I'm looking for my first DSLR with interchangeable lenses (using a Canon G12 now). A Friend pointed this camera out to me. Is this a good 1st camera?
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Here's a comment by Jack Graham some of you may be interested in now in Iceland. He indicates "no noise at ISO of 3200! https://www.facebook.com/jack.graham.7315
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Technically it has incredible Image Quality, so not just a good 1st, it's a keeper. It is more a question of preferences: If you like menus to control your camera, there are many others you could look at, however if you prefer dedicated dials like on film cameras for shutter speed, aperture and focus, it is Leica or Fuji X... I started with a Nikon F2, it went with me to every corner of the world. When digital came about I couldn't warm up to menus, did have a G10 that was quite good, but now with the X-E2 I am truly enjoying photography again. Keep in mind, it is not about the technology, it is about what you do with it, which also means once you find a camera you really like you can stay with it for a very long time, it should become an extension of your eyesight...
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Firstly this isn't a DSLR, it's a mirrorless system camera. This is a very good camera that takes exceptional pictures. As a first interchangeable lens camera? A lot depends on how much you're willing to learn how to use the camera. There are no 'scene' modes like many cameras have, you can't turn it to 'sport' or 'night' or 'fireworks' the controls while modern are also very reminiscent of old film cameras. Sure You can plunk this down into Auto mode and get some really nice pictures but if that's ALL you're going to do then buying an expensive camera with amazing manual control ability is a bit of overkill.If you're really interested in photography? Then yes, get this camera. Firstly this isn't a DSLR, it's a mirrorless system camera. This is a very good camera that takes exceptional pictures. As a first interchangeable lens camera? A lot depends on how much you're willing to learn how to use the camera. There are no 'scene' modes like many cameras have, you can't turn it to 'sport' or 'night' or 'fireworks' the controls while modern are also very reminiscent of old film cameras. Sure You can plunk this down into Auto mode and get some really nice pictures but if that's ALL you're going to do then buying an expensive camera with amazing manual... » Read More Firstly this isn't a DSLR, it's a mirrorless system camera. This is a very good camera that takes exceptional pictures. As a first interchangeable lens camera? A lot depends on how much you're willing to learn how to use the camera. There are no 'scene' modes like many cameras have, you can't turn it to 'sport' or 'night' or 'fireworks' the controls while modern are also very reminiscent of old film cameras. Sure You can plunk this down into Auto mode and get some really nice pictures but if that's ALL you're going to do then buying an expensive camera with amazing manual control ability is a bit of overkill.If you're really interested in photography? Then yes, get this camera. « Show Less
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Yes it is. And you will grow into it as you get better one of the best cams on the market today
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Yes! 100% I would recommend this camera for still picture ,bad side lenses are little expensive .
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It's a great starter camera. I bought it for my wife as she had dabbled in photography in the past and wanteed to get back into it. Has been a good camera for us as a hobby and for taking family, senior, wedding portraits, etc.
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Yes I bought mine brand new years ago. I did not expect it to be a very good camera as I paid a heck of a lot for it. But I did get to lens with it one close the other far. It is totally computerized but you can do your own shooting if you wish. Here is what I can say about the camera. You would think only 14.2 mp wouldn't give you a perfect picture? Well let me tell you the pictures it gives are way to perfect and I will say I'd like to see you shoot a bad picture! As you won't. I'd buy it and have the best fun you ever have experienced!
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I have the Olympus E510 kit, so i'm biased. But I love my camera. It has all the features you could want in a DSLR, amatuer or pro. However, I don't think you can go wrong with the Canon or Nikon either. They all take great pictures, so it really boils down to ergonomics and personal preferences. I chose the Olympus.
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Yes it is very user friendly even for a beginner. I haven't had any problems with this camera. The manual is ready to understand and got should play with it to see all the different settings that it can do.
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Dragoneer makes some really good points, particularly about go slow an buy quality. Master one lens before getting another. Personally, I think this is the best lens to start with due to its quality and versatility. Once you have a taken a lot of shots, you can determine from how you shoot what the next lens should be (if you even need another). If you find yourself in a lot situations where you wish the could go wider, get a 10-24mm zoom; if you find you're cropping a lot of shots when zoomed all the way in, get the 70-300 (if you have the 18-140, don't get anything that only goes to 200 unless you want to drop some $$ on something faster). This a lens you can keep on your camera and be ready for almost anything. With a wide zoom, mid prime and telephoto zoom, you'll have the ranges covered, but will likely be changing lens a lot. If you want another lens for a DX format camera - the 35mm 1.8 is fantastic and an extreme bargain - super-sharp, great for low-light and terrific for experimenting with shallow depth of field. If I could only keep 2 of my lenses, it would be this one and the 35mm.
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I would agree that for that kind of photography a DSLR would be best but this is still very good. The zoom is great (400mm equivalent) but still longer lenses can be had with a DSLR. One more thing that you should take into consideration is that the shutter lag on this camera is very long (maybe a half a second or more), This could be problematic for shooting moving subjects. But for the money this is an all round great camera.
