i've had 2, a Canon 250D (rebel 3), mainly for videoing sports and pre match stills. Then after about 2 years learning with the 250D i stepped up to a Canon 90D, which for my needs was perfect at the price. Used mainly with a 18-135mm lens 135 with a x1.6 reaches perfectly to the far side of the pitch. As i get paid for my work , my next step would be a body that does 4k with full auto focus and dual memory card slots but that is a couple of years away yet i reckon????
Fujifilm X-T3. I shot Nikon film and Canon APS-C before. I’m a big fan of any of the big camera companies, tbh but Fuji had a pretty compelling price relative to capability. I might move to a Nikon Z in a few years, but right now, still enjoying Fujifilm.
I'm still using my first camera, a Canon 750D (Rebel T6i). When I bought it ~6 years ago I didn't know ANYTHING about photography, I can't even remember how I picked it and I used it in auto mode for years because I was too lazy to learn the basics of photography. Now I've been learning and practising wildlife/nature photography for a year, and I'm really glad I chose this camera back then! I don't have money to upgrade to a better one so I hope it'll keep working for a few more years (although I think I've taken more than 500.000 shots with it... I'm scared to check haha)
My 1st one was a Pentax K10D, but it's almost impossible to find lenses for the K mount back in my home country, so I switched to Canon (EOS 60D) for lens availability and more advanced video features at the time.
I was using a Fuji X-T1 for some event work. I could deal with the AF being temperamental and the lack of good video features. I had a Canon M50 on the side for that. Once, the SD card I was using died on me at the begening of an event and that was kind of a trigger for me to get a bit more serious camera. Got my hands on a Fuji X-T2, realized that the video specs were far exceeding those of the M50, that I quickly sold. I kept the X-T2 to this day and I still use it on the daily! Extremely good camera for the price
Isn't it nice? Like, basically nobody lights their RUclips videos this well. Maybe Patrick H. Willems, except he, does it in the style of Robert Richardson's cinematography in JFK, with a super-contrasty top down spotlight plus a Pro Mist filter.
The old saying ; you date your camera but you marry your lens. I find that I replace my camera body every 4 or 5 years, but a 24-70 2.8 lens is a keeper.
I'm a bit lost there, maybe you can help. I've got a Canon R6 with the RF 24-240 lens and debating on weather to still get a 24-70 2.8. I dont need the 2.8 aperture, I shoot mostly at F8 for maximum sharpness. Weather sealing also not important. Is it still worth spending so much money on an L lens? Would I gain sharpness/quality or just for low light?
I don't understand this sentence. Let's say you started with a Canon DSLR and now will buy a new Sony mirrorless camera. Can you use your previous lenses which you used with the Canon, now with the Sony as well?
Timestamps & Notes: Budget - 1:18 buying used can allow you to get a better camera for less. *when buying used ask for the shutter actuations: like miles on a car* if you cant afford to fix it, you should prob buy a cheaper new one. DSLR vs Mirrorless - 2:28 dslr's have a moving mirror inside that requires them to be bigger(live viewfinder) mirrorless...are mirrorless and therefore are smaller.(LCD viewfinder) mirrorless are more innovating and in fashion Megapixels - 4:28 more megapixels allows better sharpness when cropping. most cameras have adequate megapixels. you don't need to worry. Brands - 4:58 Canon,Sony, and Nikon are the big ones and have more used products for sale. to be continued
Great video ! , I had these thoughts -1) ergonomics ( weight, grip) 2) convenience of manual setting, custom button etc 3) availability 3rd party and 2nd hand lenses 4) if want to upgrade sensor size think of what lens are comparable and how they will suit different sensor. For example 50mm completely different beast at full frame compared to crop sensor ( effective 75mm+)
I've been watching lots and lots of photography channels recently but I find yours the best from them all: the way you present your unquestionable know how and experience is absolutely fantastic: precise, efficient, no unnecessary or endless digressions, no waiting for the interesting bit because your content consists entirely of condensed interesting bits. I'm now to photography so I'm looking forward to literally every topic you'd like to present in your super effective vlogs 😀
Worked in a photo lab at the beginning of the affordable point and shoot digital camera era. Had all manner of photographers come through, but I still vividly remember a guy that came through with a simple Olympus 5.0 MP camera and some of his shots were so beautiful we blew them up to 10x15 and got him to sign a release so we could use some of his photos for illustration purposes for sizes and stuff. So yeah, Megapixels isn’t the be all end all. Great video.
This might be the single greatest buying guy for any type of product I’ve seen. You managed to succinctly cover a variety of topics with only the smallest and most necessary amount of technical jargon in along with easy to understand practical explanations for what the jargon means and why it matters. That is extremely helpful. Thanks Simon.
first serious... canon R6...newbie here so I'm sure its more than enough but i would like to upgrade to R5 someday ! :) ...your channel has been a huge help !
It's a paradox that RUclips's platform has made monetization so difficult that commercials direct in the videos are then norm now. I pay for RUclips premium to avoid commercials but these days it's impossible to avoid them because the creators makes them them selves. This channel is wonderful, no pun.
Does anyone else feel that photography is a skill with an extremely high barrier of entry? If you don't know anything about it, it's extremely daunting and confusing. Even videos and tutorials seem to assume that people have a basic knowledge of the terminology and functions of the camera.
I have been shooting on a used Canon EOS 7D for several years (my first real digital after a Pentax K1000). Now in the research phase for a mirrorless the Canon R7 or R8 has been the two contenders. As I focus on outdoor, nature, wildlife, etc, the features of each are compelling. Thank you for providing some non-biased facts! The R7, although cropped, is moving ahead for the features. Thank you for the wealth of knowledge you share with clarity and professionalism.
I own the R5 and R7, so I can't speak about the R8. The R7 is very good for wildlife. I usually use my Rf100-500 and the R7 helps fill the frame with smaller animals for those at a distance. 32.5 MP may be overkill but it results in a lot of detail and you can still crop. However, it is not as good in low light as the R5 and I suspect the R8. I am sure you have done your research on the pros and cons of each. I am sure Simon's review will be great. If you haven't seen Wild Alaska he just did a review of the R8 for wildlife. He has also done the R7.
If you buy the R8, you'll have to sell again the moment the R9 hits the market. And then the same thing will repeat when the R10 comes out, ad nauseam.
13:09 interesting because I’ve heard the exact opposite, to not go crazy on the lenses from the get go as a beginner, use a kit and spend de savings on photography courses and or trips
I think it's rarely mentioned but Simon has a great voice. I just watched a 2 hour wildlife photography course and it was quite unpleasant to listen to that guy because he didn't have a nice voice (the video was very informative though). Maybe it's just me but I love listening to Simon :)
People like me who had never touched a camera going for a kit lens dslr camera was the choice. I couldn’t know what was good for me and what are my needs until i came to a point that i discovered the limits of my camera. The main thing that i understood with my experience was how important is aperture (e.g f 1.8) and shutter speed (e.g 1/100). Yes! the body is not that important in front of the lens. Buy a lens that has f2.8 and below. Your light and background blur (bokeh) will be amazing!
I'm showing my age, but my 1st SERIOUS camera was in the 70's - a Canon EF film camera. I wanted to move up from "snapshots" to real photography and over time made a spare room at home into a dark room. I learned so much about exposure going from film to print. I eventually sold the EF to a friend and went to an Olympus system due to its features (at that time). When digital took hold , I returned to Canon and kept that tradition, mostly for the lenses, and primarily shoot with an R5. You are spot on with your comment about lenses - it's all about the glass!
Excellent review, Simon! I went for APS-C just for the reasons you mentioned: sports and wildlife. Fuji didn’t have a lot of supertelephoto lenses when I started and I found that I loved shooting birds and other animals. They’re starting to catch up, though. I find the new sensors have dynamic range that rival full frame, too.
Wow, I was surprised to hear Simon say he'd get a smaller sensor as a first camera for wildlife or sports. Made me feel better as a Fujifilm X user. (And stops me lusting after Fuji's GFX system, at dangerous Leica prices.)
Amazing video. I know basically nothing about cameras. With this, I took notes and feel confident in having learned something new. My fiancé loves photography which led to the discussion of getting her back into it, but not being 100% sure where to start. This is great! Thank you Simon.
I have shaky hands and chose my Nikon D7000 over the D3300 because it is quite a bit heavier and dampens the shakiness. It works! This was also a good choice because after using it a fair bit, I was glad to have the better build quality and extra features of the D7000. I really like and appreciate your vlogs, Simon! You help a lot of people by generously sharing your knowledge of photography. Good on you for that! ;-)
I just bought my first full frame (a Panasonic Lumix S5II) and I still watched the whole video with interest. Your videos are so informative and entertaining. Thank you for all you do!
@zaporoshti3392 I’m really happy with it! I’m just a casual shooter, so it’s more capable than I am, but I feel like this is a camera that will serve me well for years to come. As for the lens, I got the Panasonic 24-105mm F4 and have enjoyed it so far. I’m considering the 28-200mm for the extra reach, but we’ll see. It seems there aren’t as many third-party options as there are for Sony, but at least the first-party lenses are generally regarded as excellent.
