cameras - thoughts on purchasing a new one

[Ken Gargett]

due to certain annoying circumstances, i am looking to buy a new camera. i have used Nikons for many years and will almost certainly go there again. i need to start from scratch so happy to entertain any suggestions, pro and contrary. 

i have been having a look, and a place with whom i have dealt before have some good deals at the moment.

there is the D3500 and two lenses - 18-55 and 70-300 for around $1100 give or take.

going up a bit, another $300, is the D5600 with the same two lenses.

or for a bit more, another $200, the Z50 (mirrorless) with 16-50 and 50-250 lenses. 

i'm inclined to go the Z50. seems that will be the future. wondering if anyone has any experiences with it or any thoughts? 

 

[chris12381]

I can't speak a bit about Nikon but I can tell you I wouldn't ever get an SLR again.

I dipped my toes into the mirrorless world when I picked up a Samsung Nx500 many years ago.  Just to play with. That camera was light years ahead of its time, the lenses were excellent. It took (and still does!) amazing photos and video.  Samsung however decided to pull out of the camera market a few years after I bought it.  I still haven't forgiven them. But I still still have it.  For me, it's the perfect travel camera (lightweight and small form factor) and still has a cult following.

I bought a Fuji XT2 and a few of their prime lenses a few years ago.  It's a great system.  Highly recommended.  

[MoeFOH]

I'm a Panasonic user. G9 (stills) and an ageing GH4 for vid. They're micro four thirds sensors, which is not everyone's cup of tea. But I find them excellent overall and very user-friendly. And I'm no super pro, so I can't justify a top-end canon or nikon rig. 

Can't comment on Nikon gear personally, but I'd definitely go mirrorless to future-proof the purchase a bit. On the surface, seems to be some mixed reviews around the Z50, though. 

Sony have some excellent cameras, too. 

Purchasing these types of items can bend your mind into a pretzel! I'd suggest setting in place your main purpose for the camera, then find one with reviews that leave pretty much no doubt it's going to hit one out of the park in terms of value for money and overall satisfaction, then go play with it in-store to be certain YOU like it. 

Happy hunting, Ken! 

[Fuzz AI]

Ken, have a look at the Sony A7 III. Much better than the Nikon Z50.

Personally, I am partial to Canon cameras (I have a 40D), but have been seriously considering jumping over to Sony. That is, until I saw the Canon R6. Either way, I will have to buy new lenses, as they would not work on a mirrorless DSLR.

[chris12381]

14 minutes ago, MoeFOH said:

Purchasing these types of items can bend your mind into a pretzel! I'd suggest setting in place your main purpose for the camera, then find one with reviews that leave pretty much no doubt it's going to hit one out of the park in terms of value for money and overall satisfaction, then go play with it in-store to be certain YOU like it. 

This is very good advice.  There's also sooo many videos on YouTube with people (be sure they aren't shilling for a particular brand of course) reviewing different cameras, lenses , etc. that can be helpful...or confusing.  I think it depends if one is the kind of person who likes having as much information as possible before making a decision or if that much information is seen as a hindrance to the decision. 

I've had very good luck selling my used camera equipment online so if you regret a purchase, you don't really have to worried being "stuck" with something.

[Ken Gargett]

thanks guys. all this very helpful. 

[Chaki]

I have only one word for you: "Plastics"

...err, I mean "Leica"

[Ken Gargett]

1 hour ago, Fuzz said:

Ken, have a look at the Sony A7 III. Much better than the Nikon Z50.

Personally, I am partial to Canon cameras (I have a 40D), but have been seriously considering jumping over to Sony. That is, until I saw the Canon R6. Either way, I will have to buy new lenses, as they would not work on a mirrorless DSLR.

fuzz, might be better (i take your word) but also 5 to 6 times more expensive (more with the lenses). well out of my range for justifying a new camera. 

[El Presidente]

.........whatever makes the fish look bigger 

[Ken Gargett]

Just now, El Presidente said:

.........whatever makes the fish look bigger 

speaking personally, i have never had to worry about size. 

interesting that is where your mind first went. 

[NicPac]

I’ve been shooting Fuji mirrorless systems for 5 or so years now and I love them. One of the things I love about Fuji is the old school feel. The aperture is controlled on the lens vs a button. It’s just makes more since to me. But I also shoot film mostly so that may be why I enjoy that feature better. Another thing to consider is what your subjects will be mostly. Fuji lenses excel at reproducing life like skin tones while Canon lenses excess at landscapes/other subjects. Not to say you can use one for the other. 

[Fuzz AI]

1 hour ago, Ken Gargett said:

fuzz, might be better (i take your word) but also 5 to 6 times more expensive (more with the lenses). well out of my range for justifying a new camera. 

Ok, yeah the Sony is about twice the price of the Nikon. But if you are upgrading to a Z50, you may not be able to use your old lenses anyway (if they do work, they may not have full functionality).

Check out this website, https://cameradecision.com/review/Nikon-Z50. If you scroll to the bottom, it gives comparisons to other cameras. You can also search for other comparisons and reviews.

[Ken Gargett]

2 minutes ago, Fuzz said:

Ok, yeah the Sony is about twice the price of the Nikon. But if you are upgrading to a Z50, you may not be able to use your old lenses anyway (if they do work, they may not have full functionality).

Check out this website, https://cameradecision.com/review/Nikon-Z50. If you scroll to the bottom, it gives comparisons to other cameras. You can also search for other comparisons and reviews.

ta Fuzz. useful link

the 3500 with the two lenses was $1100, the 5600 with two was $1400 and the z50 with two was $1600 in the deal being offered. need the new lenses. 

also, i am familiar with using Nikons, even if not mirrorless which is a big plus for a dinosaur. but i will definitely have a good hard look. have a few days or more to decide.