Do I buy a new camera or a better lens?

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jamieb193

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Hi,

So I lost my interest with photography for a while, and I can't seem to take a picture with my camera anymore. I'm never happy with my shots and it's pushing me further away. I'm not using professional equipment as I have a limited budget, but I'm not using severely outdated equipment either.

I'm using a Nikon D5200 with a Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM. I also have a standard Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II kit lens that I never use.

Basically I'm on a tight budget. In order to buy a new camera, I'd have to sell my current one and save to put towards a new one. My other option is to switch my lenses out for new ones.

Which camera would be most beneficial to me on a budget?
OR
Which lenses would be the most beneficial to me on a budget?

I like to shoot portraits, animals and landscapes.

Thank you in advance.
 
To be honest, your kit is very capable and I don't think spending money on kit is likely to help you very much (you'll need to spend a lot of money to drastically change your output). What is it you don't like about your current photos / kit?
 
Do you edit your photos ? A few tweaks in lightroom ( or alternative ) can make a world of difference.
 
The only thing I can suggest is to get a 1.8 aperture prime lens instead of zoom. Like the 35mm 1.8 g dx lens

Changing the camera wont do anything much at all to image quality because the sensor in that camera is very similar to the modern equivalent.

Also as the above post you could try lightroom or similar if you don't have it already to make changes to the images
 
The one thing I have learnt more than everything with photography is to practice. There is is much more to do than just pressing the shutter button. If your not using the camera consistently it will be harder to get much better. Have you considered that perhaps instead of investing in new equipment you might be better investing in yourself instead. Perhaps look for a few courses in your area that might help to improve your technique and spark your interest again. If you are set to change equipment maybe a couple of primes might help. Quality wise they are generally better than zooms but also the challenge of shooting with a fixed focal length can be quite rewarding in itself.
 
You need inspiration not more or different kit. You don't sound like you're at or anywhere near the point where your kit is holding you back.

Look at books, read blogs, watch videos on YouTube, whatever interests you.
 
I think I might try a prime. Either 35 or 50mm. I've never used a prime lens before so it'd be different. Learning to zoom with the feet rather than the zoom ring.

I'll also try tooling on YouTube. That's what got me started in the first place. Watching videos from Jared Polin and DigitalRev.

Thanks
 
In what way are you never happy with the results,are you shooting raw in which case it could be your PP,areyou shooting jpeg in which case it could be your in camera jpeg settings,Nikons leave the factory with very poor settings for jpeg you need to up the sharpening a fair bit and contrast/saturation a little as a startning point.
 
mikew said:
In what way are you never happy with the results,are you shooting raw in which case it could be your PP,areyou shooting jpeg in which case it could be your in camera jpeg settings,Nikons leave the factory with very poor settings for jpeg you need to up the sharpening a fair bit and contrast/saturation a little as a startning point.
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I normally shoot in RAW, but my pictures don't usually leave the camera because I don't see much in them looking back on the display. Mostly pictures that aren't captured in direct sunlight. Always too much noise or the colour is too warm. I'm not too familiar with custom white balance so that could be one of my issues
 
Hi, I had a period like that. DK do a good photography course book, gives you things to practice week by week. £10 on Prime ISBN-10 0241186099 I found it helpful..... cheaper than a new lens or body!
 
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You really need to go back to basics and learn what various settings do.
Noise is caused by high ISO, if shooting landscape or portrait this shouldn't be a problem, just lover the shutter speed,
aperture etc.
Are using the program modes on the camera i.e Landscape, night, portrait etc or setting it up yourself
Do you have a local camera club, they can be very helpful, or keep an eye out for TP meets in your area, members
are very helpful
 
Hi Jamie before buying more kit I'd agree with the above, practise practise and more practise. Loads of online tutorials, If you're into Landscape have a look at Mike Browne, if its wildlife have a look at Steve Perry.(y)
 
Why not post some shots with exif data it will help to see what you are doing
 
I can only echo what has already been said about buying new kit, and that is don’t. The only thing I would invest in maybe is a little training. Also stop reviewing images on your camera, it is difficult to tell how good an image is on a 3” lcd, get them onto your computer and into Lightroom or similar. If you are shooting Raw then they will look flat and lifeless to start with, but have a play with the sliders, it’s amazing what can be done in PP.

Another exercise to do is to start critiquing photos (and not just yours), not from a technical stand point, but from a “what do I like about it”. I think all photographers go through this at some stage, I know I did, what I did was spent an hour trawling through Flickr and made a gallery of all the images I liked. I then made a list of what I liked about them, I then compared them to what I had taken and discovered that the reason I didn’t like mine was that I was taking photos of a genre that didn’t interest me!! I then stopped trying to take landscapes and focused on what I enjoy looking at.