Safe travels, Simon! I'd watch your videos just to hear you pronounce your name. But indeed the depth of info is wonderful. Cant wait to see your Africa photos. Blessings! Cheryl
After spending some time looking at my options among local used cameras, I traded in my old digital camera for an old Sony DSLR and a lens. Both were in good condition and even after buying all sorts of basic accessories (hood, bag, card adaptor, data cable), I spend less than 100 bucks on it (would've been closer to 1500 brand new). Sure, the more I use it, the more I find things I wish it had, but I also think it's a good learning experience. Better to waste 100 bucks than 1000 to find out. Next camera I buy, I know way more what I want and need in it.
That's the similar with me, I have just bought my first DSLR and went for a canon 50D(had around 21k shutter count). For £100 got a camera, 2 lenses(18-55 and 55-200mm), CF card, battery grip, 2 batteries, charger and an official 50D camera strap. It's an old camera but it has everything I need to learn photography on.
Still working with an 11 year old Canon rebel 2000 with average lenses. Do have a nice macro. All were gifted to me new. Considering an upgrade! Take all sorts of photos. Love landscape, wildlife, and also enjoy some street life.
I had a point-and-shoot Panasonic DMC ZS1, that back in the days of the Flickr and Getty partnership got me noticed and made me some money (I should have stopped while I was ahead). Then I got a Canon T2i crop sensor and made the conscious decision to invest in lens quality. I then realized when every person in your family has to take some gear with them for you on vacation, maybe you've gone overboard. So I did a reset, sold off the Canon equipment, and did quite well because I had invested in quality glass. I moved into Olympus Micro 4/3 with the original E-M5 and then on to the EM-1 Mark III. Once again invested in quality glass. But the bonus is the Micro 4/3 lenses are so much more compact that I easily travel with all my gear in a single small(ish) backpack plus my guilty pleasure Leica Q2, which is actually my main shooter now. Full circle to a point and shoot....just a really expensive one!
Olympus for cost/weight/superb IBIS etc. The choice of glass inc Lumix is brilliant, you can carry 2 bodies and 3 lenses and it weigh,s about 2 Lb,s, try that with Canon etc. So if you don,t want to carry a drainpipe len,s choose M4/3.
Hi, Simon, you are my man to go to when I have photography questions! Your presentations are comprehensive, yet with details and examples....Thank you!😊👍👍👍
I paid around $100 for a Nikon D3200 with a shutter count of only 5789 and an 18-55 shit ehm I mean Kit lens. I'm not really a beginner (nor am I close to considering myself a pro), but I haven't photographed in a long time and my budget is razor thin right now.. Really great old 24mp DSLR that was "cheap" for a pro camera when it was new as well. And I recall what they used to tell me back then. If you can't take good pictures with a cheap camera you can't take good pictures with an expensive camera. Thanks for the upload! Much love from Sweden!
@Simon could you make a video about the harsh reality of finding small birds who are playing hide-and-seek and move fast ? I love your channel, great info !
I just got into photography and I bought an almost brand new Canon 600d (1000 triggers only😊) and took the following lens: - Kit 18-55 - Canon 50 mm f1.4 - Canon 24mm EFS f2.8 - Canon 10-18mm (ultrawide) f4.5 -5.6 -Flash Meike-320 (compact) - Tripod Did i made the right choices? Do i miss a lens? I plan to take most of the photos in cities and in mountain sides (mainly lanscapes). Thanks!
I started with an EOS RP as a hobby. I can vouch for it. My wife finally convinced me to do photography professionally and for a budget build, $899 for a camera with the kit 24-105, 85mm from yongnuo, 35 and 50mm from Canon. They’re all plenty enough for what I need/want. These videos helped me relearn how to shoot, specially with Manual mode.
Hello, I found a used Canon RP with an RF 50mm F1.8, I negociated down to 710$ for both. Would it be a good upgrade over from a Canon 250d and is the price alright?
6:55 - the EOS RP I bought as my first full frame and mirrorless, was hard to get used to regarding the touch screen. My nose kept hitting the screen and off placing the focus point... then there's touch shutter release, aaaarrggghhh! hahaha, getting used to it slowly, sometimes I'll use the touch screen, lock in on the area I want, then flip it around before looking through the EVF.
Great advice! When going digital I went with the crop sensor A77II from Sony, because I already had multiple lenses from Minolta, which my dad had used in the 80s and I don't mind the crop factor. I only had to get the body and memory card and I was good to go. I got a used one with ca. 15k shots done in great condition for a good price. Back in the day I've talked to some friends and uni buddies and it turned out they had Minolta lenses from their parents lying around their houses, but they did not know that they could use those with the DSLR cameras from Sony, so they went for other brands and had to buy all the lenses they needed. Money they could have spent better. I would say, if someone has family members with old gear, check the lenses they have and are not using anymore, because you might get lucky and just get the body and brand to match those or easily adapt them to it.
Great video as usual. Amazing how you can put so much information together and explain so much in just 15 minutes. I started with a Kodak Brownie Fiesta. Then moved to a Canon A1 film, Canon 10D, then Canon 5D. Currently I shoot a Canon 5D Mark ii, converted to Infrared, and a Canon5D Mark iii for color. So the only “brand jump” was from Kodak to Canon. I got into Canon, for it’s lenses, and have no regrets. I have been able to keep all my EF lenses since the 10D And, yes, the most important feature is not the equipment, but your “eye” for light and composition. Always learning
looking at the Canon R7 and R8 as my first camera of significance....i will be taking stills of soccer games from field level and look to also do nature/scenery pics as well. So the wide field needed for one and the ability to shoot fast moving sports is important.
Hello Simon, I am a total beginner , and looking to buy my first camera EOS 250D because I want to learn manual first and watching your videos gives me confidence . Massive thank you for your videos 🙏🙏🙏
I wish I started with Olympus, instead of trying 3 big brands before it. 😬 Started with canon, tried Sony and nikon. Finally found olympus. Amazing ibis. Amazing is on lenses. Weather sealed. Freedom to customize almost all buttons. Light. Powerful. Not extremely expensive for the top gear. My recommendation is always m5 mk2 with 12-40mm f2.8, second hand. Costs only almost the double of the cheaper low end canon 2000D. And you don't have to worry about lens is. Because the camera has extremely powerful ibis already.
I've found that even though most lower end cameras will have a lot of noise, shooting raw at a low iso on basically any camera made in the past 10 years looks great. I think the most important thing is that the camera has the features that you'll actually use/benefit from. And of course if your making large prints, 16mp is fine
I hope you enjoyed your trip to Africa. I needed to get back with you. After following your videos my bird photography's at last at a all new different level. I can not describe HOW GRATEFUL I am. Even using my slower sigma 150-600mm zoom the images are amazing. I am not just taking a picture of a bird but I am documenting the bird DOING SOMETHING in its own environment!
Recently acquired my first serious digital camera primarily for documenting my electronic projects (both stills and video). Totally finished with the cheap (point,shoot,regret) digital cameras & smartphones. When younger (70 yrs now), I used my RICOH KR-10m 35mm film camera & Kodak super 8. Too expensive to use these days. A good friend and youtuber in England recommended I start with a Panasonic G85 with the kit lens. Local dealers had them on extra special deal for $899 AUD with 5 yr warranty, just over 800 CAD. Blown away with the performance (including using my ancient Pentax / Ricoh lenses with lens adapter) , next on purchase list is tripod and a couple extra lenses. Abolutely love your channel and website( I taught website design at technical college when younger). Especially love the bird photos and the drone videos (I also own the DJI Air2S).
My very first dslr is Nikon D3100 with Tamron 70-300mm. It was survived a dense rainforest, a trip to volcano, and countless rookie mistakes. The battery is better than mirrorless, I'm comfortable with the grip, center point afc is doable, and for apsc the dynamic range is crazy (I pushed it like there's no tomorrow) 😂 Sadly, it was stolen. I've yet to take a nice photo of kingfisher with it.
When I decided to capture birds, I initially used my iPhone with a telescopic lens from AliExpress-quite disastrous 😅. Subsequently, I switched to my wife's old Canon 500D paired with a Canon telelens 75-300, which was an improvement but fell short for bird photography. Experimented with Chinese lenses at 800 and 1300 focal lengths, but manual focus and F11-14 proved challenging. Eventually, I invested in a used Canon 5D Mark III and a Sigma 150-600, striking the ideal balance between price and quality. Though I've gained considerable experience, there's still room for skill enhancement. Your incredibly interesting and informative videos have been a valuable resource. ☺️
Simon, I recently found a company in Atlanta that rents about anything photo related that you can need. We had a soccer tournament last weekend so I rented the Canon R7 I’ve had my eyes on, along with an RF 100-500 F4 lens. The lens was amazing, and the camera just makes taking sports photos, almost too easy. Haha I was able to rent both, insured for under $200 for 3 days. I think this is a great way to try out gear to see what works best before you buy, or just by a body of choice and then rent the lenses. I really enjoyed the R7 combined with that lens. While the composition wasn’t ever an issue, having a camera with autofocus facial tracking was a game changer for having more photos in focus. Out of hundreds of pics taken over two days, I only had about 5 that were not tack sharp. We have another tournament in June and I plan to rent again, only this time I think I’ll try the Canon R5 to compare. Anyway, renting is worth the mention as you get to try before you buy.
Great tips. I'm a hobbyist looking to learn about photography. I ended up buying a refurbished Canon Rebel T100 (my first DSLR) with a 18-55mm kit lens. Later, I bought a 75-300mm zoom and 24mm prime lenses.
