Camera recommendation - first-time DSLR

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#1432092 21-Nov-2015 09:52

The new Sony 7RII sounds interesting. Sony are really challenging Canon & Nikon these days.

Batman

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#1432109 21-Nov-2015 11:10

Sony has always made interesting things. If only Canon lenses work work perfectly on them. Maybe that's what's missing. Best body vs best lenses.

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#1433208 23-Nov-2015 12:08

So I think I'm getting closer to making a choice. We had a brief play with the Canon 750D and 760D in store, but the batteries died after a couple of mins so we didn't get very long to try them out. The 760D is a few hundred dollars more than the D5500, so it's really a choice between the Canon 750D and the Nikon D5500. I've played with a couple of mirrorless models but they haven't really got me interested. I'm still leaning towards DSLR.

I can pick up the D5500 for a great price ($1032) if I buy from Expert Infotech rather than buying from a local (chain) store (e.g. Noel Leeming). Noel's can't even get close the Expert Infotech price, which is obviously down to the parallel importing. However, JB Hifi have the 750D for $979, so I could buy it locally. From the reviews I've read, they're both great cameras, and each has some minor advantages. It sounds like the D5500 is slightly (but probably not noticeably) better all round, and I found it more comfortable to hold and use, whereas the 750D has a better video function (with silent focussing). From all accounts, the D5500 makes a noticeable sound on video when focussing, which could be annoying. However, I'm not buying it principally for video, so I don't think it is really a trump card.

So what do people think? It sounds like either camera would be great, but is it better to buy the 750D local and make any potential warranty issues easier, or is the D5500 worth taking the punt and buying from a parallel importer?

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#1433212 23-Nov-2015 12:16

Does the 750D have video autofocus that works?that puts it in another league from the Nikon if it does.

I went Canon because lenses are cheaper new, and second hand way cheaper and more abundantly. People please correct me if I'm wrong here.

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#1433219 23-Nov-2015 12:20

But if check if the Nikon gives you cleaner pictures (less noise at low and high iso) because the high end Nikons have that advantage over Canon. Note. Really only noticeable if you post process and looking at 1:1 pixel. Makes absolutely no difference for normal human beings.

Ps. Still stand by the lens comment at high end.

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#1433222 23-Nov-2015 12:23

timmmay: The new Sony 7RII sounds interesting. Sony are really challenging Canon & Nikon these days.

Yes if you need that much resolution. And can cope with that pathetic battery life!

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#1433234 23-Nov-2015 12:36

The reality is that most cameras in a similar price bracket perform similarly.

Technology has progressed to the point that there's really not a bad camera at the moment.

They each have differences in operation styles, and strengths and weaknesses in different areas. I wouldn't over think it really.

Personally I shoot Pentax DSLR's as I don't have the money to play the FF game in any brand, and I get the IQ I need from the Pentax bodies.
They're weather sealed bodies and the K lens mount hasn't changed in years, so there's ample manual focus lenses available for cheap.

If you're on a budget Canon has a bigger second hand following in New Zealand.
I don't much like them, as they've always felt very plastic in the price range I can afford.
They have good video abilities for the price though, but mostly via third party firmware developments rather than anything Canon have actively done themselves.

Each to their own. Go and take photos really.

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#1433253 23-Nov-2015 12:59

Lizard1977: From all accounts, the D5500 makes a noticeable sound on video when focussing, which could be annoying. However, I'm not buying it principally for video, so I don't think it is really a trump card.

I wouldn't choose a camera on the basis of the in-built microphone. Photo and video are way more important.

If video sound is really an important factor then you should be using an external mic anyway. But on a budget it will seem a step too far at an extra $150+

As well as shotgun and directional, you can record stereo too which can really enhance a video if done right.

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#1433287 23-Nov-2015 13:53

I bought a D5500 earlier this year as an upgrade to my 10 year old D50. Its a vast improvement; smaller and lighter, much better autofocus and high ISO, it has video recording (D50 didn't), and a large screen that is also a touch screen. Very happy with my purchase, but I didn't really look at Canon as I already had some Nikon lenses (and this was before the 750/760D came out). Canon seems to have the edge in video mainly due to a better autofocus. If that is important, then try the 760D.

