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[Dr.Horrible]

The Sigma is a smidge wider (not really a factor), is sharper, and cheaper. Can also be used on an A7, with caveats (I do this).
The Sony 35 has stabilization, opens wider, so is much better in terms of how it handles low light, and will also focus a bit quicker, but is more expensive.
Aka Sigma for value, Sony for quality.

The 19 and the 30mm lenses are different enough focal lengths that sure, if you have the cash and want that extra width, no reason not to get both.

EDIT: If you like landscapes, and this is the primary usage of your next lens, consider a wide angle -- if you're usually around the 16mm end on your kit lens (I assume that's what you are using atm), then Samyang makes some fantastic wide angle ones, so that might be worth a look. And since its landscape, manually focusing won't be a bother... Mountains don't exactly move around a lot.

Would you mind explaining what you mean by saying the Sony will open wider?

I'm looking at these two specifically.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096W1P5W/?tag=neogaf0e-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C3SCKI6/?tag=neogaf0e-20

The Sigma is f/1.4 vs the Sony's f/1.8.

Lastly, this is the 19mm I'm looking at.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BPZD0M4/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[Ty4on]

Sigma have a 30mm f2.8 that was really popular. He's probably thinking of that, the f1.4 is quite new.

 

[manzoman96]

Hey guys,

I'm going on a spring break trip to Italy and I'm interested in buying a camera so I can take some actually nice pictures. As being a college student implies, my budget isn't that high. Does anyone have any recommendations in the $200-$250 range? I'm not really sure where to start since I'm not super familiar with the different types of cameras.

 

[QualityPixel]

Hey guys,

I'm going on a spring break trip to Italy and I'm interested in buying a camera so I can take some actually nice pictures. As being a college student implies, my budget isn't that high. Does anyone have any recommendations in the $200-$250 range? I'm not really sure where to start since I'm not super familiar with the different types of cameras.

Panasonic GF5 or similar Olympus Pen (or any of the 16mp or better Oly/Pana cameras). Easy to use, takes nice photos, compact, good lens options. I use an older Pana GF3 with the 14-42mm PZ (very compact lens) as my little travel camera and I love it.

They can be had for cheap on ebay. Saw a new GF5 with lens for $280. Used for much less.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-L...739226?hash=item33c41fa0da:g:9hIAAOSwnHZYQgga
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-L...381623?hash=item2ef9cbd877:g:drAAAOSw5cNYXZmT
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk....H0.X14-42mm+pz.TRS0&_nkw=14-42mm+pz&_sacat=0

 

[Astral/H3X]

Sigma have a 30mm f2.8 that was really popular. He's probably thinking of that, the f1.4 is quite new.

Would you mind explaining what you mean by saying the Sony will open wider?

I'm looking at these two specifically.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096W1P5W/?tag=neogaf0e-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C3SCKI6/?tag=neogaf0e-20

The Sigma is f/1.4 vs the Sony's f/1.8.

Lastly, this is the 19mm I'm looking at.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BPZD0M4/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Oh, yeah, was thinking of the 2.8.
Got no idea about this new 1.4.

 

[MisterNugNug]

Anyone have the RODE VideoMicro Microphone? Like the audio quality from it? Thinking about picking it up.

 

[Skel1ingt0n]

Anyone have the RODE VideoMicro Microphone? Like the audio quality from it? Thinking about picking it up.

I'd also be interested in hearing impression. Specific models and necessary accessories, too.

I'm putting together a pretty large shopping cart to dive into video this year.

 

[MisterNugNug]

I'd also be interested in hearing impression. Specific models and necessary accessories, too.

I'm putting together a pretty large shopping cart to dive into video this year.

Screw it. I'm getting one now and using it tonight. I'll post my impressions....lol.

 

[opticalmace]

Thanks for all the replies about what software to use up there ^^. It's very helpful.

I played with a Fujijiilm X-T1 today at the local shop, man that thing feels good to hold. X-T2 is pretty pricey though.

 

[manzoman96]

Panasonic GF5 or similar Olympus Pen (or any of the 16mp or better Oly/Pana cameras). Easy to use, takes nice photos, compact, good lens options. I use an older Pana GF3 with the 14-42mm PZ (very compact lens) as my little travel camera and I love it.

They can be had for cheap on ebay. Saw a new GF5 with lens for $280. Used for much less.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-L...739226?hash=item33c41fa0da:g:9hIAAOSwnHZYQgga
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-L...381623?hash=item2ef9cbd877:g:drAAAOSw5cNYXZmT
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk....H0.X14-42mm+pz.TRS0&_nkw=14-42mm+pz&_sacat=0

Thanks for the advice! That used one for $170 doesn't look bad!