I started with a p1000. The tiny cell phone sized sensor in the p1000 resulted in not at all blurry backgrounds and insane color noise at iso 800. You also can't get usable images past 800mm anyway because of heat distortion, even though it can go to 3000mm. And then you only get 7 shots in a burst before the buffer fills up and locks the camera. But for video it's pretty awesome. The zoom allows you to get video other cameras just can't offer. I've since upgraded to a D850. Now Im waiting for a Z series crop sensor with (better than) Z9 auto-focusing capabilities to come out, then I'll have every in my kit, and I can choose a camera for a given situation.
I just bought a Canon R8 and took the lens over body priority into consideration for my budget. I paired the R8 with a 35 mm f 1.8 and the 100 mm to 400 mm lens for outdoor sports. I can't wait to get started!
I began my photography journey with an Olympus OM-1 film camera about 35 years ago. My current camera is an Olympus EM-10. I like the quality of Olympus glass and the 4/3 crop factor makes for a very versatile setup that takes up little space and weight. If you can carry it easier you are more likely to have it with you.
This is gonna sound shallow. But it was a case of imitation being a form of flattery. My favorite photographer is Pete Souza. He like his work and so I researched his equipment and found he went with the Canon 5D series. But that's not it the only selling point. I had to narrow down what I was going to use it for. Stills, and only stills, so with the vast majority of the cameras on the market touting video capabilities, I realized about 90% of the marketing points didn't apply. Eventually I went with a CMOS sensor because it reminded me of the film cameras I used as a child, so there was some nostalgia. Add to that the fact I really only needed around 20mp since I don't blow of or edit (I'm a hobby-ist), Canon 5D MarkII it was!!!! 5:36 The thing also about Canon is I'm too deep in the weeds to make the change. I am so comfortable with the controls of Canon (I now own 4 bodies) and so changing now would be like playing years on a Playstation and suddenly, changing to an xbox. Even the buttons game to game are different, so that's just as hard.
What I consider my first “serious” camera was a Canon 80D, which I got for education research. It was a hybrid camera that shot great video while taking great photos when I didn’t screw it up. Recently, I traded the 80D and EF-S lenses for a Canon R6 Mark II because I wanted a full-frame mirror less. This one with good RF L lenses to take me the professional level. I mainly wanted the L lenses for their build quality and weather sealing when I hike or snowshoe in the back country.
I just bought my first camera, a CANON 2000D (1500D or T7) and I just want to take photos of everything! I know I have a LOT to learn, but I'm sure Simon will help me with his videos 🙂
I my first camera in 1969 was a Pentax Spotmatic with a 55mm f1.8, and a 135mm f3.5 and 28mm f3.5 Super Takumars. A true beauty to use and great lenses. Then in 1988 replaced by a Canon EOS650 with Canon 28-70mm and 100-300mm and a Sigma 24mm f2.8, another brilliant 35mm camera. And most recently a Canon EOS90D with 10-22 f3.5-4.5 and 18-200mm f3.5-4.5, lovely beast!
I’m currently rocking a Sony a6400 I bought new with a used kit lens from an A7III, which is better than then the kit lens from the 6400. The plan is to build up my lenses before my next camera upgrade to full frame.
I recently bought a Nikon d 3200 with 18 - 55 and 35 mm lens for 250 euros and it has got just 16000 actuations. Also this video is amazing! It has teaches me a lot of things that I didn’t know!
I just went for a bridge camera, the Sony RX10 lV. It is a compromise, however I think like this: - Like Simon said; "the best camera you got Iis the one that you actually bring with you" - Even it is compact and kind of light, it got it all - Yes, it is not as sharp as 4 or 5 premium primaries - Yes, it is a little noisy in dim light BUT, with the AI noise reduction and intelligent sharpening stuff in the newest software, who cares? Anyway: Great video from you Simon. Got it all (almost) covered. 🙂
I’m about to choose my very first camera, and this guy is going to help me on my journey, because I already trust him by the way he presents this material and his knowledge base. Incredible! I am elated to have found his channel!!! 😂🎉🎈 Also, leaning toward saving up for a Canon EOS R6 II, as I plan to have it for a very long time and know that the parts needed will be available in the future. I have so much to learn, but I don’t want to move from camera-to-camera, but grow with an already fabulous, full featured platform. Gotta choose the right lens… I’ll need a zoom, probably, as I take pics so many various things! LOL! Here to learn! Thank you for your content!!!
Another excellent video that will be helpful to so many people. Besides your outstanding photography another of your attributes is sharing your knowledge and advice. Good man
this video couldn't have come at a better time. My bridge Sony DSC-WX500 recently broke down and I decided to upgrade to my first ever interchangeable lens camera, the Canon EOS R50! It was a pretty huge spend for me so getting the telephoto lens might take some time, but your video really helped me decide that a mirrorless APS-C system was the ideal upgrade path for me.
I got into backyard bird photography and ended up buying a Nikon B700 superzoom. That satisfied me for a while but in the last year or so I have been seriously considering getting an interchangeable lens camera. In the meantime I was in a thrift shop and stumbled across and bought a used very clean Sony SLT-A57 camera and 18-55mm kit lens, with less then 30,000 shutter count. An older camera and a strange combination of a DSLR and a mirrorless camera. Only 16mpxl but seems to take nice photos. Able to take 10 fps full resolution or 12fps 8 mpxl images, and has in camera stabelization. I went out and got a 2nd hand 75-300mm lens, basically it's a low end 2nd kit lens, but good enough in well lit conditions. I just wanted to see how it would work for bird photography with a longer lens, and it's been fun with bird photography. I thought about getting something like a 600mm lens for this but those even now are at or over $1000 and I can't see investing that much in a camera made in 2012. I'm going to save my precious $s and go for a mirrorless camera, been doing research and a video like this certainly helps as a guide. Great work.
Great overview, I have been shooting Nikon for many years now. Shooting mirrorless now. I got used to APS-C sensors from way back so I have stayed with that size. Your point about not getting too hung up with features is very critical. I met a couple of days ago another photographer with a Sony A6000 which still takes great pictures for him. So buy a good camera and lenses and enjoy it for many years. On lenses, I tend to think most beginners are better off getting a kit lenses or an 'all arounder' and then buy more lenses as they find their personal 'pain point' of photos they missed because the lens was capable of getting them the photo. Then buy the lens that covers that area. But don't buy any lenses for at least 6 months or a better yet a year
Hi Simon, I really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and experience, especially for us newbies out here in the weeds. It wasn't that long ago that I went down the rabbit hole hunting for my first changeable lens camera. I came up with the Canon M50 mk 2 along with some extras needed as I am a one-handed southpaw. I have found the M50 mk2 with the kit 15-45mm and the 55-200mm lenses were a great starting point for me. One thing I noticed while diving into the gear hunt was that many other beginners were not considering all the extras that might be needed. I'm definitely still a green horn but love the journey. It appears Canon is moving away from the M series toward the R series, but I'm sure to be too busy for years to come to worry about it.
Thanks for this fantastic video. Your knowledge is invaluable for beginners like myself. I would love to see a sequel video on this about which lenses would be a good investment.
Great video as usual, thank you. I've had a Canon 6D for some years, along with the Sigma 150-600 lens, and really liked it - the 6D is a great low light camera but lacking in autofocus for moving subjects. For wildlife, I have just switched to an OM-1 and a Lumix Leica 100-400 and wonder why I didn't go to micro four thirds years ago. I can easily handhold what is the equivalent full frame reach of 800mm all day and because of this am getting more (and better, although this may be the law of averages at work) shots than ever before. Size and out of this world autofocus and bird tracking were my reasons to go for the OM1. I haven't noticed any loss of quality in going to a 2x crop sensor, but it has made me concentrate on filling the frame with the subject where possible. I prefer to have some habitat in my backgrounds so the effective deeper depth of field is also not an issue for me (depth of field and the stylistic tradeoffs that go with it should be one of the decision factors for anyone deciding on sensor size ). I've kept the 6D for landscape and astro - traded in the Sigma 150-600 though.
My first DSLR was a Canon T1i. I was agonizing over whether to purchase a Canon 50D, originally. The price for the 50D was around $1500.00, which was more than I could afford at the time. Then, comparing the the T1i with the 50D I learned they both had a similar sensor size and megapixel capability. Also, the T1i could be triggered with an infrared controller and was video capable, which the 50D lacked. Furthermore, the T1i was nearly a third the price of the 50D; I bought the T1i on sale. I was happy with my decision to purchase the T1i, which served me for several years. Reading reviews and comparative shopping is the way to go.
I am looking at getting a used 5d mark 3. For about 450 and a tamron 24-70mm g2 f2.8 for a lense. Figured that will be great for what im going to be doing
My first and only point and shoot was a Kodak box brownie. From there I went to an slr. Bought two a Miranda and later on a Minolta. Had these till I bought my canon rebel xs in 08. I'm still using it. When I first started out we was mostly prime lens all manual. My first long lens would be almost a big as your 600 and it was only 250 and very heavy. This is a great video with lot's of great help. Still for me break the bank. My newest lens 420 800 totally manual but I really enjoying it it was the best my budget can handle. It fits my xs and my t7. I told you I was doing my wife's grad last weekend. The light was poor but my t7 and 75 300 4 did the job well. I was able to get closets the front where the light was best😂 thanks for all your great help
One more thing I'd add to this very good list is the size requirements in terms of lenses and not just the camera. Cropped sensor lenses are much smaller and lighter than the full frame counterpart. In fact some fullframe bodies are smaller and lighter than cropped sensor bodies (example is Sony A7 III vs Lumix GH5), but that changes quickly when you put a lense on them, especially telephoto or zoom lenses. But generally if all you need is a 50mm then they're small regardless of the system. Oh and another thing that is subjective is camera feel; i.e the ergonomics of the camera, the looks of the camera, how the shutter button and dials feel, how good are the displays, the user interface..etc. I only have experience with Lumix and Sony cameras (GX80, GH5 and A7III) and for me Sony isn't in the same ballpark in terms of making me enjoy the shooting process. Even my cheap GX80, which was my first proper camera, has a better, more premium feel to the buttons and dials. But that might be subjective so maybe try before you buy if that's an option.
