokina 11-16mm. Maybe i'm precipitating buying that lens. I got that idea because I saw amazing videos and pictures (landscapes, milky ways) with the Tokin 11-16mm, but maybe I didn't consider that I don't have a lot experience with the DSLRs, and less, using lens with very wide angle. I tought in buy the Tokina 11-16mm too, because I'm going to travel to other country where is cheapest this kind of things. Do you think that is better for me spend money in another beginner lens?.

I didn't know about that topic (focus motor), I just heard that the Tokina 11-16mm DX or DXII (I don't remember if DXII or DX) have the focus motor in the lens, and the other one hasn't focus motor in the lens, I don't know if it is true, but If you know something about it, I would appreciate if you mention it.

I usually suggest that beginners buy a book on basic photographic technique before they get a DSLR. I am suggesting you do that before you go any further as it will give you a better idea of what is needed for these subjects.

A small problem is that there are some extremes of shooting ( like sports in low-ish light ) which a basic lens will have problems with but which also require good technique. This is another reason to get a book on technique before going further.

Thank you for the suggest. I read some articles about cameras and lens, but I've never read a book about it. Can you tell a name of a good book please?.

Thank you for the answer and opinion.

 

[Devdurk]

For night landscapes, the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is pretty much the best lens you can get, at least the best zoom model. However, I would strongly advise you to resist the desire to buy a second lens in your initial purchase; only get the kit lens, it will cover most aspects you'll need covered for the beginning.

Two guys said me the same thing about to get just a kit lens, and with you are now three, I'm going to consider it, because I don't want to buy a lens that I'll not know how to use. You have reason, maybe a simple 18-55mm is enought to me, because I haven't the experience about more professional lens.

As for which camera to choose, that would boil down to features you need / want.

• Controls: The D7100 and 70D have two control dials, though on the Canon, one of them is a rotating ring / wheel on the back, instead of the more traditional thumb dial. The D5300 only has one; to control another parameter besides the primary one, you need to press a button and rotate the dial simultaneously.
• Video: All three shoot very high-quality video, but the 70D has the great AF system that you probably already know about. It has a standard microphone jack, which all three cameras have, but it lacks a headphone jack, and so does the D5300, which the D7100 has.
• LCD: The Canon and the D5300 have fully articulating screens. The D7100's is fixed.
• Viewfinder: The D7100's is the biggest, while the D5300's is the smallest. The 70D is somewhere in-between, and doesn't have 100% coverage which the D7100 offers. The latter part isn't as important or as noticeable as the size of the viewfinder.
• Continuous shooting: The Canon is the fastest, and has the largest buffer. The D5300 is the slowest and has the smallest buffer.
• Autofocus: The D7100's system is the most sophisticated, but the Canon's is no slouch. The D5300's isn't as good, but is still a very, very good AF system that, with some practice, will still be sufficient for sports.

There's one giant factor that I can't comment on, and that's ergonomics. I can't comment on that, not only because I haven't held the cameras myself, but also because it's a very individual manner. You should go to a store and handle each camera, find which one feels the best to you.

I really should do it. I had the Nikon D7100 in my hands, but just the D7100, I'm going to go to check the D5300 and the Canon 70D, maybe with this, I choose the best for me.

You probably noticed that I did not comment on any aspect of image quality. That's simply because all three are excellent performers. You won't be disappointed by either one in that regard.

I noticed that aspect in three cameras (because I have reading, seeing sample pictures and watching videos about reviews) and I really can't tell difference. I just noticed a small difference, but I don't know how important is it (maybe in night shoots, i think), and is the ISO. Is it really important?.

As for options from other brands, you may wish to postpone your purchase until the Sony Alpha SLT-a77 II hits store shelves and some professional reviews are published, as it looks like a very promising camera. Its kit lens is actually a very well regarded constant-f/2.8 standard zoom lens from Sony, 16-50mm f/2.8, and in that package, it costs $1800, I think.

You should also take a close look at the Pentax K-3. A review of that camera is already up on dpreview. I suggest reading that review thoroughly, as it appears to be a fantastic camera.

