Advice on moving from a compact to a DSLR?

Baron C

Baron C

Baron C

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Hi guys,

I have been getting the urge to move up into DSLR level for some time. My current Point and shoot Canon while convienent is seriously lacking in image quality and clarity (too much noise even with tri pod )

Is the 'Nikon D5100 + 18-55mm VR' a good starting point in terms of kit and lens etc. I read it's a solid starter to get going with?

Any other recommendations?

I can imagine initial use would be some close up on hardware pics, general travel pics and .

Budget: approx £350-450
 
update for post #10 and to others.

I ended up getting the D5100, with the 18-55mm kit. Having Loads of fun, learning about it, and it's behavior. I'm just trying to get my muscle memory up to speed on it. I'm finding it's wayyyy more sensitive in Manual than a Point and Shoot. So I'll alternate between Auto and Manual till I'm confident with it.


Eventually over the coming year I would like to add one from the 300mm lenses :

Nikkor AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED (If I can get a deal, ain't cheap)
Nikkor AF-S DX VR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

I also, researched the all important everyday, 'all-purpose' low light, Primes
Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G

Thoughts, suggestions or am I on the right track?

I need advice on what to look for in a a battery grip?
 
For everyday lenses, find what you use focal length before you buy one.

On a FF, 35 and 85 make a great combo, with 50 being left out a bit. The thing is, on crop, 35 ~ 50 and 50 ~ 85. 85 is a good length for portraits, although I'd prefer slightly longer I think, but its one of the main portrait lengths. I have a 50, and haven't quite devoted the time to it to truly say what I use it for, but I really use my 24-105 much more than the 50 as a walkabout (canon, so can't quite cross reference lenses). The 50 would be glorious if it had a bit more length though (which you'd get on a crop) at a few parties I've done. That prime DoF is glorious. Also, not sure on the prices of the Nikon primes, but take a look at Sigma's 1.4s if they're close.

For zoom. The 70-300 costs more for a reason. If you need a deal, look second hand. Second hand market for lenses really isn't a bad choice. Yes they don't have a warranty, but getting fixed isn't too hard, and generally speaking someone has already done QC checks for you. I think I'd rather save up for the 70-300 than the 55-300, if its anything like the canon zooms in a similar range as you will lose a lot of quality at the ends comparison wise.

kd
 
Thank you King, I appreciate the input.
The primes I listed range around the £150 approx.

The 70-300 has reviewed as the better quality glass at the ends as you say. I'll probably wait for that lans. ( In no immediate rush, as I'm at the very beginner stage of DSLR)

I prefer to stay within the Nikon range as I like the legacy transfer.

Thanks again for the tips ;)
 
david25 said:
Before you spend the money, are you sure you will still carry a much heavier DSLR setup?
Click to expand...

This is a valid question, but if you read the thread he's already bought the camera :p

I've also spent the last week walking around the Grand Canyon and other trails with about 5kg of camera gear at least in a decent backpack. The backpack really means the weight isn't really noticeable at all.... If I'm going out for a day trip as well, I might only carry around body + lens in hand and make sure I've got the space in battery and memory to do so (I.e. I went to Phoenix zoo and just carried my 100-400L attached to body)

kd
 
Only advice you need now is practice, practice, practice.

You may find you go through a period early on where because you don't yet know what you're doing, most of your photos look worst than they would if you'd taken them with a compact. If this happens, just don't be disheartened. A lot of work goes into compacts so that they can take "good" shots. A lot of work goes into DSLRs so that you can take good shots.

:)
 
Thanks everyone for the advice so far. I appreciate the input.

I'm having fun, with the Nikon, fully getting my Geek on!

@MrWhippy.....Yeah, I'm discovering exactly what you mean. It's a Lifetime investment hobby for me. Not pretending to be anything but a proud learner ;)
I spent Friday in the back garden taking test shots of cpu/gpu waterblocks, so that I can familiarise myself. I got about 300 shots in all. Went through the whole spectrum of over to under-exposed.;)

Again, much thanks.
 
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