This is exactly where I'm at, ready to move on from my Canon Rebel t6. I've been making a list of its shortcomings so I can try to gauge what newer cameras have.
I like using my ef 100-40 mark 2 lens on my 80d to get that 640mm fov. I have used the super zoom on my eos r, but had to heavily crop and lose resolution to make some wildlife shots more attractive. I am contemplating replacing the 80d with the r7 because the 80d cannot handle low light very well.
I’ve been using “used”, “third party” lenses for 20 years. If they are pro level they can really make things affordable for people who can’t afford $25k to start a hobby. You can buy a used lens, use it a few years, and sell it for a minimal loss. If it’s taken care of you may not lose anything at all.
I like the higher resolution cameras for their APS-C mode effectively having two cameras for the price of one. If it goes from 24 down to 10 MP then the probability is gone. But if you go from 50MP down to 30 then there's plenty of workable resolution left. My lens custom buttons are setup to switch between full frame and APS-C if the FF isn't white enough reach for whatever I'm trying to capture.
Simon, great clip. I feel that some of the confusion of a first camera buy needs to be explained in stages. You started to do this in your clip but I think , from a teaching point of view, it needs to be done in separate chapters. Maybe this isn't possible in YT I don't know. Your video literally bombards the viewer with options A to Z. All the way from simple DLSRs to the most sophisticated mirrorless models. Way too much information to digest in one YT video. Break this down into a series. I know, way more work. But maybe you can market it. Current camera choices are a complicated matter. Gawd knows I'm still learning! Keep up the good work! Looking forward to more!
I hate to be the black sheep, but as my first camera I bought a used Sony A6000. Why? Because it was cheap and it came with a tripod and a kit lens. Pretty good deal, especially considering it had less than 2k shutter actuations. Basically new. And so far I like it, I don't care about video, just photos, and I don't care how good the colours are, you always aim for a vibe anyway. Force it in post. Looking at more and more videos I can say that I made the right call And now I just bought a Sigma 30mm prime, also used, and it included a UV filter. Didn't know I would get that but I can't complain! There are two reasons why I didn't want to buy new. First, I didn't want to put a lot of money into a hobby I might abandon in a few months. It's not pocket change, so if I can recoup almost 100% of the cost, that's good! Second reason is that no matter if I use new or used HW, it won't affect my skill; only I can. At this point it doesn't matter whether I'm using a Fisher Price or a Hasselblad, I'll do bad photos with both until I learn my ropes. Composition, lighting, proper settings and opportunity spotting/planning are skills independent of the camera I'm using. Understand what you're doing so that down the road you can target your priorities based on your experience. Pretty much what you're saying in the video
I recommend pentax lenses, Pentax cameras are great, but if you are already committed to another brand, dont worry. Pentax has a longer flange distance, simply meaning, there will probably be adapters from Pentax PK to whatever camera you have, and then you have access to 100s of vintage manual lenses, which are REALLY cheap (Im talking, I picked up a wide angle for £5), and this is great when you are starting out because you can get vintage lenses at different focal lengths, getting a feel for what sort of photography you like, and then you can invest in a super nice lens when you know what you’ll actually be shooting and what focal length you prefer to shoot at. Also if you wanting to do niche areas, if you haven’t chose your camera yet, pentax camera are great for night sky photography, and the more modern ones have some of the best weather sealant out of any other brand, yet Pentax are not so good at video. If you are looking for a wide array of lenses without adapters, look at Sony, they have cameras for more or less everything in general such as video and photography. I have a Pentax K3 III (a crop sensor beast) for photography, and a Sony ZV1 for travel and video.
Best advice on the price of lenses! If you're going FF a great camera body can be had for €350-1000 (EU market) but lenses for Full Frame are another thing all together. Modest aperture mid zooms can be had as little as €250 and telephoto zooms from €350. Fast zooms are €500+ . Don't think you can cheap out with ancient or older generation fast Prime lenses either. Supply is there but without a "glaze" or other picture quality altering fault you'll be looking refurbished and top dollar (lenses keep their value). It's a big budget for a starting hobbyist. On the upside you're dealing with old pro material so quality is fantastic (if bought well). The Value For Money is fantastic, but its still a large sum IMHO.
One hack I’ve recently had a light bulb moment with (not for every or most situations) is old dx lenses. I’m stuck at 120mm on my full frame atm and have the crop sensor body loaned out to a close friend. Got a 300mm dx lens I’ve been attaching to my fx d600. Not the sharpest but staying over f5.6 and cropping in a little bit ant it’s been a decent substitute. Usually cropping in to 1x1 or 5x7 or panos (keep in mind I’m primarily landscape) like I said not perfect but better than not taking the shot. It’s a cheap work around
Thank you for another great video. I really appreciate that you address all levels of photography, and make it clear that it is not the gear that makes a great photo. Good gear certainly helps, but if you don't know what you are doing, it won't help. Currently I am using a Canon T7i, primarily due to budget constraints, but am for the most part happy with the results. I have recently purchased a couple of used L series lenses and have been amazed at the difference a good lens makes.
I bought my Nikon D3200 on a whim for $200 on Craigslist right after I graduated from high school. Fast forward to first year of college, I took photos for the greek council’s greek formal. I did my work for free and they’re now looking to hire me as their full time photographer! And I achieved all of that with my trusty Nikon and stock lenses; all because I put down $400 on my camera and some equipment like a tripod and an extra lens. I set my foundation and I found some small success. It’s 100% possible!
I use a Canon M100. I liked the quality of the photos well enough and it was a good price-efficient choice for getting familiar with the basics of photography. The wide angle lens it came with was good for the landscape shots I like taking as well. Although there is some shots that can only be taken with a bigger lens but those are so expensive, so for now I just focus on taking the best compositions I can with my little camera.
My first serious camera purchase? That's a tough question! Maybe I should say the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4. I already owned SLRs and DSLRs, but they're not for serious photography, they're the wonderful toys for my hobby. Don't ever call me a serious photographer, unless you want to insult me. But buying the TG-4 was a very conscious and rational decision. I knew it wouldn't perform like a DSLR, and it doesn't. But it has one huge advantage: With the TG-4 I don't need to worry about rain. It can pour down as much as it wants, the camera can handle it. I could even go diving with it, the TG-4 can handle that too! And it's small and compact and easily fits into a pocket. The 25-100 mm equivalent zoom is very useful, and all internal; the lens doesn't extend. And as a bonus it has rather incredible macro capabilities. It was replaced by the very similar TG-5 and TG-6. The latter is still available.
What was your first serious camera purchase, and why? I’m always looking for information to help me make more relevant videos!
i've had 2, a Canon 250D (rebel 3), mainly for videoing sports and pre match stills. Then after about 2 years learning with the 250D i stepped up to a Canon 90D, which for my needs was perfect at the price. Used mainly with a 18-135mm lens 135 with a x1.6 reaches perfectly to the far side of the pitch. As i get paid for my work , my next step would be a body that does 4k with full auto focus and dual memory card slots but that is a couple of years away yet i reckon????
Fujifilm X-T3. I shot Nikon film and Canon APS-C before. I’m a big fan of any of the big camera companies, tbh but Fuji had a pretty compelling price relative to capability. I might move to a Nikon Z in a few years, but right now, still enjoying Fujifilm.
I'm still using my first camera, a Canon 750D (Rebel T6i). When I bought it ~6 years ago I didn't know ANYTHING about photography, I can't even remember how I picked it and I used it in auto mode for years because I was too lazy to learn the basics of photography. Now I've been learning and practising wildlife/nature photography for a year, and I'm really glad I chose this camera back then! I don't have money to upgrade to a better one so I hope it'll keep working for a few more years (although I think I've taken more than 500.000 shots with it... I'm scared to check haha)
My 1st one was a Pentax K10D, but it's almost impossible to find lenses for the K mount back in my home country, so I switched to Canon (EOS 60D) for lens availability and more advanced video features at the time.
I was using a Fuji X-T1 for some event work. I could deal with the AF being temperamental and the lack of good video features. I had a Canon M50 on the side for that.
Once, the SD card I was using died on me at the begening of an event and that was kind of a trigger for me to get a bit more serious camera. Got my hands on a Fuji X-T2, realized that the video specs were far exceeding those of the M50, that I quickly sold. I kept the X-T2 to this day and I still use it on the daily! Extremely good camera for the price
i think the lighting and composition of your videos, with you well lit is under rated and rarely mentioned.
Too kind!
you're right, I always notice it but never mention it. Also the cyan lighting in the back contrasts well with the dark orange of the sunset printing
For sure.
It’s incredibly cozy.