I saw this one at Costco today it's a Panasonic ZS50. Might not be as good as the one you suggested but it's within my price range. You know anything about this one?

http://www.costco.com/Panasonic-LUMIX-ZS50-Travel-Camera-Bundle.product.100284404.html

 

[jongkookie]

Anybody have experience with Peak Design straps? Specifically the Slide series?

I'm currently debating on the Slide or the SlideLITE for my A7.

Coz as of right now, I'm using a Fuji XT10 strap on it hahaha.

 

[Astral/H3X]

Anybody have experience with Peak Design straps? Specifically the Slide series?

I'm currently debating on the Slide or the SlideLITE for my A7.

Coz as of right now, I'm using a Fuji XT10 strap on it hahaha.

PEAK DESIGN STRAPS ARE AMAZING.

Literally fuck using anything else.

EDIT: I specifically use the Leash, and even as the smallest strap it does great for the a7II.

 

[RuGalz]

Anybody have experience with Peak Design straps? Specifically the Slide series?

Slide is too thick imo. I prefer the leash.

 

[jongkookie]

I really like the look of the blue Slide:

But I agree that it's probably waaay too thick for my A7.

Unfortunately none of the Best Buy's around me have a Leash in stock according to their website whereas the closest BB to me has the Slide and SlideLITE in stock so I'm probably gonna go for the SlideLITE instead.

Also, somebody talk me out of buying an old non-AI Nikon 50mm f/1.4 lol.

I literally just spent the last hour or so researching the under $80 1.4's I've seen on eBay, matching the serial numbers and all that too, and I'm currently 75% convinced that I don't need it and am fine with my Series E 1.8. But the allure of the 1.4 and the metal/classic construction of those Nikkor lenses are fascinating to me.

 

[FStop7]

I have the slide and I love it. It's wide and distributes weight really well.

 

[Astral/H3X]

I really like the look of the blue Slide:

But I agree that it's probably waaay too thick for my A7.

Unfortunately none of the Best Buy's around me have a Leash in stock according to their website whereas the closest BB to me has the Slide and SlideLITE in stock so I'm probably gonna go for the SlideLITE instead.

Also, somebody talk me out of buying an old non-AI Nikon 50mm f/1.4 lol.

I literally just spent the last hour or so researching the under $80 1.4's I've seen on eBay, matching the serial numbers and all that too, and I'm currently 75% convinced that I don't need it and am fine with my Series E 1.8. But the allure of the 1.4 and the metal/classic construction of those Nikkor lenses are fascinating to me.

I personally use a Canon FD 50 1.4 on mine, but I also used a Pentax 50 1.4 on it for a few days to test it before gifting it. Honestly, I would've preferred to keep the Pentax, I think.

 

[Archpath1]

Any recommendations on a studio kit, I'd like to try and work on my portrait skills


Any that you all have found success with?

Budget would be nice but would like something that isn't too flimsy.

 

[jongkookie]

I personally use a Canon FD 50 1.4 on mine, but I also used a Pentax 50 1.4 on it for a few days to test it before gifting it. Honestly, I would've preferred to keep the Pentax, I think.

Yeah a lot of the comparisons I've read basically say a Pentax Takumar 1.4 is on par or maybe even better than a Nikon 1.4, whereas the Canon FD is a distinct third(mostly due to lack of bokeh creaminess apparently). But when I look at eBay it's a lot more expensive to get a Pentax coz I also have to get a adapter as well.

I ended up buying that Nikon 1.4 I was looking at though lol. It had a good price and more importantly was a K type so basically it shares the same optics as any 1.4 lens after 1974, the only difference is that a K is non-AI(as it was the transition period between non AI and AI lenses) lens, which really doesn't matter coz it'll work on any F to E mount adapter.

I'm actually kinda glad I did some due diligence in researching them lol. I was really hesitant about it but a lot of the reviews I've read basically say f/2.8 is the sweet spot for the f/1.4 which is fantastic imo because the sweet spot on Series E 1.8 is at f/4.

 

[Joelstinton14]

Just a reminder for you guys to have a general maintenance wipedown of your cameras, empty and clean your camera bags

Surprising what muck get's in what places. Noticed i got a blemish on my shutter lever and a part of the outer casing of my Mamiya, not sure what it is. It was a bit sticky too with something.

 

[MisterNugNug]

Rode mics are awesome (I got the Video Micro, $60). Been editing clips and the audio is noticeably better, Love that it doesn't require a battery and the side rejection is pretty good.

