DSLR Recommendations

Greetings!

I'm interested in hearing recs for a good DSLR to use for both video and photography around a $500 budget. Pics to include offroading and close-up nature shots. I would assume either Cannon or Nikon would be solid platforms to build on but I really don't know anything about DSLRs.

 

I got these a couple of years ago- love every time I use ‘er. Birds, landscapes...

https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d750.htm

https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/28-300mm.htm

I think Canon is the more popular, though.

Consider factory refurbished to get the best bang for the buck.

Sign up for Nikon and Canon emails, they’re always sending promos out.

The trend is to go mirrorless but I tend to be a one and done kinda person.

Kick around Ken’s site or other similar ones to get a sense of what’s out there.

 

Sweet thanks! I'll check those out.

 

I just re-read you’re OP, the gear I posted is above the $500 you mentioned. Apologies for that .

Before you purchase, research fully.

 

You can also look into B&H online.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com

 

As a full time professional photographer, people always ask me about camera recommendations. Over my 35+ years in the business, I've worked with many cameras, from Kodak 110 Instamatic to Linhof 4x5 cameras. I recommend taking a look at any of the Canon Rebel series cameras. Just buy the basic body w/ lens kit. Those package deals are just as worthless as all the dealer add ones when you buy a truck. Buy the model that you can afford. Learn to use it, then you can always upgrade to another body and/or accessories as needed.

 

For offroading I would consider a good waterproof and dust proof camera. I have Nikon gear including some very long lenses for wildlife, but they are too susceptible to dust to use on a trail.

As for wildlife/nature, are you interested in landscapes, wildlife like birds and mammals, or a variety? This really affects which lenses and camera bodies you get. Also, there are some great mirrorless out there too. I use Nikon DSLR’s, but have seen some great mirrorless cameras like Fiji and others out there that are simply amazing.

 

Thanks for the info guys!

 

That dust problem is just a Nikon thing. Every since Canon came out with their ultrasonic cleaning when you turn it on, I don't have any problems with dust. Yes, I've shot Nikon too

 

All modern DSLR’s have that little buzzing mirror thing and it does not protect an unsealed body or lens from dust. Take any DSLR out in the desert and see what happens when its out in dusty air.

 

One of my past jobs was cleaning cameras. Nikons had much more dust than Canon. Also, I was just talking with a group of photographers earlier this week and this topic came up. It was only the Nikon ones that had dust problems.
There are several things to do to prevent dust. The first is to use prime lenses. Zoom lenses suck air in every time you adjust the focal length. If you have to change your lens, shield your camera from the wind, face the camera toward the ground. Remove the back cover from the lens, quickly change lenses with the body still facing down, then put the back cover on the other lens.
By the way, I'm just trying to yank your chain. Its the same argument as Apple vs. Windows. (or Coke vs. Pepsi) LOL

 

You’re welcome. As for what I meant by trail camera; if you’re trying to get action movies of moving trucks, action shots of crawling on rocks, playing in mud and stuff like that that’s where a waterproof camera would be best used.

If you’re careful about changing your lenses while sitting in the truck when it’s dusty out to get nice landscapes or wildlife shots, then by all means get a DSLR. Really, there’s no difference between those big name cameras, and I’m not trying to get into a match about which one is best- They all shoot really good.

I just really think that as you mentioned for trail use and for nature shots, you might want to consider two different types of cameras.

 

Good suggestions here... Prime lenses really work well outdoors to prevent dust issues. I used to take a lot of wildlife and landscape shots at highway construction sites for work and used the same techniques you mentioned to protect my camera, and it worked.

A good little dustproof/waterproof camera makes a great trail camera for offroading too, a DSLR simply can’t get the same types of action movie shots one can get with a GoPro or something else like that.

 

After all these years, I decided to take the PPA certification test earlier this week. The dust topic was one of the questions.

 

I do love my GoPro Hero 6 for the action stuff. 4k if I want it and nearly indesctructible.