Isn't it nice? Like, basically nobody lights their RUclips videos this well. Maybe Patrick H. Willems, except he, does it in the style of Robert Richardson's cinematography in JFK, with a super-contrasty top down spotlight plus a Pro Mist filter.
The amount of information and wisdom you impart in just 15 minutes is why you are the best Simon.
The old saying ; you date your camera but you marry your lens. I find that I replace my camera body every 4 or 5 years, but a 24-70 2.8 lens is a keeper.
Agree!
I'm a bit lost there, maybe you can help. I've got a Canon R6 with the RF 24-240 lens and debating on weather to still get a 24-70 2.8. I dont need the 2.8 aperture, I shoot mostly at F8 for maximum sharpness. Weather sealing also not important. Is it still worth spending so much money on an L lens? Would I gain sharpness/quality or just for low light?
@@laiebi_3639 it won’t be much sharper at f8. If you don’t need the low light capability or thin depth of field, you can do without.
@@simon_dentremont cool thank you 👍
I don't understand this sentence. Let's say you started with a Canon DSLR and now will buy a new Sony mirrorless camera. Can you use your previous lenses which you used with the Canon, now with the Sony as well?
Timestamps & Notes:
Budget - 1:18
buying used can allow you to get a better camera for less.
*when buying used ask for the shutter actuations: like miles on a car*
if you cant afford to fix it, you should prob buy a cheaper new one.
DSLR vs Mirrorless - 2:28
dslr's have a moving mirror inside that requires them to be bigger(live viewfinder)
mirrorless...are mirrorless and therefore are smaller.(LCD viewfinder)
mirrorless are more innovating and in fashion
Megapixels - 4:28
more megapixels allows better sharpness when cropping.
most cameras have adequate megapixels.
you don't need to worry.
Brands - 4:58
Canon,Sony, and Nikon are the big ones and have more used products for sale.
to be continued
You are an angel of god. Thank you for this comment🫶🏼
Great video ! , I had these thoughts -1) ergonomics ( weight, grip) 2) convenience of manual setting, custom button etc 3) availability 3rd party and 2nd hand lenses 4) if want to upgrade sensor size think of what lens are comparable and how they will suit different sensor. For example 50mm completely different beast at full frame compared to crop sensor ( effective 75mm+)
I've been watching lots and lots of photography channels recently but I find yours the best from them all: the way you present your unquestionable know how and experience is absolutely fantastic: precise, efficient, no unnecessary or endless digressions, no waiting for the interesting bit because your content consists entirely of condensed interesting bits. I'm now to photography so I'm looking forward to literally every topic you'd like to present in your super effective vlogs 😀
Worked in a photo lab at the beginning of the affordable point and shoot digital camera era. Had all manner of photographers come through, but I still vividly remember a guy that came through with a simple Olympus 5.0 MP camera and some of his shots were so beautiful we blew them up to 10x15 and got him to sign a release so we could use some of his photos for illustration purposes for sizes and stuff. So yeah, Megapixels isn’t the be all end all. Great video.
Whether I need it or not, I could watch your videos all day. No fluff, great information and tips, and just some genuine care! Thank you fr!
This might be the single greatest buying guy for any type of product I’ve seen. You managed to succinctly cover a variety of topics with only the smallest and most necessary amount of technical jargon in along with easy to understand practical explanations for what the jargon means and why it matters. That is extremely helpful. Thanks Simon.
first serious... canon R6...newbie here so I'm sure its more than enough but i would like to upgrade to R5 someday ! :) ...your channel has been a huge help !
Welcome aboard!
It's a paradox that RUclips's platform has made monetization so difficult that commercials direct in the videos are then norm now. I pay for RUclips premium to avoid commercials but these days it's impossible to avoid them because the creators makes them them selves. This channel is wonderful, no pun.
Absolutely agree. I hate these forms of commercials …
Does anyone else feel that photography is a skill with an extremely high barrier of entry? If you don't know anything about it, it's extremely daunting and confusing. Even videos and tutorials seem to assume that people have a basic knowledge of the terminology and functions of the camera.
Nothing wrong with starting on a phone to keep it basic.
@@simon_dentremont lol pro mode on my phone is even confusing
@@paulhopkins1905 not really .. all you need is patience and try different level of brightness, zoom level etc.
I'd say phone cameras have made the entry barrier to photography lower than ever.
@@elscientist as far as simply taking pictures sure, but not being good at it
I have been shooting on a used Canon EOS 7D for several years (my first real digital after a Pentax K1000). Now in the research phase for a mirrorless the Canon R7 or R8 has been the two contenders. As I focus on outdoor, nature, wildlife, etc, the features of each are compelling. Thank you for providing some non-biased facts! The R7, although cropped, is moving ahead for the features. Thank you for the wealth of knowledge you share with clarity and professionalism.
Check out my R8 review coming out soon!
I own the R5 and R7, so I can't speak about the R8. The R7 is very good for wildlife. I usually use my Rf100-500 and the R7 helps fill the frame with smaller animals for those at a distance. 32.5 MP may be overkill but it results in a lot of detail and you can still crop. However, it is not as good in low light as the R5 and I suspect the R8. I am sure you have done your research on the pros and cons of each. I am sure Simon's review will be great. If you haven't seen Wild Alaska he just did a review of the R8 for wildlife. He has also done the R7.
@@jeffolson4731 thanks! There are pros and cons for each camera.
If you buy the R8, you'll have to sell again the moment the R9 hits the market. And then the same thing will repeat when the R10 comes out, ad nauseam.
7Ds a sweet Camera.
Thanks for demystifying all the options out there! Concise and great info.
13:09 interesting because I’ve heard the exact opposite, to not go crazy on the lenses from the get go as a beginner, use a kit and spend de savings on photography courses and or trips
I think it's rarely mentioned but Simon has a great voice. I just watched a 2 hour wildlife photography course and it was quite unpleasant to listen to that guy because he didn't have a nice voice (the video was very informative though). Maybe it's just me but I love listening to Simon :)
Stay tuned soon for my own course release!
People like me who had never touched a camera going for a kit lens dslr camera was the choice. I couldn’t know what was good for me and what are my needs until i came to a point that i discovered the limits of my camera. The main thing that i understood with my experience was how important is aperture (e.g f 1.8) and shutter speed (e.g 1/100). Yes! the body is not that important in front of the lens. Buy a lens that has f2.8 and below. Your light and background blur (bokeh) will be amazing!
I like to watch your videos not only because you have great knowledge but also because of your positivity! Thanks!
I appreciate that!
Budget, weight and lens availability led me to the micro four thirds system. Love my Olympus camera and lenses. 😊
I'm showing my age, but my 1st SERIOUS camera was in the 70's - a Canon EF film camera. I wanted to move up from "snapshots" to real photography and over time made a spare room at home into a dark room. I learned so much about exposure going from film to print. I eventually sold the EF to a friend and went to an Olympus system due to its features (at that time). When digital took hold , I returned to Canon and kept that tradition, mostly for the lenses, and primarily shoot with an R5. You are spot on with your comment about lenses - it's all about the glass!
Excellent review, Simon! I went for APS-C just for the reasons you mentioned: sports and wildlife. Fuji didn’t have a lot of supertelephoto lenses when I started and I found that I loved shooting birds and other animals. They’re starting to catch up, though. I find the new sensors have dynamic range that rival full frame, too.
Wow, I was surprised to hear Simon say he'd get a smaller sensor as a first camera for wildlife or sports. Made me feel better as a Fujifilm X user. (And stops me lusting after Fuji's GFX system, at dangerous Leica prices.)
Amazing video. I know basically nothing about cameras. With this, I took notes and feel confident in having learned something new. My fiancé loves photography which led to the discussion of getting her back into it, but not being 100% sure where to start. This is great! Thank you Simon.
I have shaky hands and chose my Nikon D7000 over the D3300 because it is quite a bit heavier and dampens the shakiness. It works! This was also a good choice because after using it a fair bit, I was glad to have the better build quality and extra features of the D7000.
I really like and appreciate your vlogs, Simon! You help a lot of people by generously sharing your knowledge of photography. Good on you for that! ;-)
I just bought my first full frame (a Panasonic Lumix S5II) and I still watched the whole video with interest. Your videos are so informative and entertaining. Thank you for all you do!
That’s a very good camera!
@@simon_dentremont It is! I've been loving taking pictures with it and learning how to use it. Quite the step up from my phone 😄
Looking at getting one of these for wildlife and landscapes. Currently rocking a Lumix G9.
Are you happy with it? and can you find lenses that can fit in?
@zaporoshti3392 I’m really happy with it! I’m just a casual shooter, so it’s more capable than I am, but I feel like this is a camera that will serve me well for years to come. As for the lens, I got the Panasonic 24-105mm F4 and have enjoyed it so far. I’m considering the 28-200mm for the extra reach, but we’ll see. It seems there aren’t as many third-party options as there are for Sony, but at least the first-party lenses are generally regarded as excellent.
Incredibly informative, precise everything you need to know basics to start off. Bravo!!!!!!
Safe travels, Simon! I'd watch your videos just to hear you pronounce your name. But indeed the depth of info is wonderful.
Cant wait to see your Africa photos. Blessings! Cheryl
Haha Thanks Cheryl!
@@simon_dentremontus too…Westcoast of Canada!