Both cameras are amazing, a bit more expensive, but the samples pictures and videos gave me a reasons to add this cameras in my list of possible cameras. I'm going to see the full preview here about that cameras.

Thank you for the answer, opinion and suggestion. I really appreciate it.

 

[Devdurk]

The safest choice in terms of image quality is to go with an 18-55 and 55-250 instead of a super zoom covering the whole range; you can then add an ultra wide zoom like that Tokina. The great thing about DSLRs is the ability to choose the perfect lens, in extremis a "prime" i.e. single focal length lens.

I tought about to muy a kit lens like that you said, the difference is that the kit i saw have the 55-300mm, is there lot difference between the 55-300mm and 55-250mm? or just the 50mm is the difference?. Maybe I need read more about lens, because maybe I'm underestimating some lens that can do good photos in different situations.

Thank you for the answer.

 

[Devdurk]

The 70d is a gem. For video if you want autofocus while shooting it's the only choice. Way ahead of the others. The 18-135 kit lens is a good performer as well. Great range and excellent image quality. Any of these will offer more than you need in terms of tech specs and overall image quality so you can't go wrong with any of them.

You have the whole reason about the video of the 70D, are really amazing the videos that you can do, and with the nice ISO advantages, I think this camera is a good way. What do you think about the photos of landscapes that you can shot with the 70D?.

Thank you for the answer.

 

[Devdurk]

I have a D7100+18-140 lens and it is a very good camera. But it has so many options and features I think it is a bit overwhelming for a beginner. The 5300 or 70D I think are better from that perspective. It will be a long time before a beginner advances to a point the extra features of the D7100 will help one get better pictures.

As a beginner, you might expect that when you are looking at the back panel display, the autofocus would work very fast. That is actually not true for Nikon APS-C DSLRs like the 7100 and 5300. In that area, the 70D has the Nikons beat hands-down so I think the Canon is the one to get. I hate to recommend a camera I don't have but from what I have read and the youtube videos I have watched, it seems to have real advantages over Nikon.

Other friend told me the same thing that you, and maybe i think all is true. My friend told me that if I buy the D7100 will take me a lot of time learning to use it, and seeing the functions of this camera, I really see that is a very complex camera for me. Maybe canon 70D is a good choose for me (I'm impatient, and I like that the cameras focus very fast).

I like the opinions like yours, because despite you have a Nikon camera, you have the open mind to recommend one of other brand. It is the reason because I got to this community.

Thank you for the answer.

 

[Mystery member]

Other friend told me the same thing that you, and maybe i think all is true. My friend told me that if I buy the D7100 will take me a lot of time learning to use it, and seeing the functions of this camera, I really see that is a very complex camera for me. Maybe canon 70D is a good choice for me (I'm impatient, and I like that the cameras focus very fast).

I like the opinions like yours, because despite you have a Nikon camera, you have the open mind to recommend one of other brand. It is the reason because I got to this community.

The D7100 can be quite complex to use to its full potential, but there's no barrier to using it straight off in either Auto or one of the normal modes such as Aperture or Shutter Speed priority. It's definitely a camera that you can grow into. I've had mine for about 6 months, and I'm still finding new features and fine-tuning the settings. I haven't had a technical failure with any shot so far.

The View-Finder is a big feature for me. It's not only the scene, but the various other indicators and meters that are a decent size.

I've also heard that Canon is preferable for video. I don't intend using video, so that is not a worry for me with the Nikon.

 

[Ido Scharf]

You should get the lens that's offered with the camera, but if there are two options (one 18-55mm, the other 18-140 / 18-135mm), get the "better" (more expensive) one, as it will provide pretty much the same optical quality, with better mechanical quality and a longer, more convenient zoom range.

Don't let any barely discernible difference in image quality bother you. Many tend to get hung up on lab tests from DxO Labs (the famous DxOMark.com), in which Nikon usually dominates Canon in the sensor benchmarks. While the test results are damn accurate, the scores are misleading, and differences that seem very big on paper aren't nearly as defined in real-life shooting scenarios. Even if there were slightly more noticeable differences in the image quality department, they wouldn't be even nearly as important as some other factors are, mainly ergonomics.