Also post your photos up here for critique, although it is a little quieter than what it used to be, you can still pic up some good tips, dependant on which section you are in.
 
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jamieb193 said:
I think I might try a prime. Either 35 or 50mm. I've never used a prime lens before so it'd be different. Learning to zoom with the feet rather than the zoom ring.

I'll also try tooling on YouTube. That's what got me started in the first place. Watching videos from Jared Polin and DigitalRev.

Thanks
Click to expand...

About zooming with your feet... This is often said but be aware that when you move closer to the subject (or when the subject moves closer to you) the perspective changes and this can obviously have a major effect on your picture. And of course there are times when you simply can not alter the camera to subject distance.

I mostly use primes myself but they are limiting in many ways and please do realise and keep in mind that zooms can be wonderful things especially if you use a zoom as if it's a prime by being at the distance to give you the perspective you want and then using the zoom to get the framing. Used like this a zoom is a whole bag full of primes.

Go for primes by all means but please do so realising the advantages (often compact size, often improved image quality, sometimes a wider aperture) and also the disadvantages (no zoom, limited perspective and framing.)

If you go for a prime I'd suggest a wide aperture 16, 24 or 35mm none of which will get you a tight head shot but may prove interesting in other ways.
 
Suggest putting taking your pictures out of the camera and get them into something like Lightroom.

For me it's so hard to make a final judgement on images whilst still in the camera. Putting them into a larger space where they can be viewed more clearly and also have some adjustment tools available is always my preference. Another thing to consider, if you are shooting RAW/NEF, then the image you are looking at in camera is only the embedded thumbnail jpeg created by the camera to give you some idea of the image. It's not the final image or necessarily the best from that image.

What do you take pictures of? Why do you take them? If you have an interest in the subject, then that should help with your interest the photography part of it.

Good luck.
 
jamieb193 said:
I normally shoot in RAW, but my pictures don't usually leave the camera because I don't see much in them looking back on the display. Mostly pictures that aren't captured in direct sunlight. Always too much noise or the colour is too warm. I'm not too familiar with custom white balance so that could be one of my issues
Click to expand...

I think we could be seeing the basis of your problem,raw is just that, raw data that needs to be turned into an image,so many photographers will shout shoot raw its the only way,it may be the only way to get the best but it sounds like you just want to see an improvement at the moment.

Every thing in small steps learning as you go along, my suggestion is you set the incamera jpeg settings say +7 for sharpening and +1 or2 for contrast, then shoot raw,if you download this free Nikon program and down load into it you will get two things,first you will get your untouched raw file and a jpeg preview using the incamera jpeg settings you have set.
If you like the preview that means you have the incamera settings right if you dont like the result adjust the incamera settings and take some more shots,then when you open the file in Lightroom or what ever you will be opening the raw file so you can play with it and try to match the jpeg preview,
At this point if you get images you are happy with you can just use the preview jpeg.

http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/166/ViewNX_2.html
 
The mistake I think a lot of beginners make with zoom vs prime lenses (I count myself in this category too), is that you get your new DSLR and kit lens and start snapping away without taking to much care to learn about composition and checking the entire viewfinder for distractions that when the image comes out you're a little bit "meh" somebody then tells you to get a prime lens with fast aperture, you take a few shots with it wide open (because lets face it whats the point in having f1.8 and shooting at f8) which takes away the distractions by blurring it all with a lovely buttery soft bokeh. At which point you think you've made it, that is until you come to take a picture where you want the entire image in focus and then you're back to "meh" confirming in your mind that its the equipment. As I said, most people have probably been through this, I know I did starting out.

The best way to improve is to take your time with the shots, check the entire viewfinder, not just the subjects. Learn about general compositional rules and take LOTS of pictures to practice (its not like we lose anything by deleting them now, unlike the film days), this will help you to learn when it is appropriate to break the rules. A shot doesn't have to be technically perfect to be great
 
Strange you should say that @ChrisHeathcote , my mentor, who sold me my first film camera and lenses, said that the
most important part of a camera was the viewfinder (y)
He drummed into to always check for unwanted objects, like trees/post growing out of heads etc.
#With wildlife it's not as easy but I still try and get it right, just don't always succeed
 
I'm confused. You're saying you're being pushed away from your camera etc but are then asking if you should buy a new camera or lens? That makes no sense at all! Why spend money if you're not sure you want to do photography? Instead why don't you focus on what you have and find photography enjoyable again before spending anymore money? Just take photos, don't worry about social media, picture quality etc. Just worry about having a good time.