 

[Dr.Horrible]

Ended up going with the Sony 35mm over the Sigma 30mm due to the Sigma being slower with AF from what I read. Still went with a 19mm Sigma though. Excited to try out the new glass.

 

[flamingotripod]

Would you mind explaining what you mean by saying the Sony will open wider?

I'm looking at these two specifically.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096W1P5W/?tag=neogaf0e-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C3SCKI6/?tag=neogaf0e-20

The Sigma is f/1.4 vs the Sony's f/1.8.

Lastly, this is the 19mm I'm looking at.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BPZD0M4/?tag=neogaf0e-20

I had the same dilemma about the sony 35 vs Sigma 30, ending up getting the Sigma 30 1.4 and I have no regrets. The lens is amazing, super sharp but I agree with some of the online reviews that it does not focus as fast as the Sony. But imo the sharpness makes up for it.

 

[opticalmace]

Supposeldy Fuji is going to show off a new camera in January (I presume at CES), according to a local camera shop.

I forget exactly what he said, but it was either a replacement for the X-T10 or X-100T. I'm curious to see what it has to offer.

 

[Killer Queen]

What're the best free online photography lessons you guys know of? Starting from the basics

 

[Dr.Horrible]

I had the same dilemma about the sony 35 vs Sigma 30, ending up getting the Sigma 30 1.4 and I have no regrets. The lens is amazing, super sharp but I agree with some of the online reviews that it does not focus as fast as the Sony. But imo the sharpness makes up for it.

Have you used the Sony? I went back and forth on this for far too long. Still sort of contemplating.

 

[Dr.Horrible]

What're the best free online photography lessons you guys know of? Starting from the basics

I'm aware of this one, but I'm sure there are dozens of other resources.

http://digital-photography-school.com/

 

[Killer Queen]

I'm aware of this one, but I'm sure there are dozens of other resources.

http://digital-photography-school.com/

Thank you for this!

 

[thesoapster]

Early 5D MK IV impressions are quite good. Will shoot during the day and get a few samples up.

Black Rapid Cross Shot strap feels very good.

 

[ShadowKingpin]

What are the chances of the A7 III being announced soon? I keep reading rumors online, but am trying to stop myself from purchasing the A7 II as my first mirror less camera and instead waiting for the new model.

 

[Astral/H3X]

What are the chances of the A7 III being announced soon? I keep reading rumors online, but am trying to stop myself from purchasing the A7 II as my first mirror less camera and instead waiting for the new model.

Unless you're going to need the newest of the new, or need a specific feature that the a7III will have, you'll likely not end up being any different off with the a7II than the supposed III.

 

[NyMartin90]

Pretty much always better to invest in new glass before you invest in a new camera, especially if your concern is image quality.

It takes 4k pictures. Not sure what a decent 4k video option would be, depends on price range. Very few Nikon cameras have 4k video right now :/
4k means ~4000 pixels wide (usually 3840) and the D5300 images are 6000 pixels wide if you save them at full resolution. They're taller than widescreen, but you can crop them to widescreen and they will still be higher res than 4k (not sure if there's an option to directly save them in widescreen).

Upgrade your lens if you want something sharper. I think it should look fine on a 4k monitor/TV. Zoom lens upgrades are often quite expensive (like the Nikon 16-80mm f2.8-4), but the 35mm f1.8G DX is a nice secondary lens with no zoom but better low light and is sharper than the standard zoom.

Thanks Do you guys have any specific lens you would recommend? The 16-80mm looks pretty good but any specific lens for zoom on the d5300?
edit: nvm i just reread what you wrote thanks!

 

[ShadowKingpin]

Unless you're going to need the newest of the new, or need a specific feature that the a7III will have, you'll likely not end up being any different off with the a7II than the supposed III.

Sweet. Yeah, if the 6500's touchscreen is implemented, the screen is able to move more and the MP count is upped, it may be worth it, but we shall see. Better yet, once the A7 III is announced, the A7 II will go down in price.

 

[Ty4on]

Thanks Do you guys have any specific lens you would recommend? The 16-80mm looks pretty good but any specific lens for zoom on the d5300?
edit: nvm i just reread what you wrote thanks!

The 16-80mm is probably a great upgrade, it's not a bad lens just a bit expensive. ATM I feel like the Nikon DX lineup's disadvantage is lenses that are one step up from the entry level kit lenses. You have to go FF which are pretty big, pricy and usually with an inconvenient focal length.

I'll give it another look when our guests have left. What is your kit lens called? I'm guessing the 18-55mm VR II?

