Slapo
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Help write this Tutorial : Choosing and Buying your first DSLR
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That is good stuff Slapo! It looks like a tutorial in it's own right about camera types and advantages of each. Something that would be good to link to from this one but maybe too much to include?
If you (or anyone else) feels like having a go at making a tutorial on a subject start a thread (somewhere like TP) and report the first post and we will move it in here to tutorials for you to develop (only needed whilst this section is locked).
edit. thinking about it... a separate tutorial like that would be better to link to than having all my explanations of differences included as it is all a bit off topic even though important to know. If you are up for it I'll remove my text and have a link to your new tutorial
If you (or anyone else) feels like having a go at making a tutorial on a subject start a thread (somewhere like TP) and report the first post and we will move it in here to tutorials for you to develop (only needed whilst this section is locked).
edit. thinking about it... a separate tutorial like that would be better to link to than having all my explanations of differences included as it is all a bit off topic even though important to know. If you are up for it I'll remove my text and have a link to your new tutorial
Slapo
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I have some more thoughts:
When you're trying out an SLR, make sure you're holding it correctly. Otherwise trying it might be pointless if you want to know how it feels in your hands.
Link to a tutorial:
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-hold-a-digital-camera/
Google's list.
When you're trying out an SLR, make sure you're holding it correctly. Otherwise trying it might be pointless if you want to know how it feels in your hands.
Link to a tutorial:
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-hold-a-digital-camera/
Google's list.
Slapo
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Mount notes:
Nikon has the F mount (Fuji uses it at least in S3 and S5 Pro),
Minolta and Sony Alphas seem to have the Minolta AF mount - see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minolta_AF
Pentax has the K mount
A more extensive list can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens_mount
Nikon has the F mount (Fuji uses it at least in S3 and S5 Pro),
Minolta and Sony Alphas seem to have the Minolta AF mount - see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minolta_AF
Pentax has the K mount
A more extensive list can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens_mount
Slapo
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Lenses recommended for starters:
Either a big zoom lens, preferably in the 18-250 range
or
a couple of smaller zooms to cover a similar range, e. g. a basic zoom and a shorter telephoto zoom. Landscape lovers might appreciate wide zooms.
Basic zoom examples:
18-55
17-70
18-135
Short telephoto examples:
55-200/55-250
70-200
70-300
There's a greater variety of lenses and lens types, but those I have listed as examples tend to have a good price/performance ratio (that should be noted).
Do NOT rely on buying used equipment. You might find yourself buying it often, but maybe not at all. You either get no or only short warranty on most second hand products, which can be seen as a risk if you do not know the seller.
Other things to consider is image processing - sometimes you can compensate for your gear's imperfections using software (such as that listed in the thread in my sig), but one shouldn't rely on it too much.
Either a big zoom lens, preferably in the 18-250 range
or
a couple of smaller zooms to cover a similar range, e. g. a basic zoom and a shorter telephoto zoom. Landscape lovers might appreciate wide zooms.
Basic zoom examples:
18-55
17-70
18-135
Short telephoto examples:
55-200/55-250
70-200
70-300
There's a greater variety of lenses and lens types, but those I have listed as examples tend to have a good price/performance ratio (that should be noted).
Do NOT rely on buying used equipment. You might find yourself buying it often, but maybe not at all. You either get no or only short warranty on most second hand products, which can be seen as a risk if you do not know the seller.
Other things to consider is image processing - sometimes you can compensate for your gear's imperfections using software (such as that listed in the thread in my sig), but one shouldn't rely on it too much.
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Nikon
Nikon SLRs use the venerable F-mount which means that all Nikkor (Nikon use a different brand name for their lenses) lenses manufactured after 1979 will fit any Nikon SLR or DSLR. This measn there is a huge range of new and second-hand lenses available. However, certain older lenses (pre-AI) will not meter on any camera, and AIS lenses will only meter on a pro body (D200 or higher)
Certain cameras (D40, D40x and D60) lack built-in autofocus motors and as such will only focus with lenses that have a focus motor built into the lens. These are designated AF-S. Sigma, Tokina and Tamron also make a number of F-mount lenses, but only Sigma lenses with HSM designation will focus on these particular cameras.
