https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 22 May 2026 03:55:02 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1999159 Sat, 27 Dec 2014 20:00:36 +0000 MrsBrewer 1999159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to update to say that we bought a mirrorless camera! We bought a Sony A5100 :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959908 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:49:08 +0000 Adira 1959908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jetsa: Thanks! I can definitely see doing that. We haven't been on a vacation in forever, but maybe I'll have to get a nice zoom lens next time we plan one! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959876 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:35:20 +0000 jetsa 1959876@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: we tend to use it mostly on vacation for landscape shots. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959874 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:33:24 +0000 Adira 1959874@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jetsa: Thanks! I keep thinking about buying a nice zoom lens, but then I'm not sure what I would really use it for (although Hubs would love it). I tend to only take portrait-like photos and I LOVE bokeh, so I've been sticking with the 50mm or 35mm prime lenses for the most part. But every time I give my camera to Hubs to take a picture, he always complains about not being able to zoom! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959864 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:27:56 +0000 jetsa 1959864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: a tamron 18-270 (<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&#038;sku=747931&#038;gclid=CK2SzdGwlsICFUhffgodAmIAqw&#038;is=REG&#038;Q=&#038;A=details" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&#038;sku=747931&#038;gclid=CK2SzdGwlsICFUhffgodAmIAqw&#038;is=REG&#038;Q=&#038;A=details</a>) it replaces the need for the kit lens. We bought the camera in 2010 and then bought that lens before our honeymoon in 2011 and its a really good lens, I just prefer the zoom, I cannot get bokeh with that lens but can with my prime. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959862 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:27:48 +0000 dolphin 1959862@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the CanonT4i and love it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959852 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:24:47 +0000 sunny 1959852@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I have a beast of a camera + lens combo and together it weighs 4 lbs. You probably would not get the heavy equipment I have, but I do think the lighter and more portable your gear is, the more likely you'll take it with you everywhere you go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959848 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:22:42 +0000 Adira 1959848@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jetsa: What zoom lens do you have? My husband HATES using my camera because I always have a prime lens on it. The only zoom lens I have is the kit one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959836 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:18:10 +0000 dc yoga bee 1959836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I *think* DH is getting me a mirrorless one for Christmas! Supposed to be easy to use, great picture quality, and a better route if you don't plan on using all the features of a dslr. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959817 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:08:01 +0000 MrsBrewer 1959817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunny: What is the major reason you want to switch? Portability? Weight of the camera? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959796 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 12:56:49 +0000 sunny 1959796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>+1 on the mirror less systems. I want to switch! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959705 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 12:11:44 +0000 jetsa 1959705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a nikon d5000. We are amateurs but we love it, I would definitely pickup a nikon and canon before buying, I've never used a canon but I've been told they handle completely differently. I have a zoom lens and a 35mm prime I like the prime lens my DH prefers the zoom both blow the kit lens out of the water </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959687 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 12:04:01 +0000 thismustbetheplace 1959687@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: In our experience they were slightly less expensive but didn't come with any additional lenses (like some of the Canons/Nikons did). FWIW we found a 'used' one on Amazon that was a floor model in a camera store.. barely touched and in perfect condition. We paid around $450 for it I think. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959683 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 12:00:51 +0000 BSB 1959683@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Starting off with our first DSLR, we got a Canon Rebel. I forget which exact model but it was about $500 range. I think it was great buy! Though I think Costco packages are a better deal. I bought it somewhere else. </p> <p>We've upgrade to a Nikon 3200 and that was in the $800 range for a Costco package. We still have the Canon and it could be 'my' camera. DH is definitely the one that enjoys taking photos. </p> <p>I had to buy a DSLR for work and a coworker suggested a mirroless camera. I think it was a Sony NEX (or something like that) and we paid about $800 for it. At the time, I was used to Canon camera so it was a bit hard for me to navigate and use the Sony. