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Wondering whether to buy China Miéville's "Railsea", I stumbled across that author's portrait and it reminded me of sys0p's style.

Camera dudes, I'm looking to buy a DSLR and could use a few recommendations. Currently for personal use, I like using cameras and I take good photos with an interest in learning to improve my shots. I've used my cousin's Canon T2i and my brother's Minolta Maxxam 7D and enjoyed using them both.

I'm considering a Canon T4i (650D) since they've been recently updated and from what I read almost overlaps the 60D in capabilities. It's a little light and smallish compared to the 60D when I checked it out in the shop but still quite comfortable to handle. I don't know much about the Nikon line, but from what I've glanced at, I think the closest comparison is the D3200, also newly released. I'm wondering about anyone's personal thoughts between the two. I don't really have a preference for either, I just haven't used a Nikon myself but holding one at the store seems just as comfortable to me as the Canon.

I am completely ignorant about lenses, but I understand that I should invest in a decent lense (not the kit lense) since they will generally outlive my use of the camera as I progress to a more pro body in the future. I guess I'm looking for a good average use lense to start off with that I can still use acceptably well if I upgrade cameras in the future. I don't know what brand/model/focal length range, etc. to look for. I read 24-70mm or 28-135mm is acceptable for normal use.

I don't really have a set budget, though if I can get away with $1000-1500 Canadian/U.S. that would be perfect. Info/recommendations appreciated, thanks.

Huh. When unsure whether to go Nikon or Canon, I used to tell people to pick a camera body that felt best in their hands and a button configuration that made sense to them.

For most general senses, especially in the world of digital (not including backs and medium format), your camera is as good as the lens you have.

Get a camera with the most megapixels and a good lens will deliver and make the most of them.

My recommendation is as follows:

Canon 60D.

Because:

Environmental (weather) sealing.

The 60D will most likely outlast a Txi series camera.

Unless you have to have a touchscreen...

Regardless of what you get, get a good lens - like a Schneider with an adaptor. A standard 50 2.8 Kreuznach will go a long way. Ideal centre sharpness between F8 and F11 (as for most lenses) but also perfect for portraits at F4. You can get good deals on eBay.

The 28 - 135 is great for video though. Very versatile.

Personally, I like having a wide-angle zoom (I have the Canon 10-22 usm) for most of the time and fixed lenses for the interim or specific shots that I have in mind.

Remember the 1.6x sensor crop factor when selecting focal lengths.

Additional Thoughts:

I was never too impressed with the 24-70 unless you're thinking of getting an L series lens. But even then, my impressions of Canon lenses are that the images they produce are "softer" compared to many Nikon or other equivalents. I tend to use many adaptors for various lenses of varying focal lengths from a variety of makers. : )

Good luck!

So jelly. What an incredible space, especially for the location.

Christ, what are you talking about?

The guy is-as he clearly states-a relative beginner, so Canon lenses will be just fine for him. Schneider? Do you really think he's going to be concerned with optimum sharpness that absolutely cannot be seen at anything other than 100%? No matter what, the sensor still has an AA filter, so it'll be soft regardless.

I've shot ad campaigns for some of the biggest clients on the planet, and I've done almost every one of them with a Canon 24-70, and never have I had sharpness issues.

Your advice screams of someone who is trying to show how much he knows about cameras.

Your advice screams of someone who is trying to show how much he knows about cameras.

I've shot ad campaigns for some of the biggest clients on the planet...

lol

You're an interesting person.




Just my opinions. You're welcome to provide yours.

I think quality is good. You know, for images and stuff.

AA filter, true - but there is a difference when you go to 100% crop regardless, which is my concern and why I recommended what I recommended.

Not sure why you so mad but it is my experience with Canon 24-70L that was not as positive as with other better manufactured lenses. And why would I spend $2,000 on a lens that doesn't impress me? I much prefer to go with a used Schneider 50mm 2.8 for $164.00.

Like I said, my opinions.

Peace be with you.

It doesn't matter what you know or don't know. The guy simply tried to give advice and you accused him of essentially bragging right after you did a bit of bragging yourself.

I don't care if his advice was good or not...I simply found your reaction funny.

Ahem.... I don't mean to interrupt the flame war going on here, but I'm still waiting for some recommendations from people here.... you know... to make a difficult buying decision actually easier... instead of just more confusing. K'thx'bye.

Currently considering a T3i with a Tamron 17-55mm XR Di II VC F/2.8. I can snag the T3i for $599 ($150 off retail) and the Tamron for $498 ($200 off retail). Seems like a pretty good deal for something to start with unless someone else has a better idea. From what I gather, if I ever upgrade to a full frame (5D) the Tamron is still a decent enough lens to match.

The thing about modern cameras is that they all produce roughly the same image quality. The difference between Nikon and Canon bodies is noticeable only by hardened nerds squinting at pixels.

Honestly, if this was a discussion about something in the games industry, and you reacted to some shitty advice relevant to your field with a "I've worked on some of the most advanced games in the industry" comment, I wouldn't accuse you of bragging, because I know it to be true. If you said it while you were arguing with someone and it wasn't about gaming, that'd be a different story.

How else can I speak with authority on a subject unless I lay out my credentials?

BTW, 60D is different than T3i. T3i is what EuroCanon calls the 600D. T4i is the 650D. Thought I should clarify since non-North Americans might be confused with our funny naming system.


So I can get a T3i/600D for $600 (sale) body only. T4i/650D body is going for about $825. 60D body is quite a bit more at about $960.

By comparison, a T4i/650D with a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens kit goes for $950. My thinking is that for about the same price, I can get a slightly older body (T3i/600D) with a better Tamron 17-50mm and f/2.8. Fast F/2.8 aperture over its entire focal-length range seems like an advantage for depth of field and darker lighting environments. Someone check my logic, since I'm a noob and might be way off here.

Dude I've worked on high and low-tech games so I'd never bring the "most advanced games" argument forward. I have no intention of getting into a back and forth on this retarded string of thought, I simply thought your post was over the top.



I don't know. I wasn't aware that obsidian was asking credentials before he'd accept advice. You're probably 100% correct in critizing PoofullCrier's advice, but I don't think anyone needs a CV to believe you.

When did you last crop anything to 100% without kicking yourself for not just framing the shot right in the first place? Unless you're shooting billboards?

I'm not mad, this is the internet; the issue is that the guy has money to spend and you're giving him obscure and slightly weird advice based on personal foibles.

Something that always raises my suspicions is a person who apparently just can't accept the 'low quality' of a Canon or Nikon lens, but, for some reason, isn't shooting MF.

Honestly, if you're concerned with ultimate sharpness at 50mm, then the Canon 50mm 1.8 is crazy-sharp, and it only costs $100. Still has the same dogshit 5 blade aperture that the Schneider has, but at least it doesn't need an adapter.

The thing about modern cameras is that they all produce roughly the same image quality. The difference between Nikon and Canon bodies is noticeable only by hardened nerds squinting at pixels.

If you've held a 60D and it feels nice, and you like the reviews of the Tamron, then go and grab it.

It doesn't matter what you know or don't know. The guy simply tried to give advice and you accused him of essentially bragging right after you did a bit of bragging yourself.

I don't care if his advice was good or not...I simply found your reaction funny.