Lenses with a DX designation will only fit DSLRs with a DX sensor. At the time of writing this included all current DSLRs with the exception of the D3 and the D700.
Fuji
Fuji cameras also use the same lens mount as Nikon cameras. Therefore the provisions stated above also apply to Fuji DSLRs.
Olympus
Olympus cameras use the Four-Thirds mount which was co-developed with Kodak. Olypmus, Panasonic and Sigma produce lenses for this format. The Four-Thirds format differs from other DSLR formats by virtue of a smaller sensor. See here for a list of compatible lenses.
Older OM lenses will fit Olympus DSLRs using a specific adaptor with certain limitations.
Pentax
Pentax DSLRs use the K-mount, which like the Nikon F-mount has been a standard mount for many years. Third party manufacturers such as Sigma, Tokina and Tamron also produce lenses in K-mount.
Samsung
Pentax and Samsung entered into a joint venture to design and manufacture cameras and lenses. A number of cameras and lenses are available with either Pentax or Samsung branding, with minor design or specification differences.
Sigma
As well as producing lenses for other manufacturers Sigma also produce them for it's own mount. No other manufacturers produce lenses in Sigma mount. Sigma make a small number of DSLRs including the SD14.
Sony
Sony took over the imaging business of Konica Minolta several years ago. As part of this they took over the old KM mount and remaned it Alpha. Therefore all KM lenses will fit a Sony DSLR, along with all Sony-branded lenses. A limited number of third party lenses are available in this mount.
Nikon SLRs use the venerable F-mount which means that all Nikkor (Nikon use a different brand name for their lenses) lenses manufactured after 1979 will fit any Nikon SLR or DSLR. This measn there is a huge range of new and second-hand lenses available. However, certain older lenses (pre-AI) will not meter on any camera, and AIS lenses will only meter on a pro body (D200 or higher)
Certain cameras (D40, D40x and D60) lack built-in autofocus motors and as such will only focus with lenses that have a focus motor built into the lens. These are designated AF-S. Sigma, Tokina and Tamron also make a number of F-mount lenses, but only Sigma lenses with HSM designation will focus on these particular cameras.
Lenses with a DX designation will only fit DSLRs with a DX sensor. At the time of writing this included all current DSLRs with the exception of the D3 and the D700.
Fuji
Fuji cameras also use the same lens mount as Nikon cameras. Therefore the provisions stated above also apply to Fuji DSLRs.
Olympus
Olympus cameras use the Four-Thirds mount which was co-developed with Kodak. Olypmus, Panasonic and Sigma produce lenses for this format. The Four-Thirds format differs from other DSLR formats by virtue of a smaller sensor. See here for a list of compatible lenses.
Older OM lenses will fit Olympus DSLRs using a specific adaptor with certain limitations.
Pentax
Pentax DSLRs use the K-mount, which like the Nikon F-mount has been a standard mount for many years. Third party manufacturers such as Sigma, Tokina and Tamron also produce lenses in K-mount.
Samsung
Pentax and Samsung entered into a joint venture to design and manufacture cameras and lenses. A number of cameras and lenses are available with either Pentax or Samsung branding, with minor design or specification differences.
Sigma
As well as producing lenses for other manufacturers Sigma also produce them for it's own mount. No other manufacturers produce lenses in Sigma mount. Sigma make a small number of DSLRs including the SD14.
Sony
Sony took over the imaging business of Konica Minolta several years ago. As part of this they took over the old KM mount and remaned it Alpha. Therefore all KM lenses will fit a Sony DSLR, along with all Sony-branded lenses. A limited number of third party lenses are available in this mount.
Slapo
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It could be worth mentioning that the 3rd party lens manufacturers who are used most are Sigma, Tamron and Tokina, with the others not having such a broad coverage of the main DSLR brands and mounts.
They're known for often offering a somewhat better price/performance ratio than comparable camera's brand's lenses.