I've been through this kind of thing and bought cameras and lenses and it made it fun again for a little while i.e. a month of so and then I was back to the same spot. This changed when I hung up thinking about what the best camera gear was etc and just started taking pictures of things I enjoyed, like my dogs, with what equipment I had. I'm not back into the swing of things and enjoy it again. You going off of photography isn't because of the camera or lens, it's because of you and your thought process. Just let go with whatever photography pressures you feel and just do things and you'll feel a whole lot better. Then go buy a camera or lens.
 
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jamieb193 said:
Watching videos from Jared Polin
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jamieb193 said:
I normally shoot in RAW
Click to expand...

After reading the first, I am not surprised by the 2nd. I find that from an equipment review and information point I find that Jared is very engaging and do enjoy some of his videos, however as a photographer I don't rate him that highly. Dependant on what you want to photograph there are better photographers out there (there are also a lot on the forums that I would rate higher). For landscapes names like Charlie Waite, Adam Burton comes to mind.
 
Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm going to focus with the gear I have and try to find my love for photography again. I'll use your tips and I'll start to post pictures for critique to see where I can improve.

To the person who asked why I was buying new equipment if it's pushing me away, I was wondering if the investment would make me see a difference. I do love taking pictures. I love photography. I just become frustrated with myself when I can't get that shot.
 
jamieb193 said:
Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm going to focus with the gear I have and try to find my love for photography again. I'll use your tips and I'll start to post pictures for critique to see where I can improve.

To the person who asked why I was buying new equipment if it's pushing me away, I was wondering if the investment would make me see a difference. I do love taking pictures. I love photography. I just become frustrated with myself when I can't get that shot.
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Very few of us (if any) are totally happy with our shots. Being frustrated and self critical are key aspects of driving yourself forward towards improvement. If you're not getting 'that shot', ask yourself what it is about the shot you have that is different from what you were seeking. That should help to home in on the issue(s)..

Don't beat yourself up though, life's way too short for that.
 
jamieb193 said:
Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm going to focus with the gear I have and try to find my love for photography again. I'll use your tips and I'll start to post pictures for critique to see where I can improve.

To the person who asked why I was buying new equipment if it's pushing me away, I was wondering if the investment would make me see a difference. I do love taking pictures. I love photography. I just become frustrated with myself when I can't get that shot.
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I would sell your current lenses and get a Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 G DX for around £170 and keep your current camera. Stick the camera in Aperture priority mode and have fun with the shallow depth of field until you find yourself wanting to learn more, lots more! That's how I reignited my love for photography and now all I need to shoot my family and friends with is a semi-automatic. Whoops, Freudian slip. A Sony A6000 with a Sigma 35mm f/1.4.
 
jamieb193 said:
Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm going to focus with the gear I have and try to find my love for photography again. I'll use your tips and I'll start to post pictures for critique to see where I can improve.

To the person who asked why I was buying new equipment if it's pushing me away, I was wondering if the investment would make me see a difference. I do love taking pictures. I love photography. I just become frustrated with myself when I can't get that shot.
Click to expand...

That would be I haha. I'm exactly the same. I go out and can take up to 100 photos and see none that I like. I can sometimes do the same but think I like 1 or 2 and when they get onto the computer I hate them. It all seems like I've wasted my time but when I think about it I haven't really. I've been out and got some exercise and explored new places or seen new things at existing places. I've gained more knowledge about the area so I can go back and get the photo I want. It's a game of cat and mouse. If it helps then use the forums. Take the photos and if you aren't happy with them then post them asking for ways on how you could make them better. You'll get there and enjoy it more when you just enjoy yourself instead of worrying about getting the shot. Try new things and explore. Good luck!
 
jamieb193 said:
I normally shoot in RAW, but my pictures don't usually leave the camera because I don't see much in them looking back on the display. Mostly pictures that aren't captured in direct sunlight. Always too much noise or the colour is too warm. I'm not too familiar with custom white balance so that could be one of my issues
Click to expand...

mikew said:
I think we could be seeing the basis of your problem,raw is just that, raw data that needs to be turned into an image,so many photographers will shout shoot raw its the only way,it may be the only way to get the best but it sounds like you just want to see an improvement at the moment.

Click to expand...

Even if you shoot RAW, the image you see on the rear LCD so if you're only ever viewing on this you will never see the RAW.

As mentioned, go back to basics. If you don't understand white balance and noise/ISO then you still won't understand these even if you spend thousands on gear and as a results it's unlikely that your images will look any better. There's plenty of online sources to learn the basics, such as ISO, aperture and shutter speed (the exposure triangle), how they affect the image and how they influence the other exposure settings. Likewise with WB. There's a great book that explains all these in a nice easy to read format, Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

After this, learn what look it is that you're trying to achieve. For example if it's classic portrait type subject isolation then your current lenses will hold you back and you'd be better with a fast prime, such as a 50mm f1.8. If you're taking things like landscapes (or anything with large depth of field) then your current lenses should be more than up to the job.
 
