Which DSLR Camera Should I Buy?

Question

Hello I'm 12 years old an I'm an armature photographer. Right now I'm using an $80 camera but both me an my parents agree I need a better camera. I'm thinking of a Nikon D200. Is this a good camera? Or is there a better one out there? Price is not an issue. If you would like to see my picture go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/59168095@N00/

Answer 1

Those are great pictures the only problem I do have with your pictures is that it does have too much staturation of yellow in your rock and cliff pictures, it kinda makes my eye hurt and some of your pictures dont have good contrast with the bright and dark areas. Just keep those in mind. Great composure of shots with the rocks.

Just wondering. The D200 is almost a prosumer model or I would even say it is. So its going to be EXTREMELY expensive for just the body. The D200 is a really nice camera, too nice for me however. I am a photo/movie entuthist. I live breath and eat anything that had film in it. But yet over $1000 for just the camera itself was a little too much for me.

Since this is your first SLR, I would recommond the Canon XTi, Nikon D50, D70, or D80. Those are more comsumer orientented than prosumer. The D80 is kind pushing the boundaries of prosumer but its below $1000 I believe. But one problem with Nikons below $1000, you have to buy separate software to edit RAW pictures.

I really recommond you dont go for the D200 or anything more expensive just because, well your 12. I am 16 and I tend to forget things on accident. If you do lose something on your D200 the cost can be dramatic. When I was 12 I had a video camera and what do you know, I forgot it at Disneyland on accident. Thank god it wasnt a $2000 camera but still. Dont go for more than what you can chew.

If you must have a camera over $1000, I would highly recommond the Canon 30D over the D200 just because it has basically theres no real difference in imagine quality, expect in JPEG, the 30D does it a bit better but its too minor for it to matter.

I do highly recommond you do start off with a Canon Rebel XTi or a Nikon D50, D70, or D80. Your not going to be doing front page wildlife or anything so its going to be over kill for a amature to get a D200.

Remember, the lens kit is not going to be enough. You will need different lens for different settings and angles. Ive spent more than $2000 on my Canon XTi just to cover the basics of photography.

Heres a list to keep in mind when your buying items for your camera:
-Filters for your lens, the finger prints, scratchs, and dust will be on the filter and no on your lens. Itll save you a couple hundred even a few thousand to replace a lens if you scratch it, while if you scratch your filter itll cost you $40 to replace. Get a UV filter to protect your lens.
-Large Memory Cards- You will need compact flash and at least 2GBs of memory. I take a lot of RAW now and I get about 200 pictures of RAW on a 2GB card.
-External Flash Unit- If your going to be doing indoor photography, portarits or anything close up and dark, you might want to consider a flash unit. It gives you more custom shots because you can bounce the flash off your wall, ceiling,etc so that the subject doesnt have a harsh glare on it like you see in a lot of dark photos.
-Lens- Of course the lens kit will not be enough. Thats why people buy SLRs is because of interchangeable lens. I would get one telephoto and one wide angle and you should be good (if you want to get more specific there are many different lens you can get)
-Books and Magazines- Subscribe to a photography magazine, they have a lot of helpful tips in there. Books too, buy a book or two on how to use an SLR. Itll be really helpful later on.

Remember the picture is usually YOUR fault not the camera. You have to take many trial and error pictures to learn your camera. Read the manuel from front to back. Learn it. Itll save you the trouble if you come into a sticky situation with your camera in the field.

Practice Practice Pracitce. Happy Shooting!

Answer 2

I will only talk about Nikon cameras seeing as that is what I own.

Koko's answer is not too bad at all - well done.

Personally I have the D80, and if your budget goes there, let me unhesitatingly recommend this camera to you. If you are lucky a gentleman called "Alan M" will answer this post and he will give you some excellent thoughts about the Nikon D200 vs the D80.

I do not mean to rubbish Canon at all, I believe they have an excellent product. What I do recommend is that you go to a reputable camera store and closely examine all the models you might be considering. Hold them in your hands, and see what you think of the weight, the feel and the layout of the controls a buttons. The cameras are so good that what you think about holding them and using them will play a large part in your eventual decision.

If you want the camera to stay with you for several years, remember that your hands probably have a little more growing to do yet.

Answer 3

If price is truly not an issue, the D200 with the 17-55 f/2.8 lens is a spectacular camera and lens. With a memory card, these will cost you about $2,650.

Another lens to consider is the 18-200 VR lens. It's more fun, but not as good as the 17-55. The camera, lens and a card will cost you about $2,300.

If it turns out that price is an issue, read Koko's excellent answer above me and take his advice.

I have a D200, D70s and my wife has a D50. I see photos published from the D50 and D70 all the time. The D80 would give you just as good results as the D200 for $400 less. You would enjoy the D80 and 18-135 lens, which would cost less than $1,300.

You are one lucky kid and I hope you appreciate it. You do have a good eye for photography, though.

Answer 4

The D200 is an excellent camera, of course, but you'd probably be just has happy with a D70 or D80. The people in the shop where I get my prints done (who are also serious amateur photographers) once remarked to me that they don't see any difference in quality of pictures from their customers who have D200's over those who have cheaper DSLR's... not a very scientific poll, but it's interesting to note though.
Better to spend the money on better lenses than a more expensive body.

Answer 5

***Heavy sigh******
A 12 year old with a D200!

Congratulations. Very few cameras are the equal to a D200. I wonder if you won't find it a little big and heavy, though. Maybe you should go to a camera store and handle it, and maybe a D80 as well.

I went to visit your flickr portfolio. I am going to Arizona in April, am looking forward to seeing the red rocks. Probably no ice while I'm there, though.

Photography is a wonderful hobby, and will give you enjoyment for a lifetime. You are very fortunate to have parents able (and willing) to pony up for a nice camera like that. Appreciate it, and enjoy!

Answer 6

The Nikon D200 is a great camera , but you cannot really go wrong
with any Canon or Nikon DSLRs . Just remember that as soon as you buy the camera you will need a few lenses too

Answer 7

whoa!! Nikon D200 is too way ahead for an amature like you...start with the new D40... i assure you you won't regret getting a Nikon... find out why www.stuffsthatilove.blogspot.com

Answer 8

there is a good one that i hav. i lov photographin too and im 11. ill tell u, i hav an olympus fe-115. its a great camera and has sooo many different ways to photograph a pic. its also extremely convenient cuz how small it is. (well, its sorta small, its very cute though)