Tamron lenses are also known for being fairly light and sharp at the cost of a bit more purple fringing.
They're known for often offering a somewhat better price/performance ratio than comparable camera's brand's lenses.
Tamron lenses are also known for being fairly light and sharp at the cost of a bit more purple fringing.
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I'd change that to read As well as producing lenses to fit other manufacturers cameras Sigma...
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My (currently) didn't last long then 
Not been looking at new specs.
Have you read through the rest of the tutorial? anything else?
I'll do some more to it tomorrow. Waiting on someone that has promised me a bit more content before I can attempt to finish it.
Not been looking at new specs.
Have you read through the rest of the tutorial? anything else?
I'll do some more to it tomorrow. Waiting on someone that has promised me a bit more content before I can attempt to finish it.
foodpoison
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Have been asked to contribute considering I work in a camera retailer, not really sure what to write so I'll just throw a bit of verbal diarrhea out
When someone comes in to buy a digital SLR, we (the collaborative retailer, rather than myself) can usually tell straight off if someone:
a) doesn't have a clue
b) has done their research, but still doesn't have a clue
c) knows what they want, and what to do with everything
For the a's and b's, we usually ask a price range. We do try and milk them for their money, so say for example you have a £300 price range, we'd see if we could sell you a £400 camera.
Usually people like the sound of Nikon and Canon, simply because you'd rather buy something you've heard of rather than something you haven't. That isn't to say Pentax, Olympus and Sony are rubbish cameras. Far from it.
Now, when we sell a camera, we don't get commission. I don't know how it is for other companies. What we DO get is incentives- for example, if we sell a particular camera one week, we'll get a bit of a bonus in our payslip.
This month we've been told to sell the D700. Anyone seriously looking at the D700 wouldn't spend the extra £100 to buy it instore, so we haven't sold any at all.
Now, going into a camera shop to look at cameras. Have an open mind, but generally, don't listen too much to the sales advisor. 50% of us know what they're talking about, 25% own a camera, 10% are passionate and knowledgeable about photography. You never know who you're going to get, so don't listen too intently to the drivel they come out with.
Hold the camera, try out the focusing, settings, menu system. If you want to be shown a feature on the camera, ask the advisor.
Now, if they're a good salesperson, they'll try and sell you extras - filters, cards, bags, tripods, lenses, flashguns, batteries, warranties, battery grips, ttl leads, lens clothes, you name it, they'll try and sell it.
Out of ALL of those items, the only thing you'll need is a card. If you buy your camera in-store, and just can't wait to use it, buy a card with it. If not, buy a card online. It's literally a third of the price.
I would recommend getting a case as well. But that's all you need. Find out what you want to use the camera for, and upgrade from there.
As far as the retailer goes, depending on the salesperson depends entirely on what you'll walk out with, if you literally have no idea what you want.
I am a Canon man, and I love the canon cameras. I know them inside out, I know the kit lineup, I know what you need, what they do well, what they don't do as well, what the competition is. I know a fair bit. And that is really evident in my sales.
As far as everyone else goes, I don't know.
One bit of advice I can give you. Try before you buy. If you intend on buying the camera, and the sales adviser gave you a good service and was friendly, consider spending the £30 extra buying it from the store. Perhaps that £30 was worth it so you didn't blindly buy the camera.
Don't really know what else to write. If I'm asked something, I'll stick it in here.
When someone comes in to buy a digital SLR, we (the collaborative retailer, rather than myself) can usually tell straight off if someone:
a) doesn't have a clue
b) has done their research, but still doesn't have a clue
c) knows what they want, and what to do with everything
For the a's and b's, we usually ask a price range. We do try and milk them for their money, so say for example you have a £300 price range, we'd see if we could sell you a £400 camera.
Usually people like the sound of Nikon and Canon, simply because you'd rather buy something you've heard of rather than something you haven't. That isn't to say Pentax, Olympus and Sony are rubbish cameras. Far from it.
Now, when we sell a camera, we don't get commission. I don't know how it is for other companies. What we DO get is incentives- for example, if we sell a particular camera one week, we'll get a bit of a bonus in our payslip.
