First DSLR

[dsotr]

Hey everybody,
yet another first DSLR question here.

My name is Daniele, I'm almost new to photography (and brand new to the forum) and I'd like a camera to grow with, trying to keep the budget low.

I looked at this post (and some other posts) but I'm still in trouble.

I've seen from other posts that the first answer to this kind of questions is usually another question like "What are you gonna use this for?", so:
first of all portraits (wife, children etc.), random shots around the city (architecture, street photography) and maybe some macro photography (not too professional and just for the web). I'm also interested in video although I don't know if I need full manual control over that (probably not), but I do like full HD
This is what interests me now, in the future I could expand my area of interest and I'd like to be prepared for that.

I've done a little bit of research and I came up with these models (in no particular order):
1. Nikon D5100
2. Nikon D7000
3. Canon EOS 550D
4. Canon EOS 60D

The big question is: is it worth to go with the more expensive ones (D7000, 60D) with the idea of learning enough to be able, at some point, to actually use those model at their full potential?
Another way of seeing it: is it worth to buy a "cheap" body now with the idea of upgrading it later (thus spending much more money at the end)?

I'm fascinated by the D7000 which looks very professional to me, has got built in auto-focus motor as well as many hardware controls the D5100 doesn't have. On the other end I like Canon's video features, although I don't see too much difference between the 60D and the 550D (mainly fps?).
In addition to this, is an articulated LCD a big plus for videos or at least something to base the choice on?

I'm planning on buying a general purpose lens (like a 18-200) and start playing around until I get an idea of which focals better suit me.

I want to thank everybody in this forum and especially Marko for his great podcast and blog.

Bye for now and get prepared to tons of shots for you to comment

Ciao
Daniele

[Greg_R]

Hi Danielle,

You may want to consider buying a used camera to get you started. I was in the position you are about a year ago (minus the research you have already done) and bought a new D3000 to get me started. Within six months I found that I had already outgrown the camera and wanted to do things that it wasn't capable of. When I was talking to someone at my local camera shop about the dilemma I was having, he offered me a used D90 body for $500 and I haven't looked back since. (I even wound up with a used Tamron 18-50mm lens from him as well).

Good luck with your decision!

[Iguanasan]

Welcome to the forum... as you can see, it's a hard choice. There are way too many options and choices. No matter what you get there will always be this feature or that feature that you will feel you missed out on. I will recommend the Canon because it's what I know and someone else will recommend a Nikon because it's what they know and then someone else will pop in and recommend another brand because Canon and Nikon are over-priced and you get great photographs from this other brand.

Go to the store or your local photography club and see if you can put your hands on the camera and choose what feels comfortable to you. Greg has some good advice there but I also think that you'll be happy with any of those choices.

Cheers!

[Barefoot]

D7000, if it's within your budget. You won't regret it. Used D90 if the 7000 is a little out of reach. Try to stay away from models that can't make full use of the lens(I.e. Internal focusing, metering...) and look for serious features(ability to bracket 5 or more frames, mirror lock-up/exposure delay,...) and buttons/dials that keep you from having to dig deeply into the menus.

Just don't get all caught up in the megapixels at first(but if you do, the new A77 from Sony doesn't look to bad). High ISO performance is much more gratifying.

Greg nailed it. You outgrow the entry models quick and used is a viable option.

[Andrew]

I'll put another vote in for the used camera. If you don't know enough about them yet and you are not comfortable evaluating a used camera from a stranger then try local photography shops that have trade-ins and offer a guarantee that they work fine. This will allow you to get the least expensive camera so you can put the most money on the lens. By far the most important consideration is to get the best lens you can afford. Not only for great pictures now but for the future when you upgrade bodies and you can keep the lens.

[Greg_R]

I'll put another vote in for the used camera. If you don't know enough about them yet and you are not comfortable evaluating a used camera from a stranger then try local photography shops that have trade-ins and offer a guarantee that they work fine. This will allow you to get the least expensive camera so you can put the most money on the lens. By far the most important consideration is to get the best lens you can afford. Not only for great pictures now but for the future when you upgrade bodies and you can keep the lens.

^This.

When buying a lens take into consideration whether or not you are ever going to upgrade to a full frame sensor. Some lenses are made specifically for cropped sensors. If you do decide to go big in the future you will have to get new glass as well.

[Lovin]

Hi Daniele,
First welcome here ! You will have a lot to learn here, this is the best place to start.
I started with a used camera (Olympus E500), and until I start taking pictures and explore the DSLR possibilities I was so upset because I my Ego wanted a brand new camera, a semi-pro or pro, thinking in my silly mind, that this will make me taking great pictures.
After my first pictures in full Manual mode, I start to don't care if it's a new or used camera. Trust us, when we tell you to buy a used one, and master that one first. If you're eager to learn, you will master it in short time, and then, you will know what do you want from your next camera.

So I'll say too for a used camera.

[dsotr]

Hey guys,
I'm definitely looking for a used body, hope to find a good deal soon

Thanks a lot for your comments,
cheers
Daniele