After spending some time looking at my options among local used cameras, I traded in my old digital camera for an old Sony DSLR and a lens. Both were in good condition and even after buying all sorts of basic accessories (hood, bag, card adaptor, data cable), I spend less than 100 bucks on it (would've been closer to 1500 brand new). Sure, the more I use it, the more I find things I wish it had, but I also think it's a good learning experience. Better to waste 100 bucks than 1000 to find out. Next camera I buy, I know way more what I want and need in it.
That's the similar with me, I have just bought my first DSLR and went for a canon 50D(had around 21k shutter count). For £100 got a camera, 2 lenses(18-55 and 55-200mm), CF card, battery grip, 2 batteries, charger and an official 50D camera strap. It's an old camera but it has everything I need to learn photography on.
Every video full of knowleadge and " I know You can do it" - I love it! :)
Yes! Thank you!
Still working with an 11 year old Canon rebel 2000 with average lenses. Do have a nice macro. All were gifted to me new. Considering an upgrade! Take all sorts of photos. Love landscape, wildlife, and also enjoy some street life.
Sounds great!
I had a point-and-shoot Panasonic DMC ZS1, that back in the days of the Flickr and Getty partnership got me noticed and made me some money (I should have stopped while I was ahead). Then I got a Canon T2i crop sensor and made the conscious decision to invest in lens quality. I then realized when every person in your family has to take some gear with them for you on vacation, maybe you've gone overboard. So I did a reset, sold off the Canon equipment, and did quite well because I had invested in quality glass. I moved into Olympus Micro 4/3 with the original E-M5 and then on to the EM-1 Mark III. Once again invested in quality glass. But the bonus is the Micro 4/3 lenses are so much more compact that I easily travel with all my gear in a single small(ish) backpack plus my guilty pleasure Leica Q2, which is actually my main shooter now. Full circle to a point and shoot....just a really expensive one!
Oh no! I hope I'm not heading that way having dreams of large fast primes...
You're one of my best photography tutors on RUclips❤️📸🙌🙏🙏
Olympus for cost/weight/superb IBIS etc. The choice of glass inc Lumix is brilliant, you can carry 2 bodies and 3 lenses and it weigh,s about 2 Lb,s, try that with Canon etc. So if you don,t want to carry a drainpipe len,s choose M4/3.
Hi, Simon, you are my man to go to when I have photography questions! Your presentations are comprehensive, yet with details and examples....Thank you!😊👍👍👍
Wow, thanks!
I paid around $100 for a Nikon D3200 with a shutter count of only 5789 and an 18-55 shit ehm I mean Kit lens. I'm not really a beginner (nor am I close to considering myself a pro), but I haven't photographed in a long time and my budget is razor thin right now.. Really great old 24mp DSLR that was "cheap" for a pro camera when it was new as well. And I recall what they used to tell me back then. If you can't take good pictures with a cheap camera you can't take good pictures with an expensive camera. Thanks for the upload! Much love from Sweden!
Get yourself 50mm 1.8 lens
@Simon could you make a video about the harsh reality of finding small birds who are playing hide-and-seek and move fast ? I love your channel, great info !
On my list!
I just got into photography and I bought an almost brand new Canon 600d (1000 triggers only😊) and took the following lens:
- Kit 18-55
- Canon 50 mm f1.4
- Canon 24mm EFS f2.8
- Canon 10-18mm (ultrawide) f4.5 -5.6
-Flash Meike-320 (compact)
- Tripod
Did i made the right choices? Do i miss a lens?
I plan to take most of the photos in cities and in mountain sides (mainly lanscapes).
Thanks!
Where have you been all my life :) Best videos and info
EVER!!
Wow, thanks!
I started with an EOS RP as a hobby. I can vouch for it. My wife finally convinced me to do photography professionally and for a budget build, $899 for a camera with the kit 24-105, 85mm from yongnuo, 35 and 50mm from Canon. They’re all plenty enough for what I need/want. These videos helped me relearn how to shoot, specially with Manual mode.
Hello, I found a used Canon RP with an RF 50mm F1.8, I negociated down to 710$ for both. Would it be a good upgrade over from a Canon 250d and is the price alright?
6:55 - the EOS RP I bought as my first full frame and mirrorless, was hard to get used to regarding the touch screen. My nose kept hitting the screen and off placing the focus point... then there's touch shutter release, aaaarrggghhh! hahaha, getting used to it slowly, sometimes I'll use the touch screen, lock in on the area I want, then flip it around before looking through the EVF.
Great advice! When going digital I went with the crop sensor A77II from Sony, because I already had multiple lenses from Minolta, which my dad had used in the 80s and I don't mind the crop factor. I only had to get the body and memory card and I was good to go. I got a used one with ca. 15k shots done in great condition for a good price.
Back in the day I've talked to some friends and uni buddies and it turned out they had Minolta lenses from their parents lying around their houses, but they did not know that they could use those with the DSLR cameras from Sony, so they went for other brands and had to buy all the lenses they needed. Money they could have spent better. I would say, if someone has family members with old gear, check the lenses they have and are not using anymore, because you might get lucky and just get the body and brand to match those or easily adapt them to it.
Great video as usual. Amazing how you can put so much information together and explain so much in just 15 minutes.
I started with a Kodak Brownie Fiesta. Then moved to a Canon A1 film, Canon 10D, then Canon 5D. Currently I shoot a Canon 5D Mark ii, converted to Infrared, and a Canon5D Mark iii for color.
So the only “brand jump” was from Kodak to Canon. I got into Canon, for it’s lenses, and have no regrets. I have been able to keep all my EF lenses since the 10D
And, yes, the most important feature is not the equipment, but your “eye” for light and composition.
Always learning
looking at the Canon R7 and R8 as my first camera of significance....i will be taking stills of soccer games from field level and look to also do nature/scenery pics as well. So the wide field needed for one and the ability to shoot fast moving sports is important.
Hello Simon, I am a total beginner , and looking to buy my first camera EOS 250D because I want to learn manual first and watching your videos gives me confidence . Massive thank you for your videos 🙏🙏🙏
Cook ,any slr camera will work to lear , try to get sone zoom or lens ,they change everything😅
I wish I started with Olympus, instead of trying 3 big brands before it. 😬 Started with canon, tried Sony and nikon. Finally found olympus.
Amazing ibis. Amazing is on lenses. Weather sealed. Freedom to customize almost all buttons. Light. Powerful. Not extremely expensive for the top gear.
My recommendation is always m5 mk2 with 12-40mm f2.8, second hand. Costs only almost the double of the cheaper low end canon 2000D. And you don't have to worry about lens is. Because the camera has extremely powerful ibis already.
Sheer knowledge and experience, this guy’s advices are so powerfu!
I must admit ... You are a genius! Thanks for all your tips and tricks !! Great videos!
Glad you like them!
This is fantastic! You are phenomenally clear!
Glad you think so!
I've found that even though most lower end cameras will have a lot of noise, shooting raw at a low iso on basically any camera made in the past 10 years looks great. I think the most important thing is that the camera has the features that you'll actually use/benefit from. And of course if your making large prints, 16mp is fine
Excellent video, as always. Thanks for taking the time to produce these every week.
Welcome
I hope you enjoyed your trip to Africa. I needed to get back with you. After following your videos my bird photography's at last at a all new different level. I can not describe HOW GRATEFUL I am. Even using my slower sigma 150-600mm zoom the images are amazing. I am not just taking a picture of a bird but I am documenting the bird DOING SOMETHING in its own environment!
Awesome! Africa is in 2 weekz!
Recently acquired my first serious digital camera primarily for documenting my electronic projects (both stills and video). Totally finished with the cheap (point,shoot,regret) digital cameras & smartphones. When younger (70 yrs now), I used my RICOH KR-10m 35mm film camera & Kodak super 8. Too expensive to use these days. A good friend and youtuber in England recommended I start with a Panasonic G85 with the kit lens. Local dealers had them on extra special deal for $899 AUD with 5 yr warranty, just over 800 CAD. Blown away with the performance (including using my ancient Pentax / Ricoh lenses with lens adapter) , next on purchase list is tripod and a couple extra lenses. Abolutely love your channel and website( I taught website design at technical college when younger). Especially love the bird photos and the drone videos (I also own the DJI Air2S).
Hello, Simon I started on Nikon D90, 3 years ago, I had a lot to learn. But I lovet
My very first dslr is Nikon D3100 with Tamron 70-300mm. It was survived a dense rainforest, a trip to volcano, and countless rookie mistakes.
The battery is better than mirrorless, I'm comfortable with the grip, center point afc is doable, and for apsc the dynamic range is crazy (I pushed it like there's no tomorrow) 😂
Sadly, it was stolen. I've yet to take a nice photo of kingfisher with it.
When I decided to capture birds, I initially used my iPhone with a telescopic lens from AliExpress-quite disastrous 😅. Subsequently, I switched to my wife's old Canon 500D paired with a Canon telelens 75-300, which was an improvement but fell short for bird photography. Experimented with Chinese lenses at 800 and 1300 focal lengths, but manual focus and F11-14 proved challenging. Eventually, I invested in a used Canon 5D Mark III and a Sigma 150-600, striking the ideal balance between price and quality. Though I've gained considerable experience, there's still room for skill enhancement. Your incredibly interesting and informative videos have been a valuable resource. ☺️
Simon, I recently found a company in Atlanta that rents about anything photo related that you can need. We had a soccer tournament last weekend so I rented the Canon R7 I’ve had my eyes on, along with an RF 100-500 F4 lens. The lens was amazing, and the camera just makes taking sports photos, almost too easy. Haha
I was able to rent both, insured for under $200 for 3 days.
