Bridge - DSLR

LiamAndrews

LiamAndrews

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Liam Andrews
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Hello!

I current have a Nikon P510 ( http://biSPAM/Q4GITl ) and I am looking to move over to a DSLR Nikon of course! :lol: Which is the best to move to. I like the D800 but don't have that type of money to waste on something I don't know how to use (yet)

Your advise would be greatly received!

Liam
 
I shot bridge cameras for a few years. Mostly older fuji models. I didn't make the switch to a Dslr until I had exhausted the manual controls on the bridge cams. Once you feel the limit of 8 secs/f/8/1/2000, and feel the need for more, an entry level dslr is your best bet. I wouldn't jump straight to an FX body, it'll just confuzzle the bejaysis out of you!
 
Cagey75 said:
I shot bridge cameras for a few years. Mostly older fuji models. I didn't make the switch to a Dslr until I had exhausted the manual controls on the bridge cams. Once you feel the limit of 8 secs/f/8/1/2000, and feel the need for more, an entry level dslr is your best bet. I wouldn't jump straight to an FX body, it'll just confuzzle the bejaysis out of you!
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For what I take photos of I feel limited by the camera. There is a few things Id like to shoot but I cant because the camera does not have the facility like long exposures for one. What would you class as a entry level DSLR? Something like the D7000?
 
The D3100/3200 are the current Nikon entry level. For Canon it's the 1000D/1100D

The D7000 would be a step up, more on body controls, compatibility with older lenses, better focusing and dynamic range etc ... If you have the money, it's a great one to start with. The D3100/3200 would be an easy step though, as most controls are accessed though the menu, like a bridge cam. Plus there's a guide mode to help ease you in.
 
I think the D7000 is a midway between entry and pro, and the 3*** and 5**** series might be at the entry level end.

You could go for something a bit older, but very worthwhile like a D90 or D300, which i would consider midway cams
 
i wouldn't bother with that zoom lens. Look at the 55-200mm vr, which can be had for under £150.
 
Hi Liam,

The important thing with buying a DSLR is that you should buy what is best for you not a model recommended by someone else.

So go to the shops and try the cameras

The best one for YOU is the one that:

Feels most comfortable in YOUR hands, after all YOU will be holding it not us.

Has a control layout and menu system YOU find most intuitive.

That fits YOUR budget.

Try the other brands you have no need to stay with Nikon as you have no other kit yet. Remember all the cameras are capable of taking good photographs, you however are what will make them great.
 
I don't think anyone is pushing any make or model. The reality is, there isn't all that many choices in entry level dslr. I also mentioned the Canon ones. It is a good idea to get to a store and hold them, see how each one feels. Ergonimcs is everything when you begin, as most of them pretty much offer the same thing besides.
 
Thank you everyone! Looks like Im going to take a trip Jessops!
 
I started with a Canon 40D, found it to be a really good camera to learn with! Can get them relatively cheap now as its an older model (I still use mine).
 
I think it's a bit rough when all the new guys are pushed down the budget 70-300 route when everybody knows they're a bit rubbish.
People should benefit from the mistakes we made back then not be tricked into them as well!
 
So after some long thought I looked at both the D5100 and D3100 and I prefer the D5100 as has more features so what ive decided is to wait to the D5200 is out!

Wise choice ?
 
You could be waiting a while unless you can find anywhere of a possible release date. Why wait for a new body cos you then might wait for the next one after that.
 
I wouldn't wait either. It will have the d3200 sensor in it no doubt and will be over £700.
 
I was thing d5100 too. D5200 wouldn't be out for a while d5100 is only a year old Nikon upgrade every 2 years if you are ready to wait for a year then it's ok.
 
ok not sure what Nikon is up to throught there would be some dslrs in IAM PHOTOKINA or even d7100 nothing of such
 
Its strange that Nikon have now made all D5100 non purchasable to retailers (insider info) and the fact sites like Amazon and Jessops have all slashed there prices? Seems they want to get it out before Christmas?

So Im stuck the D5100 or save up more for something else? Whats the better buy ?
 
You do realize that to mirror what the P510 offer in-terms of its zoom, the lens(es) for an DSLR will cost you major $$$. A sigma 150-500mm is £700-800 on its own.

You mentioned longer exposures, what other reasons do you want to change from a bridge to DSLR?

Perhaps there's other solutions to your problems

That being said, don't dismiss the used market, you'll get more camera for you $$ especially with a budget of £600 for a camera and lens(es).
 
I do understand that yeah as the P510 can go to 1000mm and I wont be able to afford straight away that type of lens so I will keep my P510.

The main reasons really are that I wish to better my skills and come to a standard where I can charge for photography and make a living from it. I bought the P510 to see if I enjoyed photography which I do. I have such a passion for it that if I buy a DSLR I can improve and achieve a personal goal of taking high standard photography.

I personal feel the P510 is holding me back as it has limited features.
 
get d300 or d90 from ebay and be happy with the change. Like you said, you won't make the best use of the new bells and whistles, and while they are a couple year old they will blow any bridge out of the water, just like my 7-year old 1Ds2 slaughters just about every APS-C ever released
 
I'm not a big fan of buy second hand electronics ?

I think I will have a budget of £600 for body then spend up £400 on lenses and a nice bag. Theres a lot on ebay
 
LiamAndrews said:
The main reasons really are that I wish to better my skills and come to a standard where I can charge for photography and make a living from it.
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Then I would look at used equipment because you get more for your budget.

As for making a living out of photography, it depends what niche of photography you want to go into, but to make a living ain't going to be easy especially in the current climate with everyone under the sun owning a digital camera, the vast amounts of free images available, and the different angles you need to get accredited for certain niches, example motorsports, more photojournalism, than just photography. Most only use photography as a sideline, rather than making a living from photography nowadays, however like in life you don't know what's around the corner, right place right time and doors open, I hope you progress along the path that you create for yourself.
 
LiamAndrews said:
Yeah we have one in our local town center ill pop in take a look :)
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You'll pick something up in a higher spec that way. As you feel your running out of features on your current camera upgrading to a beginner DSLR might not help you at all. As I said above, I've had my camera from ebay for 18 months, and never had a problem.
 
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