Bridging Camera, Moving On

AlfyB

AlfyB

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Ian
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Hi Everyone, my first TP post.

I've been using a Panasonic FZ30 for around 6 months to learn the photography basics. I think I've just about got to grips with the absolute basics and I'm now thinking about progressing to my first dslr. It's fairly early in my research but thought people might be able to give me some points on a couple of issues:

1. Manufacturer Snobbery: I initially went down the Canon/Nikon is the only way route and came to the conclusion that there doesn't seem to be a technical reason to choose either. Getting passed this line though seems to just make coming to a decision even harder with a further 3/4 manufactures to consider. I don't have one specific subject I prefer to take although do tend towards landscapes and low light pictures, I have no existing kit pushing me in any direction and I'm happy to consider second hand equipment. Any suggestions on things to focus on when trying to make a choice?

2) Whilst comparing Canon/Nikon, I tried holding cameras from both manufactures and preferred the feel of Nikons. If the bank manager would allow me, the D7000 sounds great but the D90 is more realistic for my price range. Would either of these be to big a step coming from my FZ30?

It would be great to hear other peoples opinions.
 
hardest thing i have found coming rom an fz28 panasonic to the samsung dslr is the lack of zoom...but i like taking long range pictures..
 
When choosing a DSLR a major thing to consider is the future purchases of lenses, both their cost and availability. Either a Canon or a Nikon would open a better availability of secondhand gear more than a minor manufacturer. On the lens cost front generally Canon is slightly cheaper. I can't comment on Nikons but if you feel comfortable handling one in preference to Canon, then that is the one to go for, either manufacturer produces good kit.
 
AlfyB said:
If the bank manager would allow me, the D7000 sounds great but the D90 is more realistic for my price range. Would either of these be to big a step coming from my FZ30?

It would be great to hear other peoples opinions.
Click to expand...

Hi Alfy. I took a similar route.

I bought my Pany FZ28 (which I still have) in Feb 2009 and began to learn about ISO, aperture and shutter relationships, white balance and composition ...oh and enjoyment etc...

I'd had my eye on the Canon 7D for months & months and finally went out and bought it just over a week ago. Frankly I see no reason why you shouldn't go with your D90 or D7000 choices.

While I've been making plenty of mistakes and hopefully learning from others on various forums (for eg, the 7D's autofocus options- the good and not so good ones) photography still comes down to skill of the the person and the machinery is secondary, so it sounds like you should go for it and enjoy yourself.

Read up about your models (check) try them out in the shop (check) and then buy one :)
 
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Just thought I'd give an update.

So I finally got a D7000 a couple of weeks ago with 50mm 1.8, 70-300mm VR and an 18-55mm VR lenses and loving it all. The 50mm is certainly an experience and an eye opener :)

Other than the 18-55mm, I got the other kit from Jessops. It wasn't the absolute cheapest that I could have got online but they did do some discount and seemed a reasonable price.

Some of the pictures I've taken already feel a little better but still got lots of things to learn :)

Don't plan to spend any more money for a while for sure!
 
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