There isn't really a category for this, so I'm hoping this will work here.
I'm both fascinated and overwhelmed when I listen to @Albert talk about cameras. It's something I really, really want to get into but man is there a lot of learning that needs to be done. I'm hoping the community here can help me out if I describe what I am looking for and intend to use a camera for.
My first and foremost thing I have always wanted to do, and really want to do is nature shots. I absolutely love beautiful pictures of mountain peaks with or with out snow, lakes or rivers, anything outdoors and in the wilderness. I also love night time cityscapes, definitely want to take some of those. I'm also intrigued in highly detailed, close up macro shots of flowers or bugs and other things in nature. I have a triple monitor setup and I love finding super wide 5760x1080 photography wallpapers. I absolutely want to make some of my own.
The other primary function I would like to accomplish is video reviews of toy figures such as Figma figures or Transformers. Not in the typically done fashion of sitting in front of a camera and talking about it and using your hands constantly, but something more akin to what can be seen here: https://youtu.be/-Alk7S-z6_g
So that's what I want a camera for. Obviously something a bit more budget friendly, and also good for a beginner such as myself. Something to start me out strong to learn with for a few years before investing in an upgrade and steepening my learning curve.
IMPORTANT I live in Canada. Please take prices and availability into consideration.
tl;dr - I want a beginner's low-to-mid budget camera for wide/panoramic scenic photography, macro photography, and toy video reviews.
Edit: Better make it clear I know what a DSLR is and that it was my plan from the start to get one. Thanks!
If you want to use it for all of those types of things I would totally go for a DSLR. That way you can switch out the lens for one that is more appropriate for whatever you are currently doing. Keep in mind that you will have to buy additional lenses for all the different use cases and that will be rather expensive. The other option is a point and shoot which is much cheaper but honestly wouldn't work very well for any of what you are wanting to do except maybe the video reviews, and even then a DSLR would do a better job.
Thanks! I'll look that up and see what I think. And yeah haha, I kind of thought it was obvious I was looking for a DSLR. Who would buy anything but that if they were getting into photography? Thanks a lot!
Thanks for the tips, I guess I should have clarified in my post that I've already decided on a DSLR. I can't think of any other option if I was getting into photography, DLSR seems like the very obvious choice. Thanks, though =p
Looks pretty good! Will probably end up buying the Macro last depending on what my budget ends up being, but I'll keep that one bookmarked. Thanks a ton!
Nikon makes some cheaper model macro lenses. I can't really say anything about them as I have no experience with them, but even the stock lens that comes with most dslr's do a decent job.
Understood. I personally have a Nikon D5100 which has suited my use perfectly. I don't do anything crazy with it, similar stuff to what you are wanting to do. It is a bit outdated but that just means you will be able to find some pretty good quality units for pretty cheap used. The kit lens that it comes with is quite good actually.
Wow. Thanks for the summon @Big_Al_Tech ! I'm flattered actually.
I bought a Canon T3i back in October and since then I've been teaching myself photography. My first advice is to not overthink your first camera. As a beginner, you would just want something that can take a simple picture that fits your budget. Stop worrying about what has the most megapixels and the best auto focus mechanism, but instead use one of the many free guides on the internet to learn different techniques, find inspiration and sharpen your skills. I've never really once said, "hmm.. maybe I should've gone to team Nikon", or "I should've saved more and bought a 6d". Instead I asked myself, how can I frame this better?" , "What post processing techniques could add to this?" , "Where can I find another opportunity to shoot".
Now with that being said, you do actually need a camera to start. What I do recommend is looking within your circle of friends and family to find a deal on a camera they may have sitting in the dust. Always a good start when looking for anything really.
But if you want a DSLR, the Canon T3i and Nikon D3300 are very good options in your assumed price range. I'll link some of the pictures I've took to try and convince you on the T3i.
Thanks for showing up! I definitely can't even begin to get into the numbers and specifics, I'd just end up stressing for hours on end trying to even understand what most of it means. Megapixels are one thing but man does it get intense o.o
Sadly, I don't think I have any family or friends into this sort of thing. A co-worker or two come to mind, perhaps I'll ask them if they have anything lying around for sure!
I'll definitely look into the T3i. I'm not leaning towards either "side" as of now, as far as I'm concerned they're all cameras that will serve the function I want. It's always nice to have someone such as yourself making a personal recommendation from their own experience, so thanks!
I don't think your pictures posted correctly. Perhaps link me an imgur album or something?
I would say as long as you are getting a legit body with the manufacturer included kit lens you will be happy with anything along those lines. Be wary of sellers trying to sell you just a body without the kit lens included. Other than that, I am a Nikon guy so I can't help too much with Canon stuff, @Mo_E seems to be the expert here on that.
This is a pretty good deal on a D3200 but honestly I would go with a used D5100 like this one just because the two cameras are almost identical in terms of specs, and you don't need an extra 8MP. I feel like the D3200 is essentially a marketing scam by Nikon to cash in on beginners who like larger numbers. Save yourself a little money and go with the D5100.
