Recommendation for semi-pro DSLR camera's

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
13/06/2010 18:31

Can I have some recommendation for a DSLR camera.

Min 12 mega pixels and hd video a must.



Thanks

iceman


Joined: 15/08/2008
Posts: 724

Message Posted:
13/06/2010 18:50

The best camera on the market to fit your description is Nikon D90

ataturk


Joined: 09/09/2008
Posts: 712

Message Posted:
13/06/2010 19:25

I dont think you will find an slr camera with a video as professionals would not use the two together. I have a Nikon D50 which is absolutely brilliant. There is not much difference when moving upto the D90 as its extras that you probably wont use. If you are just starting out then a D50/D40 is perfect. With regards to pixels after about 3 million it doesnt make much differnce unless you are going to blow the pictures up. A normal sized photo taken with both cameras is equally as good and you wouldnt be able to tell the difference.

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
13/06/2010 19:36

I have looked at the D 50, Nice price. But what kind of lens are you using with your D 50?

Hd video is not a must but 12 mega pix is.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
13/06/2010 19:41

Try going 2nd hand, you will get a far better deal (maybe from a dealer so you have a come-back with problems & advice) with Canon or Nikon - I have both Canon D20 & D30 one new one second hand (I have been a Canon man for many decades) and as is always the case its more down to the quality of the lenses rather than the body that makes the photographic difference. The same applies to the video it is only a toy either buy a video or buy a video camera as Ataturk says in Msg 3

Why go "semi-pro" if there is a reason then go pro or do not. Most of the extra gimmicks in many cameras you will never use or even learn about. Most good amateurs or pro's can pick up any camera compact or SLR and get a good photo its down to learning and art. Some do need to resort to modern software to get quality and to my mind they are "lab technicians" first photographers second.

More important is can it be serviced / repaired where you will live and use it most?

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
13/06/2010 20:30

I was only looking at HD for the HDMI output for HD slideshow as I have HD Tv.





Thanks for the advise folks.

MrsSnakes



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 1100

Message Posted:
14/06/2010 09:20

Tootie, and theres me thinking you were gonna be Zero's assistant on the cam!!

StevieF


Joined: 11/06/2009
Posts: 153

Message Posted:
14/06/2010 10:08

I agree with Iceman, the Nikon D90 fits the bill, and is fantastic at both stills and video .





Steve.

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
14/06/2010 11:55

Msg 7 lol.

With all this nice scenery we have here a compact digi-cam just dont cut the mustard for quality pics.

iceman


Joined: 15/08/2008
Posts: 724

Message Posted:
14/06/2010 12:02

I upgraded from Nikon D50 to D90 some time ago and i can clearly say D90 is light years ahead..



My D90 came with the kit lens (18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX) and i also purchased

Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Zoom lens



D90 won the the Best Advanced Digital SLR category for the 2009 TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) award.

http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2009/0507_TIPA2009_01.htm

greenman


Joined: 16/02/2008
Posts: 526

Message Posted:
14/06/2010 12:37

These links may help

http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/digitalcameras/0,39030233,49286113,00.htm

http://topbrandcameras.net/

Not what you're looking for, but my daughter bought a Panasonic DMC TZ8 compact that shoots brilliant HD video and pictures.

millzer


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 978

Message Posted:
15/06/2010 07:20

Has to be D90 all the way but if on a budget D5000 gives same picture quality as it uses same sensor. I've handled both and D90 is best IMO, although both have own + points i.e D5000 has 2.7" articulating screen whereas D90 screen, although fixed is 3" and has 4 times pixel resolution of D5000. D90 has a bigger & better pentaprism viewfinder plus can use any Nikon lenses as autofocus motor is built into body, whereas D5000 doesn't so u r limited to only latest lenses if u want autofocus on D5000.



more info here; http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1034



Some good deals if travelling out of UK soon. Dixons 'tax free' Stansted has D5000 @ £451.00 inc spare battery & IR remote. D90 @ £740.00 but if purchased b4 end June Nikon are doing £60 cahback on D90 only, so in effect cost is £680.00. Note you only have until end July to redeem cashback.



Some decent used D90's on Ebay too. Hope this helps.

millzer


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 978

Message Posted:
15/06/2010 07:22

Cont'd



Just my opinion, but looked at equivalent Canons and they weren't in the same league, just didn't feel right compared to the D90.

Stewart


Joined: 19/07/2008
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
15/06/2010 09:41

depends on what you need it for...if you want to film room scenes, you will need a wide angle lens..vital!

bear this in mind when choosing

Liv84


Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 69

Message Posted:
15/06/2010 09:57

I used both nikon and casio exillim,



i bought nikon after i lost my casio one, i think casio was much better.



casio was 7 mp and nixon is 12 megapixel however i still preffered casio exilim also it is so easy to carry it with you.