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Hi Allison, I think this is a very good DSLR camera, and also the smallest. I love Olympus cameras since they have one of the best algorithms to process light into pixels, thus ensuring excellent picture quality.Regards,Andras Heimann
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This is a solid camera, but it really does depend on your cost/size/use constraints. You may be better off getting an entry level SLR, but I use this camera for hiking and it is easy to have on hand because of it's weight/size, so I carry it nearly everywhere. After all, the best camera is the one you have with you... If you aren't carrying one, it won't do you any good.
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I got the G2 a month ago. It's a fun camera and I'm glad I chose it. I like it's small size, light weight, the bright EVF, the articulating LCD, and the touch screen. I wish it had In Body Image Stabilization so it would be steady when I use my old Nikon lenses, with an adapter, that don't have it. Also the kit lens has a plastic mount that isn't durable. Panasonic makes a few 4/3rds mount lenses but Olympus and Sigma make a lot more. The Panasonic G2 has a micro 4/3rds mount that is smaller than the 4/3rds mount. There are adapters to use 4/3rds lenses on M4/3rds cameras but not the other way around. So if you get the G2 you can use your Panasonic lens on it with an adapter. There are also M4/3rds adapters for lenses made by most manufacturers, but in manual focus. Here is a link for a list of all lenses that comply with the 4/3rds standard, meant for Panasonic M4/3rds cameras. http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/connect/g1.html
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i have the d3100 and i love it. since you're a beginner on a budget save the $ and get the cheaper d3100, and stay with the kit lens it comes with. the d3100 can take wonderful photos, and handles very well. the kit lens is a good lens, great for beginners. once you're more advanced with your skills, and you've learned some of the manual modes on the camera, then i'd recommend either the nikon 50mm 1.8g or 35mm 1.8g. one thing you might want to consider adding when you get the camera, is a telephoto lens for reach/zoom. the nikon 55-200mm af-s or 55-300mm af-s are great lenses and will give you more reach, so you can be farther away and get in close to your subjects. just something to think about. oh, another reason i like the d3100 over the d5100 for beginners, it's got a guide mode to teach you how to use the camera. very useful! good luck, let us know what you end up getting.
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Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens?~ Dan Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6... » Read More Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens?~ Dan « Show Less
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Hi. I think that if you are looking for a point and shot like that, it is better to buy a DSLR entry level and consider buying a lens zoom, at the same time or when you can. You will appreciate my advice.
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Thanks for the info on a potential new Canon with autofocus, DigitalHecht. I'll hold off as well to see what comes available. No rush, although I intend to purchase my first SLR in the next few months. The video autofocus is a must for me.
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I would have considered it a starter camera possibly 2-3 years ago..but now since the firmware is at it's highest revision the camera is limited to older SD cards up to 4GB, no further. Those are becoming harder to find. I have gone from a D50 to D80 to a D7000 currently. The D80 or D90 would be good choices to learn on. I hope this helps!!
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The Canon G12 is a nice camera but it appears it will be allowed to fade away (prices remain high, easily available, no one buying). I've noticed many cameras (including Nikons) have reduced build quality --- even the Elph 310 vs. the Elph 300. So, don't wait for the G13 or G1a. Get this or the Fuji (I also like the viewfinder). (The Fuji is better built, costs more, and is made by a company with no customer service.) The G12 has been replaced by the SX40 --- so say even Nikon techs. Want a 5x lens (with great video thrown in) and a non on the mantle camera --- get the Elph 300 (in black) for $149. (Just live without the viewfinder and have a beer first.) :-) The Canon G12 is a nice camera but it appears it will be allowed to fade away (prices remain high, easily available, no one buying). I've noticed many cameras (including Nikons) have reduced build quality --- even the Elph 310 vs. the Elph 300. So, don't wait for the G13 or G1a. Get this or the Fuji (I also like the viewfinder). (The Fuji is better built, costs more, and is made by a company with no customer service.) The G12 has been replaced by the SX40 --- so say even Nikon techs. Want a 5x lens (with great video thrown in) and a non on the mantle camera --- get the Elph 300... » Read More The Canon G12 is a nice camera but it appears it will be allowed to fade away (prices remain high, easily available, no one buying). I've noticed many cameras (including Nikons) have reduced build quality --- even the Elph 310 vs. the Elph 300. So, don't wait for the G13 or G1a. Get this or the Fuji (I also like the viewfinder). (The Fuji is better built, costs more, and is made by a company with no customer service.) The G12 has been replaced by the SX40 --- so say even Nikon techs. Want a 5x lens (with great video thrown in) and a non on the mantle camera --- get the Elph 300 (in black) for $149. (Just live without the viewfinder and have a beer first.) :-) « Show Less
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I'm not sure because this is my first canon. I typically am a Nikon customer. So far I am extremely happy with this camera. It photographs very well in low light situations which is what I wanted it for so I'm guessing the well lit pictures will also be excellent.