dSLR cameras/photography

[loudshirt]

Hey guys I am looking at getting a dSLR camera soon. Probably on the lower end Nikon D3300 or Canon T5/T5i. Are there any good forums to learn from? It has been a while since I did much photography (about 20yrs). I have the basics just wondering more about the whole digital photography thing. It is mainly going to be family type photography with a little bit of sports and some landscape type stuff. Probably some shooting sports in there as well.

thanks in advance.

 

[tRidiot]

Tons of good forums out there. TerryMiller here can help, I'm sure, as well as numerous others. My niece is an art major at RSU, we got her a Canon T3 and a few decent lenses, nothing high-end, but it takes phenomenal pictures if you know how to run it right.

 

[DavidMcmillan]

Like you, I picked up digital after a long sabbatical from film photography. I chose a Nikon D3000, thinking I would give it a try and then upgrade after I got the hang of it. I have added a couple of specialty lenses, but have not found any reason to move from the D3000. As mentioned, there are several good forums, and classes available to get rolling. Have fun!

 

[cody6766]

I did a lot of google searches and watched some youtube videos when I got my DSLR. There are a lot of good videos and websites out there. I have a Canon T5i and it's a great camera. I also have an older XTi that still works like a champ. As lenses go, if you get the Canon, you have to order thee $100 prime 50mm lens. It's probably the best bang for the buck in the camera world. Canon's 18-135mm lens is also a great one. I bought mine of a member here and use it more than anything.

 

[jchip123]

My favorite photography forum is http://www.dpreview.com/forums/

 

[Neanderthal]

Honestly, if you don't plan on getting out of "manual" mode and using the full features of a DSLR, then a point and shoot may be better for you. Read all of the reviews you can and decide exactly what kind of photographs you're going to be using it for mainly. I use a Canon 5D MK II for studio or planned shots, but carry a simple point and shoot camera around with me for everyday photography. And, remember this, lenses are generally more important than what body you're using.

 

[71buickfreak]

I have been using Canon DSLRs for the last 10 years, I have had 5, all upgrades. In fact, only one is not fully functional still. I am currently using a Canon 5D Mark III. I bought my son a T5 for his 14th birthday. I got it on a deal, otherwise I would have gone for the T5i. The i has a few more features that are nice. Both shoot video. The I has better low-light performance.

The trick is to get the best lenses you can buy. Canon L-series glass is the best there is. The better the glass, the better in the images. You can put L-glass on an entry level body and take incredible pics. Lenses are expensive, so figure out what you need and go from there. I have a really nice Tamron 18-270mm lens that I use as a walk-around lens. It was about 600-ish, and is a GREAT lens. It is specifically for crop cameras like the T5i. I gave it to my son as the 5D3 is full-frame.

The Rebel series are really good cameras, and with the right lenses, can take incredible pics. All of my cams were used professionally for magazine work, so you know they are good enough to handle the daily use in harsh environments.

 

[BReeves]

Am in the process of developing a thrill ride photo system using two Canon T5 cameras. Bought the cameras new off eBay, one with the standard 18-55 lens and one with both 18-55 and 75-300 with the idea of keeping the camera and two lens combo for myself after the project is complete. Great cameras for a good price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIB-Canon-E...-S-18-55mm-IS-II-Lens-Kit-Black-/281809624430

 

[71buickfreak]

Here is a side by side comparison of the T5 vs T5i

I copied the text, but it is best viewed through this link-

http://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/canon/t5i/vs/canon/t5/

A lot of the features are marginal, but the low-light performance (ISO 6400 vs 12800) is a big one. The better your lens, with a super wide aperture, combined with a high ISO makes taking low-light pics easier without a flash. I hate using a flash, I don't like flash unless I am using it for an effect. I have not seen the noise comparisons, but 1600 on the T5 is unusable without post production. That is one of the reasons I went to the 5D3, I can shoot 16,000 ISO without any appreciable noise.

T5i
APS-C 332.3mm2/
18.0 megapixels/
ISO 100 - 12,800



T5
APS-C 332.3mm2/
18.0 megapixels/
ISO 100 - 6400


Differences



Canon T5i advantages over Canon T5

Tilt-swivel screen


Tilt-swivel vs none

Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility


Touchscreen


Touch vs No touch

Select your focus point more intuitively.


On-sensor phase detect


Yes vs No

Usually improves live view and video AF performance


More cross-type AF points


9 vs 1

Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance


External Mic Jack


Jack vs No jack

Improved sound fidelity when shooting video


Higher-res screen


346k vs 154k pixels

More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition


Faster JPEG shooting


4.8 fps vs 3.0 fps

Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)


Faster RAW shooting


4.8 fps vs 3.0 fps

Faster RAW shooting in burst mode


Higher extended ISO


25600 vs 12800 ISO

Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility



Canon T5 advantages over Canon T5i

Less expensive


$399 vs $649

Save money for lenses or accessories


Fast startup


~0.50 vs 0.7 sec

Faster startup lets you catch the moment


Newer


18 months vs 2 years old

Newer cameras often support more advanced features




Similarities



Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder


Both provide

You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out


HDMI out


Both provide

Use an external screen to monitor or review video


Hot shoe


Both provide

Off-camera flashes open new possibilities


Internal flash


Both provide

Useful in a pinch for fill flash


Bulb shutter


Both provide

Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures



Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking


Neither provide

Your camera will highlight what's in focus


NFC


Neither provide

Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones


In-camera panoramas


Neither provide

Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo


In-Camera Image Stabilization


Neither provide

Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds


Built-in Wi-Fi


Neither provide

Share your photos wirelessly


Built-in GPS


Neither provide

Geotag your photos


Top deck display


Neither provide

Check settings with a screen on top of the camera


Headphone jack


Neither provide

Monitor audio recording while you shoot video


Dual card slots


Neither provide

Gives you more storage flexibility


Pentaprism viewfinder


Neither provide

Much better viewfinder picture fidelity


Slow-motion videos


Neither provide

Shoot slow-motion videos




User reviews

 

[71buickfreak]

The bottom line is that the T5 is a good camera, the T5i has a few more features that are worth the money if you have it.