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#1433323 23-Nov-2015 14:26

And remember, discounts galore if you can wait 1 month. if not... well, you can't really put memories on hold!

dolsen

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#1433327 23-Nov-2015 14:33

Lizard1977:

I can pick up the D5500 for a great price ($1032) if I buy from Expert Infotech rather than buying from a local (chain) store (e.g. Noel Leeming). Noel's can't even get close the Expert Infotech price, which is obviously down to the parallel importing. However, JB Hifi have the 750D for $979, so I could buy it locally. From the reviews I've read, they're both great cameras, and each has some minor advantages. It sounds like the D5500 is slightly (but probably not noticeably) better all round, and I found it more comfortable to hold and use, whereas the 750D has a better video function (with silent focussing). From all accounts, the D5500 makes a noticeable sound on video when focussing, which could be annoying. However, I'm not buying it principally for video, so I don't think it is really a trump card.

There's a $100 cash back on the canon at the moment so it's $879 at JB Hi Fi.
Also - have a good look between the 750D and 760D. 760D has better focusing for video I believe.

Lizard1977

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#1433365 23-Nov-2015 15:45

dolsen:
Lizard1977:

I can pick up the D5500 for a great price ($1032) if I buy from Expert Infotech rather than buying from a local (chain) store (e.g. Noel Leeming). Noel's can't even get close the Expert Infotech price, which is obviously down to the parallel importing. However, JB Hifi have the 750D for $979, so I could buy it locally. From the reviews I've read, they're both great cameras, and each has some minor advantages. It sounds like the D5500 is slightly (but probably not noticeably) better all round, and I found it more comfortable to hold and use, whereas the 750D has a better video function (with silent focussing). From all accounts, the D5500 makes a noticeable sound on video when focussing, which could be annoying. However, I'm not buying it principally for video, so I don't think it is really a trump card.

There's a $100 cash back on the canon at the moment so it's $879 at JB Hi Fi.
Also - have a good look between the 750D and 760D. 760D has better focusing for video I believe.

Yeah, I saw the cashback offer as well, which makes the 750D that much more compelling. It's now about $150 cheaper than buying the D5500 (via a parallel importer). If the price difference for the 760D was negligible then I'd be seriously looking at that as well, but the cheapest price I've seen for it is $1474 at Expert Infotech, so it's a big jump in price, especially with JB Hifi's deal on the 750D.

Video isn't a big deal, but if you're already shooting photos, and want to capture a quick video, it'd be nice if it didn't have squeaks and squeals from the AF motor. I had a Canon S3 a few years back that did the same thing, and I ended up never using it for videos unless it was already noisy in the room.

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#1433423 23-Nov-2015 17:23

AFAIK the 750D/760D has exactly the same performance. the 760D gains a dial and an LCD screen. Is that right

mattwnz

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#1433451 23-Nov-2015 18:20

joker97: AFAIK the 750D/760D has exactly the same performance. the 760D gains a dial and an LCD screen. Is that right

Doesn't the 760 do HDR videos. I wasn't impressed with the video quality on them when I looked at them, and no 4k either. I was going to buy the 760D, but decided that it just wasn't going to cut it in terms of video quality, as it just looks poor compared to others. They also just feel somewhat dated compared to the new formats of cameras coming out.

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#1433453 23-Nov-2015 18:31

joker97: AFAIK the 750D/760D has exactly the same performance. the 760D gains a dial and an LCD screen. Is that right

That seems to be right. I took a quick read of DPReview's full review of the 760. TBH, that would sway me to the Nikon D5500, better continuous AF performance, and the notes about mis-focus using the Canon 70-200L and no micro-adjust, I find offputting. With some old out of date glass with lots of residual CA, then sure - that's what I'd expect, but the 70-200L lenses are top notch. I don't think the D5500 has AF micro-adjust either, but I've never seen such large focus error with a Nikon body and any lens, Nikkor or third party. (In fact I've got AF micro-adjust turned off in my D800E - despite testing carefully on a range of lenses, it didn't seem to be needed).
But ultimately, unless wanting something with the latest up to date video features, I'd skip on the D5500 or below, or 650D or below, and try to find a good used 60/70D, 7D, or D7100 within budget. Otherwise - get a mirrorless camera with a good EVF. The pentaprism finders on the higher end APS-c cameras are pretty good, shooting with penta-mirror APS-c cameras is an unpleasant experience IMO. It's a night and day experience - not something you learn about by reading reviews - need to actually use the cameras to see what the difference means. The AF point frame coverage is much much better, continuous AF performance better, plus you do have AF micro-adjust if needed. All very fine having 24 megapixels, but 24 blurry megapixels don't cut the mustard. Then there's the ergonomics - semi-pro / pro bodies are much nicer to use for "normal" shooting through the viewfinder.

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