What’s Your Preference?

stanlei · #1 (**permalink**) 10-19-2011, 10:13 AM

Sony, Nikon, Pentax? Make and model please!!!!!

Also any top lense ideas?

I am looking to spend up to around £700 on the body.

I am interested in learning about photography and taking some action shots. Sailing, watersports, but also wildlife, people, etc.

Ideas and suggestions much appreciated.

Also, any top London schools for learning about using the camera?
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BigFuzzy · #2 (**permalink**) 10-19-2011, 10:33 AM

Well, not that I could qualify my answer with any real facts, but if you ever watch sporting events on tv, I'd wager you'd see many more big white (ie Canon) lenses at the events than other makes.

But this question has no real answer because they can all do a good enough job for you as I'm assuming you're pretty new at this. You can never go wrong (I think) with something from the Big2 (ie canon nikon)

What is your lens budget? I'd worry about spending more on a good lens than the body as the lens is more likely to affect your ability to take good photos than the body. But do make sure your body has a high FPS rate, that'll be very handy.

Do you have any experience with an SLR?

lisa · #3 (**permalink**) 10-20-2011, 01:42 PM

Its all down to personal choice.

I have spoken to a few people that work in photography ( papers ect) and they use canon at work ( supplied by company) but prefer nikon and use that out of hours.

Best bet is to pop into a camera shop and have a feel and look at a range of cameras.

A nice fast lens will also help with sports.

Matthias099 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2011, 02:19 PM

It also depends on what your focus is in sports photography...
For example the Canon 60D is better than the Nikon D7000 in continuous shooting using full resolution in RAW format. It seems that their EXCEED2 technology currently in the D7000, still has not fully caught up with Canon in this regard.

There is an interesting comparison of these 2 specific cameras on the web, including a rather extensive series of 4 detailed videos. I highly recommend them if you are considering either one of these bodies.

Nikon D7000 review | Cameralabs

ccting · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2011, 11:48 PM

Nikon J1 + 600mm Nikon f/4 or 400mm nikon f/2.8 len for sports, wildlife, ... lol. One super fast autofocus body, one superfast autofous len.I am sure you will not miss any critical moment.

canon dslr around USD7000, 16fps, consider that lol

Madog · #6 (**permalink**) 10-29-2011, 09:03 PM

The best setups for shooting sports will easily run into the tens of thousands, based on Nikon's D3 or Canons 1d series where a body only would be more than $5k.
If you're just starting out go to a camera shop and lay hands on models that appeal to you, spend some time working through the menu layouts, taking some shots, see what works for you.
If you become serious with photography, bodies are the most upgraded part of the system, lenses generally don't obsolesce as quickly as cameras do. Kit lenses are good for beginners learning what they want to achieve without outlaying huge amounts of cash on things they may not use. After you learn more about your specific needs, upgrade in lenses and camera bodies to acquire features that you need.

RichardTaylor · #7 (**permalink**) 10-30-2011, 12:08 AM

Just looking at Jessops prices.
700 pounds will get you an entry level DSLR body along with "kit" lenses.

Whilst they can be used for what you want, but are no where near the best.

800 pounds will get you a mid range body, which will be better, but on lenses.

Depending on how far away you are from the action (like on board a sailing boat) the kit lenses may meet your needs but won't be great for fast moving subjects and for action in low light..

If you want reach because you are not close to the action you will need long lenses, that focus fast (especially for moving subjects) and are fast if you are shooting in low light.
I am a Canon shooter who shoots sailing (from the shore), motor sport & birds in relatively good light and I use Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5/5.6L USM Image Stabilized lens for a lot of my shooting.
1240 pounds at Jessops. It is not a good light lens.

It real doesn't matter what sport or wildlife you are shooting - it can get very expensive quickly if you are using camera manufacturer lenses. Third part lenses may meet your needs at a for a lower price.