I think I finally want to buy my own camera. I usually used my dad’s Nikon but let’s just say I’m more comfortable having my own. I’m no photographer but I might learn a thing or two and this might just become a nice hobby for when I’m bored and just walk around town. Can you guys help me pick a good starting camera? Nothing too fancy…I remember Canon used to be all the rage but I’m guessing times have changed since 2016. Anyway, any input or advice you can give is appreciated so I might start planning the buy. Thanks!
What Nikon model have you borrowed from your dad? If it uses interchangeable lenses, which lenses have you used? Are there things you like and dislike about using it?
It’s usually advisable to buy used, and your local used market could have a big influence on what’s a good value for you. All modern cameras from major brands are capable of capturing quality images, but some have features like weather sealing or bird-detect autofocus that are valuable in certain situations. The lens usually has a bigger impact on the look of the image than the body, so lens selection may be a major factor in your choice.
What do you want to photograph? What part of the world do you live in (a country or region will let people know where you can buy)? About how much money do you want to spend? If you’re not sure, give a preferred amount and a hard limit.
It’s a D300s. I don’t think he has any lenses a part from the one that came with. I don’t have much to compare it to, but I guess I might like something lighter. I was thinking of spending around 300€ but a preliminary round of searches tells me I’m far off from the actual prices. Maybe I could look into used stuff
300€ is definitely a used budget, but used camera gear is great. Camera bodies in particular depreciate rapidly, which is not a cost you want to absorb if you’re price-sensitive.
For something lighter that’s potentially in-budget, there’s the Panasonic G7/G70. They’re about 225€ on MPB.com, but that’s without a lens. The 14-42 kit zoom lens or 25mm f/1.7 prime adds about 100€. The prime lens lets in a lot more light and lets you get shallow depth of field more easily, but the zoom lens can zoom. There are a bunch of other lens options that fit this camera’s micro four thirds mount made by Panasonic, Olympus, and Sigma.
They can be had for substantially less on Ebay, but MPB has a warranty and Ebay only has returns for items that are immediately defective on arrival. I’d take the savings and buy on Ebay, but your tolerance for risk is up to you.
Note this camera requires a battery and charger, which are typically included, and an SD card, which is typically not included. You may also need to buy a card reader.