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959668 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:51:02 +0000 MrsBrewer 1959668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone!! </p> <p>How do the mirrorless cameras compare in price to DSLRs? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959667 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:49:58 +0000 IRunForFun 1959667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a Nikon D5000 that I got as a gift last Christmas and I totally love it, BUT I will say that I have no frame of reference since it's my first and the only one I've ever used. My coworkers all have Canon Rebels and seem to love those as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959653 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:43:50 +0000 Synchronicity 1959653@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In case you are still considering dslr alternatives, I'm buying a Canon PowerShot G16 - it's an advanced point and shoot, and it takes beautiful pictures without worrying about all of the different lenses. It does have lots of settings to play with in manual mode if you feel like taking it off auto. And it's very compact, so I'll be able to take it everywhere with me (I don't think I would do this as often with a dslr). It's pretty pricey though! I think it's right on par with an entry level dslr, although you might be able to find a great deal in all the upcoming sales. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959650 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:42:42 +0000 MamaG 1959650@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the Canon T3i, which is also a couple of years old at this point. I also use my nifty 50 lens that @Adira: mentioned a fair amount. I won't say that I've mastered the camera, but I casually play a fair amount with it on my kiddos and some photos come out amazing :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959649 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:42:33 +0000 thismustbetheplace 1959649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We ended up buying the Sony NEX-6 (mirrorless system) over the Canon T4i and Nikon D3200 and we couldn't be happier. It's much more lightweight, compact, and takes ridiculously good pictures. It's easy for us to just throw it in LO's diaper bag which we couldn't have done with the others. Portability was important for us because we were mainly going to be using it on the fly, not for sitting portraits (though it takes awesome portraits too!!). Highly, highly recommend.</p> <p>ETA: we were also photography noobs.. we'd only been using our iPhones previously. The NEX-6 is really user friendly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959644 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:37:41 +0000 Adira 1959644@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I thought it was pretty user friendly. I had a Canon point-and-shoot prior, so it was pretty simple. Just start out on Auto like everyone else and get used to looking through the viewfinder and adjusting the lens (if your lens is adjustable) and you'll get used to it pretty quickly. Then you can start learning the different modes (like Aperture priority mode vs Shutter priority vs Manual, etc).</p> <p>The camera I got came with the 18-55 kit lens, which I used exclusively for at least a year until I finally got the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, which is now my fave fave fave lens (though my husband hates it because he can't zoom). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959643 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:35:42 +0000 PurplePumps 1959643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: I was going to say the same. If I didn't already have my DSLR from right before mirrorless cameras came out, I'd be looking at those. They have interchangeable lenses and high quality just like DSLRs but a fraction of the size and weight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959635 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:34:10 +0000 PurplePeony 1959635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, if I was starting from scratch, I'd go with a mirrorless system. Probably Sony if I had the cash, or Fuji or Olympus for a somewhat less expensive option. They're smaller and lighter than a DSLR, have multiple lens options, and the better ones take damn good photos -- pretty much on par with a DSLR. I want a mirrorless system sooo bad!!</p> <p>ETA: if you're not going to put in some time to learn the principles of photography and shoot in manual, or at least one of the program modes, you're probably better off getting a high-end point-and-shoot. It doesn't make sense to spend the money on a DSLR and lenses (which can be $$$) if you won't use those features. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959628 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:31:07 +0000 MrsBrewer 1959628@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: DH said that he would prefer a Canon, so I'm glad you recommended that one! Are they pretty user friendly? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959624 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:28:51 +0000 Adira 1959624@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the Canon T2i (Rebel series) and LOVE it. It's a few years old, so there are definitely newer versions, but really anything Canon or Nikon are great, as far as I know. You can't go wrong with one of them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-a-dslr-1#post-1959618 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:27:23 +0000 MrsBrewer 1959618@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am a complete newbie to photography, as in, I only take pictures with my iPhone.....LOL DH and I are thinking about getting a nice camera though, and definitely think it's worth the investment.</p> <p>Right now with all of the sales starting, it's probably a good time to buy one! </p> <p>Any suggestions on what to look for, which brands you recommend (or stay away from!) Any suggestions really! </p>