I think this is a great way to try out gear to see what works best before you buy, or just by a body of choice and then rent the lenses.
I really enjoyed the R7 combined with that lens. While the composition wasn’t ever an issue, having a camera with autofocus facial tracking was a game changer for having more photos in focus. Out of hundreds of pics taken over two days, I only had about 5 that were not tack sharp.
We have another tournament in June and I plan to rent again, only this time I think I’ll try the Canon R5 to compare.
Anyway, renting is worth the mention as you get to try before you buy.
Great idea!
Thanks for the reminder. Especially when at "cheap" FF camera in CAD is over 2K these days.😓
Great tips. I'm a hobbyist looking to learn about photography. I ended up buying a refurbished Canon Rebel T100 (my first DSLR) with a 18-55mm kit lens. Later, I bought a 75-300mm zoom and 24mm prime lenses.
Glad it was helpful!
I started with a p1000. The tiny cell phone sized sensor in the p1000 resulted in not at all blurry backgrounds and insane color noise at iso 800. You also can't get usable images past 800mm anyway because of heat distortion, even though it can go to 3000mm. And then you only get 7 shots in a burst before the buffer fills up and locks the camera. But for video it's pretty awesome. The zoom allows you to get video other cameras just can't offer.
I've since upgraded to a D850. Now Im waiting for a Z series crop sensor with (better than) Z9 auto-focusing capabilities to come out, then I'll have every in my kit, and I can choose a camera for a given situation.
I went for OM-System OM-1 to go along my Z Cam E2-M4 cine camera. And I’m very pleased with my choice. Doing photos and videos on both!
I just bought a Canon R8 and took the lens over body priority into consideration for my budget. I paired the R8 with a 35 mm f 1.8 and the 100 mm to 400 mm lens for outdoor sports. I can't wait to get started!
Nice!
I began my photography journey with an Olympus OM-1 film camera about 35 years ago. My current camera is an Olympus EM-10. I like the quality of Olympus glass and the 4/3 crop factor makes for a very versatile setup that takes up little space and weight. If you can carry it easier you are more likely to have it with you.
This is gonna sound shallow. But it was a case of imitation being a form of flattery. My favorite photographer is Pete Souza. He like his work and so I researched his equipment and found he went with the Canon 5D series.
But that's not it the only selling point. I had to narrow down what I was going to use it for. Stills, and only stills, so with the vast majority of the cameras on the market touting video capabilities, I realized about 90% of the marketing points didn't apply.
Eventually I went with a CMOS sensor because it reminded me of the film cameras I used as a child, so there was some nostalgia. Add to that the fact I really only needed around 20mp since I don't blow of or edit (I'm a hobby-ist), Canon 5D MarkII it was!!!!
5:36 The thing also about Canon is I'm too deep in the weeds to make the change. I am so comfortable with the controls of Canon (I now own 4 bodies) and so changing now would be like playing years on a Playstation and suddenly, changing to an xbox. Even the buttons game to game are different, so that's just as hard.
What I consider my first “serious” camera was a Canon 80D, which I got for education research. It was a hybrid camera that shot great video while taking great photos when I didn’t screw it up. Recently, I traded the 80D and EF-S lenses for a Canon R6 Mark II because I wanted a full-frame mirror less. This one with good RF L lenses to take me the professional level. I mainly wanted the L lenses for their build quality and weather sealing when I hike or snowshoe in the back country.
I just bought my first camera, a CANON 2000D (1500D or T7) and I just want to take photos of everything! I know I have a LOT to learn, but I'm sure Simon will help me with his videos 🙂
Brilliant as always, your videos are the best.
I wish you great trip and an amazing experience and excited to see what you have for us afterwards😊
I my first camera in 1969 was a Pentax Spotmatic with a 55mm f1.8, and a 135mm f3.5 and 28mm f3.5 Super Takumars. A true beauty to use and great lenses. Then in 1988 replaced by a Canon EOS650 with Canon 28-70mm and 100-300mm and a Sigma 24mm f2.8, another brilliant 35mm camera. And most recently a Canon EOS90D with 10-22 f3.5-4.5 and 18-200mm f3.5-4.5, lovely beast!
I’m currently rocking a Sony a6400 I bought new with a used kit lens from an A7III, which is better than then the kit lens from the 6400. The plan is to build up my lenses before my next camera upgrade to full frame.
I recently bought a Nikon d 3200 with 18 - 55 and 35 mm lens for 250 euros and it has got just 16000 actuations. Also this video is amazing! It has teaches me a lot of things that I didn’t know!
I just went for a bridge camera, the Sony RX10 lV.
It is a compromise, however I think like this:
- Like Simon said; "the best camera you got Iis the one that you actually bring with you"
- Even it is compact and kind of light, it got it all
- Yes, it is not as sharp as 4 or 5 premium primaries
- Yes, it is a little noisy in dim light
BUT, with the AI noise reduction and intelligent sharpening stuff in the newest software, who cares?
Anyway: Great video from you Simon. Got it all (almost) covered. 🙂
I’m about to choose my very first camera, and this guy is going to help me on my journey, because I already trust him by the way he presents this material and his knowledge base. Incredible! I am elated to have found his channel!!! 😂🎉🎈 Also, leaning toward saving up for a Canon EOS R6 II, as I plan to have it for a very long time and know that the parts needed will be available in the future. I have so much to learn, but I don’t want to move from camera-to-camera, but grow with an already fabulous, full featured platform. Gotta choose the right lens… I’ll need a zoom, probably, as I take pics so many various things! LOL! Here to learn! Thank you for your content!!!
You got this!
Another excellent video that will be helpful to so many people. Besides your outstanding photography another of your attributes is sharing your knowledge and advice. Good man
this video couldn't have come at a better time. My bridge Sony DSC-WX500 recently broke down and I decided to upgrade to my first ever interchangeable lens camera, the Canon EOS R50!
It was a pretty huge spend for me so getting the telephoto lens might take some time, but your video really helped me decide that a mirrorless APS-C system was the ideal upgrade path for me.
I got into backyard bird photography and ended up buying a Nikon B700 superzoom. That satisfied me for a while but in the last year or so I have been seriously considering getting an interchangeable lens camera. In the meantime I was in a thrift shop and stumbled across and bought a used very clean Sony SLT-A57 camera and 18-55mm kit lens, with less then 30,000 shutter count. An older camera and a strange combination of a DSLR and a mirrorless camera. Only 16mpxl but seems to take nice photos. Able to take 10 fps full resolution or 12fps 8 mpxl images, and has in camera stabelization. I went out and got a 2nd hand 75-300mm lens, basically it's a low end 2nd kit lens, but good enough in well lit conditions. I just wanted to see how it would work for bird photography with a longer lens, and it's been fun with bird photography. I thought about getting something like a 600mm lens for this but those even now are at or over $1000 and I can't see investing that much in a camera made in 2012. I'm going to save my precious $s and go for a mirrorless camera, been doing research and a video like this certainly helps as a guide. Great work.
Comprehensive, thorough, and clear. Thank you Simon!
Great overview, I have been shooting Nikon for many years now. Shooting mirrorless now. I got used to APS-C sensors from way back so I have stayed with that size. Your point about not getting too hung up with features is very critical. I met a couple of days ago another photographer with a Sony A6000 which still takes great pictures for him. So buy a good camera and lenses and enjoy it for many years.
On lenses, I tend to think most beginners are better off getting a kit lenses or an 'all arounder' and then buy more lenses as they find their personal 'pain point' of photos they missed because the lens was capable of getting them the photo. Then buy the lens that covers that area. But don't buy any lenses for at least 6 months or a better yet a year
Hi Simon, I really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and experience, especially for us newbies out here in the weeds. It wasn't that long ago that I went down the rabbit hole hunting for my first changeable lens camera. I came up with the Canon M50 mk 2 along with some extras needed as I am a one-handed southpaw. I have found the M50 mk2 with the kit 15-45mm and the 55-200mm lenses were a great starting point for me. One thing I noticed while diving into the gear hunt was that many other beginners were not considering all the extras that might be needed. I'm definitely still a green horn but love the journey. It appears Canon is moving away from the M series toward the R series, but I'm sure to be too busy for years to come to worry about it.
Great advice as always. I wish all the RUclips channels were so informative; most are flash in the pan time wasters. Your channel NEVER disappoints.
Too kind!
Thanks for this fantastic video. Your knowledge is invaluable for beginners like myself. I would love to see a sequel video on this about which lenses would be a good investment.
Great video as usual, thank you. I've had a Canon 6D for some years, along with the Sigma 150-600 lens, and really liked it - the 6D is a great low light camera but lacking in autofocus for moving subjects. For wildlife, I have just switched to an OM-1 and a Lumix Leica 100-400 and wonder why I didn't go to micro four thirds years ago. I can easily handhold what is the equivalent full frame reach of 800mm all day and because of this am getting more (and better, although this may be the law of averages at work) shots than ever before. Size and out of this world autofocus and bird tracking were my reasons to go for the OM1. I haven't noticed any loss of quality in going to a 2x crop sensor, but it has made me concentrate on filling the frame with the subject where possible. I prefer to have some habitat in my backgrounds so the effective deeper depth of field is also not an issue for me (depth of field and the stylistic tradeoffs that go with it should be one of the decision factors for anyone deciding on sensor size ). I've kept the 6D for landscape and astro - traded in the Sigma 150-600 though.
