Hi Fam
I'm looking to get into photography and want to buy an entry to mid level DSLR to start with, preferably kit/lenses
I'm quite new to the scene so would love some recommendations.
My budget is about sub $1000 so if you have any recommendations, pls do.
Mostly looking to do outdoor photography while traveling.
correct especially when the budget is so low like that
They have a budget of $1k so an iphone is like twice that.
Phone cameras are great at 90% of stuff but still missing that little bit extra and some versatility. I'm not a fan of some of the fake bokeh.
A second hand DSLR is the only real option at that budget.
Yes for a 1000, get a good phone, even a S23
Phone cameras are sh!t but their post processing is amazingly good. If you only look at photos on a phone screen you will be hard pressed to find a difference.
If you actually enjoy taking photos a second hand a7II with a cheap lens (35 f2.8) will be a good start but I am not if both can be had for a 1000.
Sony a6000, or something along that APSC line.
However, you'll need a decent lens, rather than the kit lens (which are decent, but might not give you the quality you're looking for).
Maybe even an Iphone 12 pro, which can take 12mp raw photos, to be able to edit fairly well.
don't be afraid to go 2nd hand and a few years back for this sort of stuff. Top end gear from 5-6 years ago still puts out quality images and if it's a recent enough line you can still use the same glass on a newer model if you ever want to upgrade.
If buying new, start out with low-end mirrorless; otherwise per @Caped Baldy, there's a mind-boggling selection of pre-owned DSLRs in your price range. The best camera is the one you have with you therefore phone cameras are indeed worthy.
Not only the camera body but appropriate lenses.
What type of photography are you thinking of pursuing ? Glamour, object, scenery, etc
Scenery and portraits mostly
Unfortunately broadly require different lenses there
But if you can pick up a cheap 35mm and 85mm lens if you go down the second hand DSLR route then might work
Panasonic G85, still a semi-decent performer (that will give you better images than a smart phone):
https://www.amazon.com.au/Panasonic-DMC-G85-Digital-Camera-1…
If going second hand, look for a Panasonic LUMIX G9 + 12-60mm kit lens …
Best lens for both cameras would be the Pro 12-60mm F2.8-4, but that's $1000 on it's own and still pretty close to that second hand :/
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/375022503931
Buy used, much better value and will likely get better lenses.
Someone above said "if you only look at photos on a phone screen you will be hard pressed to find a difference." and this is true.
I have a $900 phone and a (once-upon-a-time) $4000 DSLR
The phone is "same as the $4000 camera" on sunny bright days outdoors.
Other than that the DSLR beats it in everything, including battery life, but excluding portability.
But if i watch both images on phone, i can see no difference. I watch on a computer - and i can see a difference. Print them, and I may see a difference.
Sure the phone does 8K video … but .. enjoy splotches!
My advice
buy a canon 70D (or newer) and with one of the kit lenses that says "STM" on it.
That's the sweet spot of quality
The old "STM" lenses are 20% of the price of a "L" lense, with 80% of the quality and 40% of the weight.
other perks of DSLR against phone is:
- Much faster boot up time to take a photo, esp if camera is sleeping.
- Can be faster at acquiring focus.
Get a pixel 7 with your budget, you will be very happy with the portrait and picture quality as DSLR with that price range can't compete against Google's computational photography. Besides, you can edit on the phone and use magic eraser straight away without hooking up to the pc. Otherwise, go second hand for DSLR.
I think I'm going to go after Canon EOS R50
Be wary of the limited lens selection
There is an adaptor so you can use all the normal lenses.
have you consider used mirrorless cameras? otherwise opting for a used DSLR will give you better value.
My DSLR is a bit long in the tooth nowadays but still takes great photos thanks to its huge full frame sensor and lens selection… 5d mark III - for outdoor you could start with a 17-40 f4L and a tripod - assuming you want to take landscape / wide angle shots? If you look around enough for a second hand deal that combo should come in around your budget
iPhone 15 pro
DSLR not worth when phone cameras are so good unless you are working professionally IMO