 

[Deleted member 17706]

What are the chances of the A7 III being announced soon? I keep reading rumors online, but am trying to stop myself from purchasing the A7 II as my first mirror less camera and instead waiting for the new model.

It's got to be relatively soon unless Sony is changing their release schedule now that all of their current bodies are pretty damn good (as opposed to the first gen of A7 models).

Then again, the A6500 blows the A7 II out of the water outside of sensor size and it's cheaper, so surely they have to come up with a better full frame entry model sooner than later.

I wonder what they have in store for it, though... They pretty much have to give it the back-illuminated sensor and 4K recording to make it more appealing than the A6500, but if they up the megapixels too much they will start really eating into any sales of the A7R II.

 

[JadedWriter]

The 16-80mm is probably a great upgrade, it's not a bad lens just a bit expensive. ATM I feel like the Nikon DX lineup's disadvantage is lenses that are one step up from the entry level kit lenses. You have to go FF which are pretty big, pricy and usually with an inconvenient focal length.

I'll give it another look when our guests have left. What is your kit lens called? I'm guessing the 18-55mm VR II?

If it ain't that it's probably the 18-105, which I don't like personally. He should at least look at a 2.8 17-50 from either Sigma or Tamron.

 

[ShadowKingpin]

It's got to be relatively soon unless Sony is changing their release schedule now that all of their current bodies are pretty damn good (as opposed to the first gen of A7 models).

Then again, the A6500 blows the A7 II out of the water outside of sensor size and it's cheaper, so surely they have to come up with a better entry model sooner than later.

I wonder what they have in store for it, though... They pretty much have to give it the back-illuminated sensor and 4K recording to make it more appealing than the A6500, but if they up the megapixels too much they will start really eating into any sales of the A7R II.

Well-said. I was going to buy the A6500, but I don't want to go back to a cropped sensor. I'm really holding out in hopes of the A7 III releasing some time around March-April, but if not, the A7 II's 4K video and other features are fantastic.

 

[Astral/H3X]

Well-said. I was going to buy the A6500, but I don't want to go back to a cropped sensor. I'm really holding out in hopes of the A7 III releasing some time around March-April, but if not, the A7 II's 4K video and other features are fantastic.

The a7 II does not have 4K video,to my knowledge. At least, I can't find it on mine if it does.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

The a7 II does not have 4K video,to my knowledge. At least, I can't find it on mine if it does.

It doesn't. The A7R II was the first to get it, I believe, followed by the A7S II, and then it made into the cropped sensor models with the A6300.

What's with the A6000 series refresh cycle? March and then October of the same year and not a huge launch MSRP difference? I would be kind of pissed if I bought the A6300 earlier this year.

 

[JadedWriter]

It doesn't. The A7R II was the first to get it, I believe, followed by the A7S II, and then it made into the cropped sensor models with the A6300.

What's with the A6000 series refresh cycle? March and then October of the same year and not a huge launch MSRP difference? I would be kind of pissed if I bought the A6300 earlier this year.

I honestly just think the A6300 was rushed out as a stop gap camera with the 6500 being the real intended successor to the A6000.

 

[Astral/H3X]

I honestly just think the A6300 was rushed out as a stop gap camera with the 6500 being the real intended successor to the A6000.

I think it's the opposite -- the a6300 released too late. It always felt weird that we went from the a6000 and a7 to six cameras whose name starts with a7 and still just the a6000.

 

[JadedWriter]

I think it's the opposite -- the a6300 released too late. It always felt weird that we went from the a6000 and a7 to six cameras whose name starts with a7 and still just the a6000.

I guess both could be applicable. They could've held off on the 6500 to at least be released for the next fiscal year and not like six months after the 6300 came out.

 

[opticalmace]

Anyone struggle with mirrorless vs DSLR? I'm in no ecosystem at the moment, really.

I like the cheap lens options for DSLR (including used), but mirrorless cameras seem to have better tech for the dollar and are more compact... ~_~

 

[jongkookie]

Sony just needs to keep IBIS on the A7iii and add 4K video... and I'll commit, most likely on day zero too lol.

I just couldn't justify the $500 extra I'd be paying for IBIS on the A7ii when it's basically the same as a regular A7.

 

[JadedWriter]

Anyone struggle with mirrorless vs DSLR? I'm in no ecosystem at the moment, really.

I like the cheap lens options for DSLR (including used), but mirrorless cameras seem to have better tech for the dollar and are more compact... ~_~

Mirrorless is only smaller until you throw a 2.8 zoom lens on. Then it's pretty much the same size or even marginally bigger.

