I am a graphic designer in the US who is getting her first big break with a major company in France. I can't keep using our dinky walmart digital, anymore.
I will be using the camera to photograph large pedal harps (about a foot taller than the average human) also, will be doing macro shots in low, dramatic lighting. I will also use the camera for the photography that I sell - mostly outdoor or landscape photography.
I need a versitile camera that is manual/digital. I was looking at the Nikon D200, but it is out of my budget. Is the D80 suffient for professional use?
This will be my first professional camera, other than the manuals that I own. This job both creates the need and the means for a camera of this type, however I cannot purchase a $2,000 camera at this time. So I am just now researching. Any help would be much appreciated.
2007-08-08 07:02:41 · 6 answers · asked by Becs 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
I own a Nikon D80 and yes I believe without hesitation that this camera will suit you for starters. When I was considering my purchase I looked extensively around various forums to see what problems people might be having. It was then I discovered that most of the D80s mentioned were in fact in professional use.
The D200 is a better camera but the D80 will get you going and most D80 accessories will be reusable on the D200. The D200 has a metal body with the D80 being plastic. Having said that the D80 is not a cheap feeling camera by any means. The D200 has 5 fps over the D80's 3, but it doesn't sound like the frame rate is going to bother you. The D200 will most likely last longer with more shutter activations before failure etc. My D80 is only around the 5500 shutter activations now but there has never been a hint of a problem. My research indicated the only consistent fault with the D80 was battery lockup in very cold weather. This is a normal feature of Lion batteries though, not really a fault of the camera. Mine has a few dead pixels but not enough to have ever shown on a photo. The last problem was some "Amp glow" which mine does have but to find it required a shot that was all black. Although the problem exists this is not as bad as other cameras on the market.
My bet is that you will be happy with a D80 and it will certainly get you started!
2007-08-08 09:41:58 · answer #1 · answered by teef_au 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you can assume full manual control either camera should be sufficient. I definitely 2nd. the purchase of a quality true macro lens. You might want to check out the review of the SIGMA 70mm f2.8 macro lens in the Aug. 2007 issue of SHUTTERBUG magazine. (Go to shutterbug.com and do a Search for it).
If you don't already own a tripod you'll definitely need to budget for one. One with a 3-way tilt and pan head will give you the best service.
For your low-light macro work you'll also need a mechanical cable release - make sure the camera you choose allows use of one. There are "electric" cable releases but to the best of my knowledge they will not "hold" the shutter open for timed exposures. Once the connection is made the shutter closes. You may find situations where a 2 or 3 second exposure - or longer - is needed. If the camera you choose allows you to set the shutter for time exposures that's even better.
Another useful item is the Right Angle Finder. Its especially useful when you have the camera on a tripod or when its used close to the ground. Many of them offer 1.5X to 2.5X magnification which can be very useful for macro work. Mine has built-in diopter correction which allows me to use it without my glasses. You can find dozens of them on ebay.
2007-08-12 08:12:58 · answer #2 · answered by EDWIN 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I would either rent high end lenses for shoots and have a half decent body OR charge a whole high-end outfit onto a business charge card and then account for depreciation in my taxes OR rent all high end for professional shoots.
Not that I'm a professional but that's what I would do.
It would seem to me that you should have some way of figuring out your expenses on equipment against your revenues or whatever you charge for your services.
Rental can be helpful because you can figure out whether you can live with the equipment or not without a commitment.
If you are looking for a more informed opinion, I would advise trying to find a professional photographer's forum online.
Good Luck.
2007-08-08 14:31:13 · answer #3 · answered by $Sun King$ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally own a Canon Rebel XTI, which was purchased just below $1,000 and use it professionally with both a telephoto lens as well as the very versatile standard lens. I've always used Canons, but have been a fan of Nikon as well. I'm sure the cost of the Rebel has come down since my purchase, you might want to look into other brands. However, lenses are the really expensive part, as I'm sure you know. Just shop around, ask questions of professionals who work with them, and find what best suits your needs.
2007-08-08 15:10:57 · answer #4 · answered by smallcola642 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Nikon should be sufficient but you will need to budget for a macro lens as well. The kit lens isn't going to do great macro photography.
2007-08-08 15:16:17 · answer #5 · answered by Button 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions
2007-08-08 14:31:12 · answer #6 · answered by Elvis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