Beginner: Nikon/canon for landscape?
Hi, I'm planning to buy DSLR cameras, most of my friends are Canon-user, so I don't really know much about Nikon DSLR cameras. Can you please suggest me which brand and what type I better start with? (yes I'm a beginner) I want to use my camera for shooting food, objects (NOT HUMANS/MODELS), and most importantly, landscape. My budget is 600$ish tops.
Thanks in advance and I really hope I can get opinions from here.
The dSLR can be used for any/all types of shooting be it living, still-life or landscapes. There are no beginner cameras. If you know how to use one, you can use them all. Budget is the only constraint. To get maximum satisfaction, buy the most expensive you can afford, whatever brand or model it may be.
The kit lens that comes with most dSLR's is enough to do landscapes.
The Nikon D3100 is an excellent choice. If most of your friends have Canon cameras and they also happen to have a lot of nice lenses and are likely to lend you their lenses, then you might want to consider Canon
I would say $600 is good enough budget to get you a great DSRL camera. I have a list of all the best DSLRs in under $600:
http://www.amazon.com/...zon.com/s/
Among these i would suggest the Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens. It ranks as number 3 in the DSRL camera category on amazon. Features include:
18.0-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor; DIGIC 4 image processor for high image quality and speed
Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) for shooting from bright to dim light; enhanced 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system
Improved EOS Movie mode with manual exposure control and expanded recording 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Wide 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor; dedicated Live View/Movie shooting button
New compatibility with SDXC memory cards, plus new menu status indicator for Eye-Fi support
Found a great price here:
http://www.amazon.com/...0035FZJHQ/
Checkout this review for further help:
For the cost of Nikon D3100, I don't think you can get anything better. It is the perfect camera for a new user; read this review by a beginner:
http://www.amazon.com/...BVL1V8MJW/
Pros:
-Better image quality and lower noise at high ISO with the D3100
-MUCH MUCH lighter, which will be nice when traveling
-Larger LCD screen
-11 focus points, including 3D focus which tracks the motion of the subject or camera.
-1080p Video
-14 megapixels
-2nd Generation DSLR
-Quiet, quiet, quiet
The price of the camera is in your budget:
http://www.amazon.com/...003ZYF3LO/
For landscape, set setting as landscape shots: increase sharpness to 4 (D3100 shots are unsharpened by default).
Once you start getting into more advanced photography you're going to want some of the abilities that just aren't supported by the d3100. And don't think the d3100 isn't a great camera, because it is. My last few statements were only directed to those who plan on becoming advanced photographers. For most people, especially those who will never even try to manual control the camera, the d3100 is plenty of camera for you, you won't be disappointed.
Go for Nikon D3100 camera is built for the beginner to moderate photographer. The camera is light weight compared to other Nikon DSLR's, while at the same time providing the Nikon signature lens and operating system. The only problem I had was when you want to take action shots, compared to some of the other models (D80) it does have a slight delay, and it also requires a corded remote. Other than that it is a great investment!