 

[kendrid]

If it ain't that it's probably the 18-105, which I don't like personally. He should at least look at a 2.8 17-50 from either Sigma or Tamron.

The Tamron 17-70 2.8/4 is also a lens to look into. I'm using it on my D5500 and I am very happy with it. I still wonder if I should have went with the 17-50 2.8 but I am happy with it.

 

[kendrid]

Anyone struggle with mirrorless vs DSLR? I'm in no ecosystem at the moment, really.

I like the cheap lens options for DSLR (including used), but mirrorless cameras seem to have better tech for the dollar and are more compact... ~_~

Do you do a lot of low light photography? If so I'd stay away from mirrorless. They are great cameras and shoot incredible video but the sensor is too small for some settings.

In regards to size I owned an OM-D EM-5 with the Panasonic 12-35 2.8 and my D5500 is substantially larger and a bit heavier. I don't mind for the better high ISO capabilities. The Em-5 with the Panasonic 12-32 pancake lens was awesome as a point and shoot that easily fit into my pocket.

I shoot my daughter jumping horses indoors and the D5500 was a huge step up from the EM-5. People who don't know that I bought a new camera comment how much brighter and cleaner my photos have been the past month.

I was really tempted to buy the GX85 but decided to go back to a larger sensor.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Do you do a lot of low light photography? If so I'd stay away from mirrorless. They are great cameras and shoot incredible video but the sensor is too small for some settings.

In regards to size I owned an OM-D EM-5 with the Panasonic 12-35 2.8 and my D5500 is substantially larger and a bit heavier. I don't mind for the better high ISO capabilities. The Em-5 with the Panasonic 12-32 pancake lens was awesome as a point and shoot that easily fit into my pocket.

I shoot my daughter jumping horses indoors and the D5500 was a huge step up from the EM-5. People who don't know that I bought a new camera comment how much brighter and cleaner my photos have been the past month.

I was really tempted to buy the GX85 but decided to go back to a larger sensor.

That's because your EM-5 had a four thirds sized sensor (around 225mm squared). Your D5500 has an APS-C sized sensor (around 370mm squared). Both are much smaller than full frame sensors (864mm squared) and other larger sized sensors that are less common.

Anyway, the sensor size is not determined by the type of camera (DSLR vs. Mirrorless). There are amazing APS-C and full frame sensor mirrorless cameras available.

 

[Astral/H3X]

Do you do a lot of low light photography? If so I'd stay away from mirrorless. They are great cameras and shoot incredible video but the sensor is too small for some settings.

In regards to size I owned an OM-D EM-5 with the Panasonic 12-35 2.8 and my D5500 is substantially larger and a bit heavier. I don't mind for the better high ISO capabilities. The Em-5 with the Panasonic 12-32 pancake lens was awesome as a point and shoot that easily fit into my pocket.

I shoot my daughter jumping horses indoors and the D5500 was a huge step up from the EM-5. People who don't know that I bought a new camera comment how much brighter and cleaner my photos have been the past month.

I was really tempted to buy the GX85 but decided to go back to a larger sensor.

My mirrorless A7 has an even bigger, and brighter sensor than your D5500, so no, that doesn't really have anything to do with mirrorless vs DSLR.
I mean, the reason why it's called "Micro 4/3rds" is because there was originally a "4/3rds" mount that was the same size, but designed for DSLRs.

Sony just needs to keep IBIS on the A7iii and add 4K video... and I'll commit, most likely on day zero too lol.

I just couldn't justify the $500 extra I'd be paying for IBIS on the A7ii when it's basically the same as a regular A7.

I bought the A7II specifically for the IBIS. Using exclusively vintage lenses, it was the only way I'm ever getting any stabilization haha.

 

[RuGalz]

Anyone struggle with mirrorless vs DSLR? I'm in no ecosystem at the moment, really.

I like the cheap lens options for DSLR (including used), but mirrorless cameras seem to have better tech for the dollar and are more compact... ~_~

Have both, still prefer my dslr. My dslr set is more complete at less cost so there's that too I guess. If you treate it as a tool instead of electronic gadget then you won't really need a lot of the tech to get the job done so it just comes down to preferences and needs.

 

[ShadowKingpin]

Sony just needs to keep IBIS on the A7iii and add 4K video... and I'll commit, most likely on day zero too lol.

I just couldn't justify the $500 extra I'd be paying for IBIS on the A7ii when it's basically the same as a regular A7.

This. I didn't know that the A7 II was 1080p-only. Now I will definitely buy the A6500 or the A7 III if announced. I want that 4K video.