 

[cprevost]

You can get great results with any of these cameras. I think the 70D may be the one to beat feature wise. Especially video. The thing to remember is that although these cameras will give you great results, consistent great results only come from practice and learning the art of photography. If you intend to do the work it takes to learn how to make good photographs any of these cameras will be perfect. If you want something to point and shoot and don't care to learn how the camera works then it doesn't matter which camera you pick. They will all give you the same inconsistent results. So, in the end it makes very little difference which you get. 70% of good photography is the photographer, 20% is the light, and 10% is the gear.

 

[Chris R-UK]

What sports do you want to shoot? Will you be shooting outdoors in good light or indoors/nighttime in poor light?

You may need an additional lens for sports, say a 55-250mm but it will depend on the sport. Indoors and nighttime sports are difficult and will definitely need a different lens.

For night photos you will need a tripod.

 

[l_d_allan]

Devdurk wrote:
I have three options of cameras with lens:

1-Nikon D7100 with lens nikkor 18-140mm
2-Nikon D5300 with lens nikkor 18-140mm + tokina 11-16mm
3-Canon 70D with lens canon 18-135mm

Unless video is a high priority, I'd go with a Nikon (which pains this Canon owner to write). Probably the D5300, or even the D3300. The Nikons with Sony sensor have a significant advantage over the Canon's in dynamic range (DR) and somewhat better resolution.

I'd be inclined to start with a two lens bundle, with the 18-55mm VR and 55-200 VR. These are made in large quantities, with corresponding economies of scale.

I would like to know what is the best option to me. I want the camera to make photos of landscapes, night photos, milky way

Quite challenging, and the kit lenses probably won't be suitable. I'd hold off on that until you decide if you need a wide angle prime.

, portrait, sports

"Sports" is a very broad category. Indoor sports is very challenging compared to outdoors. It can get real expensive to have the right equipment for indoor sports.

and a little video (short films).

If you had put an emphasis on video, then the Canon 70d would be more attractive with its "follow focus". For basic video where the subject isn't moving towards and away from the camera, pretty much any modern DSLR will do fine.

 

[Devdurk]

Something like the 55-250mm should be OK for outdoor daytime football and rugby.

Indoor sports will be very difficult depending on how far away you are. If you are close you may be able to use a 50mm f1.8 or 85mm f1.8. If you are further away you will need something like a 70-200mm f2.8. The Nikon/Canon 70-200mm f2.8 lenses are very expensive but Tamron and Sigma make cheaper versions.

If you want to be able to shoot indoor sports from the start then you will need to buy a cheaper body and spend more on lenses.

 

[Devdurk]

You should get the lens that's offered with the camera, but if there are two options (one 18-55mm, the other 18-140 / 18-135mm), get the "better" (more expensive) one, as it will provide pretty much the same optical quality, with better mechanical quality and a longer, more convenient zoom range.

Don't let any barely discernible difference in image quality bother you. Many tend to get hung up on lab tests from DxO Labs (the famous DxOMark.com), in which Nikon usually dominates Canon in the sensor benchmarks. While the test results are damn accurate, the scores are misleading, and differences that seem very big on paper aren't nearly as defined in real-life shooting scenarios. Even if there were slightly more noticeable differences in the image quality department, they wouldn't be even nearly as important as some other factors are, mainly ergonomics.

I'm really trying to do that, and I try to scape of the 18-55mm, and I want to focus in just lens that give me more than 50mm, like the 18-140 or the other one 18-200mm (I don't know how vesatile is it, but at least looks useful.

And wow, with that comment you helped me a lot (knowing the image quality difference ) and make my desition more hard, because I was concerned by the image quality difference that every camera offer, in Snapshot there is some difference as to the image quaility punctuation, are the values right?, because like you said, I can't see a much difference between each camera.

Thank you for the answer.