The first small step

[linkin1712]

Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum as well as new to the world of SLR photography. For a long time I have thought of investing in a SLR and now the time is right.

I have no knowledge about SLR cameras; I do have a few requirements for the camera:

1. Video recording function (HD)
2. Port for external microphone (since I want to have proper audio for my video recordings)

Beside that I don't really have any specific requirements.
I hope that you guys can spill a little of your knowledge and aid me in my search!

Feel free to suggest cameras that suit my purpose.

kind regards from Denmark,

Theodor

[OldClicker]

With those requirements, I would ask why you are looking at a still camera rather than a video camera??? - Terry

[linkin1712]

Hi Terry,

I understand your point - I though also like a SLR camera, so I thought i might get both in one, since i've heard that most SLR cameras with video recording functions work just great + the option of being able to manually manipulate focus.

Theodor

[volks]

Theodor, what budget do you have in mind ?

[linkin1712]

Hi Volks,

my budget spans from 1000 to around 1300 dollars.
Can you suggest any SLRs ?

[volks]

With that kind of budget you can get a very decent SLR camera.
Obviously you will get some biased suggestions from brand loyal members here, including myself.
Have a look at the Nikon D5100 or better yet the D7000.
The D7000 will consume your budget with a kit lens, but a good start nonetheless.
If you go for the D5100, you should be able to add an additional lens, like the 35mm, 1.8
I am sure that there are similar options for Canon.
All these cameras are very similar in performance, so go for what feels good in your hand.

[linkin1712]

Thx for taking your time. I see you have a D7000 yourself - how is the video and sound recording function? Do you have any experience with use of external mic - is it even possible?

Theo

edit* Question also regarding D5100

[volks]

Hi Theo. I don't use the video mode very much, but would expect it to be very good.
According to the manual an external microphone is actually recommended in order to eliminate lens noise during autofocus or vibration reduction.
Not sure about the D5100.
You can check that out at a good camera store. Don't buy online before checking how the camera feels in your hands.

[linkin1712]

Hi Volks,

Then I guess it is possible to connect an external mic!
You seem like a wise guy in this field - what kind of lense would you recommend me buying?
Does a lense only improve the optical zoom range or does it also affect the quality?

Thanks in advance,

Theo

[volks]

Theo, lens selection is a very personal thing. If you peruse lens posts here you will see so many different opinions for certain lenses, and from what I have determined many lenses end up being a bit of a compromise.
To start, determine what your main photographic objective is, and go from there.
Zoom and quality differ from lens to lens.
Maybe Charles ( Franglais ) or one of the many other pro's here will expand on this subject. I understand the difference but the pro's here can explain it a lot better than I can.
For low light, indoors the 38mm, 1.8 is very good start.
Suggest that you Google each lens that might be of interest to you and read the reviews.
Some high end zoom lenses may be too heavy for your liking, so keep that in mind.
Another thing is the trade off between do all lenses versus having to change lenses more than you care for. Doing your thorough homework up front may minimize buying lenses that you don't really care for.

[volks]

Theo, you might find this web site helpful.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikkor.htm

Some of the pro's here also have their own lens reviews.
Like I said earlier, I'm sure they will help out

[Photo-John]

Have a look at the Nikon D5100 or better yet the D7000.

Unless you're shooting fast action stills there's no reason to spend the extra money on the D7000. Both cameras have the same sensor and will produce the same image quality for video and stills. They should also both have the same auto focus performance for video. The D7000 will be better for stills. But again, unless you're shooting high-speed action, the D5100 is the better choice as it will save you a significant amount of money that you can apply towards a better lens. I also think the titl-swivel LCD is a great feature - especially if you're working on a tripod or shooting video.

Here are a couple of articles I've written on the two cameras:

Nikon D7000 Pro Review >>
Nikon D5100 Announcement >>

Those articles should tell you everything you need to know. You can use the Nikon D7000 review for image quality and video quality (I included a sample video) since both cameras have the same sensor.

[linkin1712]

Thanks to all of you. Very kind of you to help me out!

kind regards,

Theo

[volks]

Theo, let us know what you finally decide to do,ok.

[Photo-John]

Lens choice depends on your budget and what you plan to shoot. I usually recommend buying a cheaper camera and using the money you save on a better lens. I have lenses I've been using for 15 years and almost 10 camera bodies. Chances are you're going to rotate through a few camera bodies but a good lens might be with you for life.

So what kinds of subjects are you planning to shoot? And in what kind of light? Did you have a lens budget or was the lens part of the $1000 to $1300 budget you already mentioned? If you just want one good lens to shoot everything with and you don't want to spend a fortune, my recommendation would be the Nikon AF-S 18-200 VR II lens. I've got the Canon equivalent and although it's not optically the best lens I own, it's the lens I use the most because it's so versatile and easy to carry. I've also used the original Nikon version and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's the reason I bought the Canon version when it came out