This month we've been told to sell the D700. Anyone seriously looking at the D700 wouldn't spend the extra £100 to buy it instore, so we haven't sold any at all.
Now, going into a camera shop to look at cameras. Have an open mind, but generally, don't listen too much to the sales advisor. 50% of us know what they're talking about, 25% own a camera, 10% are passionate and knowledgeable about photography. You never know who you're going to get, so don't listen too intently to the drivel they come out with.
Hold the camera, try out the focusing, settings, menu system. If you want to be shown a feature on the camera, ask the advisor.
Now, if they're a good salesperson, they'll try and sell you extras - filters, cards, bags, tripods, lenses, flashguns, batteries, warranties, battery grips, ttl leads, lens clothes, you name it, they'll try and sell it.
Out of ALL of those items, the only thing you'll need is a card. If you buy your camera in-store, and just can't wait to use it, buy a card with it. If not, buy a card online. It's literally a third of the price.
I would recommend getting a case as well. But that's all you need. Find out what you want to use the camera for, and upgrade from there.
As far as the retailer goes, depending on the salesperson depends entirely on what you'll walk out with, if you literally have no idea what you want.
I am a Canon man, and I love the canon cameras. I know them inside out, I know the kit lineup, I know what you need, what they do well, what they don't do as well, what the competition is. I know a fair bit. And that is really evident in my sales.
As far as everyone else goes, I don't know.
One bit of advice I can give you. Try before you buy. If you intend on buying the camera, and the sales adviser gave you a good service and was friendly, consider spending the £30 extra buying it from the store. Perhaps that £30 was worth it so you didn't blindly buy the camera.
Don't really know what else to write. If I'm asked something, I'll stick it in here.
photon
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Not true, though the Macro mode may only be a tailored image tone.
photon
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Tightening up the nomenclature, Pentax and Samsung use the Pentax KAF lens mount. Manual focus PKA lenses are fully compatible but the older K-mount lenses require stop-down metering. This only requires the press of a button, but is a factor to be aware of both when snapping and snapping up secondhand lenses. The same applies to M42 screw mount lenses, which also require a K-mount adapter. There can be compatibility problems with Ricoh lenses for program cameras (similar to the KA mount, with electrical contacts), causing the lens to jam on the camera body.
Snap_Happy
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I may have missed it, but don't some manufacturers [Pentax] do in-built image stabilisation in their latest models?
A friend was on about this, when I was chatting about lenses, and I have to admit that it did cross my mind that getting a camera with in-built IS is a good way of saving a FORTUNE on lenses IF IT IS AS GOOD, but I know of no-one who has it, so that's outside my area I'm afraid.
Other comment is that is it worth a brief mention of kit-lenses? - many of them come with some form of kit lens, but there is usually a body-only option as well. Clearly opinion is divided, but a brief mention of the options might be worthwhile, as well as considering [as I sort of wish I had] the ignoring of the kit-lens to get a slightly nicer, and more wide-ranging, zoom lens.
A friend was on about this, when I was chatting about lenses, and I have to admit that it did cross my mind that getting a camera with in-built IS is a good way of saving a FORTUNE on lenses IF IT IS AS GOOD, but I know of no-one who has it, so that's outside my area I'm afraid.
Other comment is that is it worth a brief mention of kit-lenses? - many of them come with some form of kit lens, but there is usually a body-only option as well. Clearly opinion is divided, but a brief mention of the options might be worthwhile, as well as considering [as I sort of wish I had] the ignoring of the kit-lens to get a slightly nicer, and more wide-ranging, zoom lens.
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It is a lot to read but all those general points are covered....
I don't want to mention any specific models like 1000D or D40x etc as the info will go out of date quickly and also don't want to make recommendations for any type as a lot depends on personal preferences.
I don't want to mention any specific models like 1000D or D40x etc as the info will go out of date quickly and also don't want to make recommendations for any type as a lot depends on personal preferences.
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Thread posted so closing this one.
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