Ste_S said:
Also remember that taking a photo is only half the process. The other half is in the edit.
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Really?
I thought it was 80% before hitting the shutter, 15% in camera 5% in post.

That presumes I’m not shooting with the aim of creating composites.
Surely photography is about capturing those dastardly photons?
 
Ste_S said:
Also remember that taking a photo is only half the process. The other half is in the edit.
Click to expand...

While editing does help, I do try to get it right as much as possible when taking the photo. Ideally I am looking to crop as little as possible and to get the exposure right. I do edit all pics but only with a brief crop/straighten, exposure, contrast, shadows and possibly saturation, NR, sharpness. Getting a 50mm or 35mm lens may help as it does make you think more about the shot.
 
Phil V said:
Really?
I thought it was 80% before hitting the shutter, 15% in camera 5% in post.

That presumes I’m not shooting with the aim of creating composites.
Surely photography is about capturing those dastardly photons?
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With the time some folk spend on editing you'd think it was 10% taking the photo 90% editing :eek: ;)
 
snerkler said:
With the time some folk spend on editing you'd think it was 10% taking the photo 90% editing :eek: ;)
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Although sometimes I do appreciate the heavy edit, especially when looking at some of the work in here.
 
jamieb193 said:
I think I might try a prime. Either 35 or 50mm. I've never used a prime lens before so it'd be different. Learning to zoom with the feet rather than the zoom ring.
Click to expand...


To emulate using a prime rather than your zoom, tape your zoom ring at 35 or 50mm and go out shooting using footzoom only. If/when you decide you like the experience, start looking for a 2nd hand zoom at your chosen focal length. Start saving at the same time - if you have any habits (ciggies, beer, coffee etc.) try cutting it/them down and sticking any money you save in a jar - it'll soon add up (and 2nd hand primes are relatively inexpensive, especially the f/1.8 versions.)
 
jamieb193 said:
I think I might try a prime. Either 35 or 50mm. I've never used a prime lens before so it'd be different. Learning to zoom with the feet rather than the zoom ring.

I'll also try tooling on YouTube. That's what got me started in the first place. Watching videos from Jared Polin and DigitalRev.

Thanks
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Just to reiterate, zooming with your feet is a tired cliche that’s at best inaccurate, and at worst nonsensical.

Try an experiment with your zoom. Frame a shot at the long end, take the shot, then zoom to the short end and walk closer until the subject is a similar size in the frame, the shot will be completely different to the first.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my Prime lenses, but the point of them is that I ‘know’ what to shoot at 35, 50, 85, 135, there might be a bit of overlap, but they’re for different things.
 
jamieb193 said:
Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm going to focus with the gear I have and try to find my love for photography again. I'll use your tips and I'll start to post pictures for critique to see where I can improve.

...
Click to expand...

You’ve learned where your gear will disappoint, no one has every single piece of gear they’d like, we all have to shoot to our strengths and within the limits of the gear we have. Dealing with limitations will drive some people to quit and others to get creative, which ones do you think make it to be decent photographers?

I really wish I was an awesome photographer, but I realise that what’s holding me back isn’t that I don’t have the greatest gear, it’s that I don’t practice enough, I’m sat here writing this [PLEASE DON'T TRY TO BYPASS THE SWEAR FILTER] when I really ought to be planning a shoot, experimenting with lights etc.
 
Phil V said:
Really?
I thought it was 80% before hitting the shutter, 15% in camera 5% in post.

That presumes I’m not shooting with the aim of creating composites.
Surely photography is about capturing those dastardly photons?
Click to expand...

Yeah. I like the Ansel Adams quote, something along the lines of "The negative is the score, the print is the performance". Substitute RAW and Edit for Digital.

Or for hybrid'ers like myself, The negative scan is the score, the edit is the performance
 
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Ste_S said:
Yeah. I like the Ansel Adams quote, something along the lines of "The negative is the score, the print is the performance". Substitute RAW and Edit for Digital.

Or for hybrid'ers like myself, The negative scan is the score, the edit is the performance
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A performance can only make the best of the score, or can f*** it up completely.

It can takes years of graft to perfect a score, but only minutes to perform it.

To add context to your rather poorly thought through example ;)

I do appreciate that putting effort into processing can reap rewards, I don’t think it’s a good idea to advise noobs that any old s*** can be turned into a work of art with a little care sat at a computer.
 
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Phil V said:
A performance can only make the best of the score, or can f*** it up completely.

It can takes years of graft to perfect a score, but only minutes to perform it.

To add context to your rather poorly thought through example ;)

I do appreciate that putting effort into processing can reap rewards, I don’t think it’s a good idea to advise noobs that any old s*** can be turned into a work of art with a little care sat at a computer.
Click to expand...

Something that I didn't say, anywhere.
 
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