My first DSLR was a Canon T1i. I was agonizing over whether to purchase a Canon 50D, originally. The price for the 50D was around $1500.00, which was more than I could afford at the time. Then, comparing the the T1i with the 50D I learned they both had a similar sensor size and megapixel capability. Also, the T1i could be triggered with an infrared controller and was video capable, which the 50D lacked. Furthermore, the T1i was nearly a third the price of the 50D; I bought the T1i on sale. I was happy with my decision to purchase the T1i, which served me for several years. Reading reviews and comparative shopping is the way to go.
Simon, your videos are great! You provide very practical an valuable information.
I am looking at getting a used 5d mark 3. For about 450 and a tamron 24-70mm g2 f2.8 for a lense. Figured that will be great for what im going to be doing
I just picked a used Nikon D5500 and a Panasonic TZ60 Point & shoot for my very first cameras
My first and only point and shoot was a Kodak box brownie. From there I went to an slr. Bought two a Miranda and later on a Minolta. Had these till I bought my canon rebel xs in 08. I'm still using it. When I first started out we was mostly prime lens all manual. My first long lens would be almost a big as your 600 and it was only 250 and very heavy. This is a great video with lot's of great help. Still for me break the bank. My newest lens 420 800 totally manual but I really enjoying it it was the best my budget can handle. It fits my xs and my t7. I told you I was doing my wife's grad last weekend. The light was poor but my t7 and 75 300 4 did the job well. I was able to get closets the front where the light was best😂 thanks for all your great help
One more thing I'd add to this very good list is the size requirements in terms of lenses and not just the camera.
Cropped sensor lenses are much smaller and lighter than the full frame counterpart. In fact some fullframe bodies are smaller and lighter than cropped sensor bodies (example is Sony A7 III vs Lumix GH5), but that changes quickly when you put a lense on them, especially telephoto or zoom lenses.
But generally if all you need is a 50mm then they're small regardless of the system.
Oh and another thing that is subjective is camera feel; i.e the ergonomics of the camera, the looks of the camera, how the shutter button and dials feel, how good are the displays, the user interface..etc. I only have experience with Lumix and Sony cameras (GX80, GH5 and A7III) and for me Sony isn't in the same ballpark in terms of making me enjoy the shooting process. Even my cheap GX80, which was my first proper camera, has a better, more premium feel to the buttons and dials. But that might be subjective so maybe try before you buy if that's an option.
This is exactly where I'm at, ready to move on from my Canon Rebel t6. I've been making a list of its shortcomings so I can try to gauge what newer cameras have.
Same one I started with. :D
I like using my ef 100-40 mark 2 lens on my 80d to get that 640mm fov. I have used the super zoom on my eos r, but had to heavily crop and lose resolution to make some wildlife shots more attractive. I am contemplating replacing the 80d with the r7 because the 80d cannot handle low light very well.
I’ve been using “used”, “third party” lenses for 20 years. If they are pro level they can really make things affordable for people who can’t afford $25k to start a hobby. You can buy a used lens, use it a few years, and sell it for a minimal loss. If it’s taken care of you may not lose anything at all.
I like the higher resolution cameras for their APS-C mode effectively having two cameras for the price of one. If it goes from 24 down to 10 MP then the probability is gone. But if you go from 50MP down to 30 then there's plenty of workable resolution left. My lens custom buttons are setup to switch between full frame and APS-C if the FF isn't white enough reach for whatever I'm trying to capture.
Simon, great clip. I feel that some of the confusion of a first camera buy needs to be explained in stages. You started to do this in your clip but I think , from a teaching point of view, it needs to be done in separate chapters. Maybe this isn't possible in YT I don't know. Your video literally bombards the viewer with options A to Z. All the way from simple DLSRs to the most sophisticated mirrorless models. Way too much information to digest in one YT video. Break this down into a series. I know, way more work. But maybe you can market it. Current camera choices are a complicated matter. Gawd knows I'm still learning! Keep up the good work! Looking forward to more!
I hate to be the black sheep, but as my first camera I bought a used Sony A6000. Why? Because it was cheap and it came with a tripod and a kit lens. Pretty good deal, especially considering it had less than 2k shutter actuations. Basically new. And so far I like it, I don't care about video, just photos, and I don't care how good the colours are, you always aim for a vibe anyway. Force it in post. Looking at more and more videos I can say that I made the right call
And now I just bought a Sigma 30mm prime, also used, and it included a UV filter. Didn't know I would get that but I can't complain!
There are two reasons why I didn't want to buy new. First, I didn't want to put a lot of money into a hobby I might abandon in a few months. It's not pocket change, so if I can recoup almost 100% of the cost, that's good! Second reason is that no matter if I use new or used HW, it won't affect my skill; only I can. At this point it doesn't matter whether I'm using a Fisher Price or a Hasselblad, I'll do bad photos with both until I learn my ropes. Composition, lighting, proper settings and opportunity spotting/planning are skills independent of the camera I'm using. Understand what you're doing so that down the road you can target your priorities based on your experience. Pretty much what you're saying in the video
Nothing wrong with used gear. Use the money saved for a greatlens.
A photographer named Chance Allred recommended the Sony a6000 to me as a started camera. It’s served me well and I am still using it years later.
What an insightful and helpful video!!
Thank you uncle Simon 😁
I recommend pentax lenses, Pentax cameras are great, but if you are already committed to another brand, dont worry. Pentax has a longer flange distance, simply meaning, there will probably be adapters from Pentax PK to whatever camera you have, and then you have access to 100s of vintage manual lenses, which are REALLY cheap (Im talking, I picked up a wide angle for £5), and this is great when you are starting out because you can get vintage lenses at different focal lengths, getting a feel for what sort of photography you like, and then you can invest in a super nice lens when you know what you’ll actually be shooting and what focal length you prefer to shoot at.
Also if you wanting to do niche areas, if you haven’t chose your camera yet, pentax camera are great for night sky photography, and the more modern ones have some of the best weather sealant out of any other brand, yet Pentax are not so good at video. If you are looking for a wide array of lenses without adapters, look at Sony, they have cameras for more or less everything in general such as video and photography. I have a Pentax K3 III (a crop sensor beast) for photography, and a Sony ZV1 for travel and video.
Best advice on the price of lenses! If you're going FF a great camera body can be had for €350-1000 (EU market) but lenses for Full Frame are another thing all together. Modest aperture mid zooms can be had as little as €250 and telephoto zooms from €350. Fast zooms are €500+ . Don't think you can cheap out with ancient or older generation fast Prime lenses either. Supply is there but without a "glaze" or other picture quality altering fault you'll be looking refurbished and top dollar (lenses keep their value). It's a big budget for a starting hobbyist. On the upside you're dealing with old pro material so quality is fantastic (if bought well). The Value For Money is fantastic, but its still a large sum IMHO.
One hack I’ve recently had a light bulb moment with (not for every or most situations) is old dx lenses. I’m stuck at 120mm on my full frame atm and have the crop sensor body loaned out to a close friend. Got a 300mm dx lens I’ve been attaching to my fx d600. Not the sharpest but staying over f5.6 and cropping in a little bit ant it’s been a decent substitute. Usually cropping in to 1x1 or 5x7 or panos (keep in mind I’m primarily landscape) like I said not perfect but better than not taking the shot. It’s a cheap work around
Thank you for another great video. I really appreciate that you address all levels of photography, and make it clear that it is not the gear that makes a great photo. Good gear certainly helps, but if you don't know what you are doing, it won't help. Currently I am using a Canon T7i, primarily due to budget constraints, but am for the most part happy with the results. I have recently purchased a couple of used L series lenses and have been amazed at the difference a good lens makes.
I bought my Nikon D3200 on a whim for $200 on Craigslist right after I graduated from high school. Fast forward to first year of college, I took photos for the greek council’s greek formal. I did my work for free and they’re now looking to hire me as their full time photographer! And I achieved all of that with my trusty Nikon and stock lenses; all because I put down $400 on my camera and some equipment like a tripod and an extra lens. I set my foundation and I found some small success. It’s 100% possible!
I use a Canon M100. I liked the quality of the photos well enough and it was a good price-efficient choice for getting familiar with the basics of photography. The wide angle lens it came with was good for the landscape shots I like taking as well. Although there is some shots that can only be taken with a bigger lens but those are so expensive, so for now I just focus on taking the best compositions I can with my little camera.
Thanks for sharing!
My first serious camera purchase? That's a tough question! Maybe I should say the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4. I already owned SLRs and DSLRs, but they're not for serious photography, they're the wonderful toys for my hobby. Don't ever call me a serious photographer, unless you want to insult me. But buying the TG-4 was a very conscious and rational decision. I knew it wouldn't perform like a DSLR, and it doesn't. But it has one huge advantage: With the TG-4 I don't need to worry about rain. It can pour down as much as it wants, the camera can handle it. I could even go diving with it, the TG-4 can handle that too! And it's small and compact and easily fits into a pocket. The 25-100 mm equivalent zoom is very useful, and all internal; the lens doesn't extend. And as a bonus it has rather incredible macro capabilities. It was replaced by the very similar TG-5 and TG-6. The latter is still available.