Nikon SLR Cameras

New camera for amateur photographer?

Phillip
Phillip

I'm not sure what camera I should buy, I currently have a Nikon d5000 (that I'm now tired of) My family has used it and has managed to damage the camera so i need to get a new one anyways.
People say that I should buy the 5d mark 2 because it has full frame and with the 24-105 lens. This is indeed a lot of money for me but I can barely afford it. Is it worth it when I'm not really a pro photographer and only a hobbyist/enthusiast who is interested in learning and get better at photography. I know the basics of camera and know how to use shutter/aperture/iso properly. Would you say it is worth it since I can afford it, or should I buy a cheaper one more focused for novice/amateur photographers? If so, what would you recommend?
Btw I'm a student who is learning photography

Gwyn
Gwyn

Dude, don't go in to the deep end before you've learnt how to swim. Think about it, if you get a big pro camera and you're only an enthusiast, it's going to take time to learn how to use it. More importantly, it's not about the camera, it's about the LENS. And don't listen to the people who tell you that full frame is the most important thing, it's not. A crop sensor will give you pretty much the same results. The Canon EOS 60D is probably the best choice for you or the Nikon D5100. If you're looking for a good lens, search Helios 44M. It's an old old lens from the 60s but it produces lovely swirly bokeh. You'll need an M42 to EF mount (for Canon, not sure for Nikon). If you want to get into filming, the 60D would probably give you a balance of great photos AND great videos!

Vinegar Taster
Vinegar Taster

I have a D5000, and it's a great camera. I can get magazine quality photos with it.
Buy a D3100 & learn how to master that. It can use the same lens your " damaged " D5000 has.
Or get your D5000 repaired.

Andrew
Andrew

A D5100 or D5200 body will do you very well, and take your existing lenses/flash. Forget about M42 lenses, though - they only meter on the D7000 and above.

Jacob
Jacob

Since you said you how to use manual exposure properly, I think the 5Dmkii is a good option. If you knew nothing, I wouldn't recommend it because it doesn't have anything built into it to help you figure out how to use it. It's either in a creative auto mode like av or in manual mode. There's no built in flash. I have a 5D and 5Dmkii. Both are excellent cameras and the image quality is fantastic. If you're buying used, there are some good deals out there. In fact, if you don't push above iso 800, consider the original 5D. Used for around $600usd. You don't want something focused on novice photographers. The 60D is really a super sized Rebel. The D5100 is a new version of your old camera. It is time to take the next step and get something a little higher end.

Obviously a better camera won't improve your skill. It will improve your image quality. A better image sensor results in cleaner images with more detail and better dynamic range. So the real question here is what is better for you when it comes to lenses or sensor. Lenses generally always win. A lens can help improve creativeness. With a 100mm F/2, you can get excellent subject isolation and foreground/background compression. With a 15mm you can get crazy distortion. I have the 24-105mm. It's a good lens, but my least favorite to use. I only ever use it for a walk around lens. It doesn't do anything amazing.

My recommendation is to get more than one lens. If getting the 5Dmkii means you only get one lens, when could you buy another lens? If you get a D5100, how many lenses could you get? If money is tight, buy a 5D classic, a 50mm f1.8 or 40mm f/2.8, and a zoom.