Camera advice

Raptor

Raptor

Raptor

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Joined
3 Jul 2004
Posts
1,261
Morning all,

My wife is after her first 'decent' camera.

I've sort of got it down to these 3. (£300 max budget)

Sony RX100
Sony A5000
Nikon D3300

I know they are effectively all different, but was after some advice on the best for a beginner. My gut feeling is the A5000 which appears to be the middle ground.

Thanks!
 
It depends on how serious she intends to get. The only real reason to get an interchangeable lens camera is to grow into it and get more lenses in the future. Otherwise the RX100 will be a fine all-rounder with manual controls.
 
Had a chat and she appears to be serious, so looks like a DSLR is the way forward.

At that price point it looks like either the D3300 or a 1200D
 
I'll vouch for the D3300. I've had the D3200 - as have many on here - and it's a great first camera.

That said, it'd be best to try both - get your and the Mrs to a camera shop/electronics store and hold them both. See which is more comfortable.
 
Definitely try a couple 'in-hand'. If it becomes long-term serious then you (she) will be investing a lot of time and money into lenses and accessories - best to chose the right system from the outset.

For instance, I just can't get on with Canon DSLRs, I've been a Nikon guy for 10 years but I know others who are the opposite.
 
I have recently got the a5000 as a 2nd camera, but found I use it more than my 6d as the quality is amazing, especially for the size/weight. It will allow full manual control to play around with what settings do what, and above all its so small its a great camera to take everywhere in a pocket. When starting out, getting lots of practice is always essential, so having a camera that is so portable is definitely a bonus IMHO.
As others have said, might be worth trying them out in a camera store before purchasing.
 
Visit to our local shop and...

A shop demo a5000 was bagged with a nice discount :)

They also said she can borrow demonstrators if and when she wants to upgrade and try them before buying, Nice to actually have a local helpful shop.

Thanks guys, major help.
 
^ Yeah, its a third the size it was 10 years ago, there's progress for you!

I've been so impressed with that a5000, amazing pictures for the price.

I may have to replace my aging Lumix FS30, Might go for the RX100 as I really liked that.
 
I was going to mention getting the A5000,i have just got the A6000 and sold all my nikon gear,love the A6000 with its small size and fast focus,so glad i got rid of my nikon stuff :)

This was all my nikon stuff....
 
Woden said:
I just started but went with the D3300. I know in no expert by mine just feels like I want to pick it up. Of that makes any sense.
Click to expand...

Yep, I remember getting my first SLR, back in the day...Minolta 3000i

schizo said:
Yes and no :)

I do long walks around london (12+hrs) and the nikon gear was getting to heavy for me,i'm up london on the 30th for a 12 hour night shoot,hopefully the sony will be nice to carry around for that long :)
Click to expand...

I'm not surprised TBH...

My wife's interest in this has reignited a spark :)
 
Woden said:
I just started but went with the D3300. I know in no expert by mine just feels like I want to pick it up. Of that makes any sense.
Click to expand...

The same here. Wanted a decent camera, as I have taken a keen interest in Photography. For me the Nikon D3300 is a good starter. Finding my feet with it, but the shots are stunning compared to my old compact. Don't think the lens kit is all that great for indoor shots though.

Will be looking for a 35/50mm prime soon I think...How are you getting on with yours?
 
schizo said:
I was going to mention getting the A5000,i have just got the A6000 and sold all my nikon gear,love the A6000 with its small size and fast focus,so glad i got rid of my nikon stuff :)
Click to expand...

How does the A6000 compare to your old Nikon, I guess battery life is shorter? Would be keen to know how good the image quality is.
 
teejay73 said:
The same here. Wanted a decent camera, as I have taken a keen interest in Photography. For me the Nikon D3300 is a good starter. Finding my feet with it, but the shots are stunning compared to my old compact. Don't think the lens kit is all that great for indoor shots though.

Will be looking for a 35/50mm prime soon I think...How are you getting on with yours?
Click to expand...

Haven't had much time to play with it recently, and I actually spend more time reading and watching YouTube stuff on what to do with it.

I like taking outdoors shots of natury-stuff (sorry for the technical terms), and the kit lens has actually served me pretty well so far. I've moved now and I am within walking distance of some really nice hills, forests, so when the weather is better I'll get to take her out a lot more.
 
teejay73 said:
How does the A6000 compare to your old Nikon, I guess battery life is shorter? Would be keen to know how good the image quality is.
Click to expand...

I'm loving the move,yes battery life is short compared to my nikon but i have 3 battery's now,the other useful thing about the A6000 is that you can charge the battery still inside the camera via usb,a power-bank and 3 battery's will be al you need for a 12hour walk.

Quality wise,im more than happy with the results from the sony,i was told not to get rid of my nikon as it was better,it might be it might not have been,i'm happy with the images the little sony produces.

Will i ever go back to a DSLR.....dont think so :)
 
schizo said:
I'm loving the move,yes battery life is short compared to my nikon but i have 3 battery's now,the other useful thing about the A6000 is that you can charge the battery still inside the camera via usb,a power-bank and 3 battery's will be al you need for a 12hour walk.

Quality wise,im more than happy with the results from the sony,i was told not to get rid of my nikon as it was better,it might be it might not have been,i'm happy with the images the little sony produces.

Will i ever go back to a DSLR.....dont think so :)
Click to expand...

What lenses are you using with the a6000? I.m not that happy with some photos with the 18-200.. Think I need more glass
 
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