DSLR Camera Recommendations?

GoldenEyeNumismatics

My trusty $200 Canon point and shoot, which I have used for the past 6 years, has finally crapped out. I'm looking to upgrade to a nice DSLR in the neighborhood of $800-$1000 (including lens).

Any recommendations?

weresteve

Looks like Adorama has a couple of possibilities ... tho' apparently not bundled together.

Probably a Canon EOS Rebel T4i Body and a Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Compact Macro AutoFocus Lens ... or at least that would be my best estimate for coin photography.

Steve

UtahCoin

Canon 40D or 60D with a Canon EF 100mm 1:2.8 Macro lens.

renomedphys

Pick up a used Nikon D300 body and a used Sigma 150 Macro. Both of these things can be found for about $500 each with some looking.

Like this.

and this.

edited to add: took this with that setup within a week of getting it set up

Broadstruck

<< <i>Pick up a used Nikon D300 body and a used Sigma 150 Macro. Both of these things can be found for about $500 each with some looking.

Like this.

and this. >>



renomedphys, Thanks for posting as I had no idea D300 bodies are now attainable for $500.

GoldenEyeNumismatics, If you decide to go pre-owned also search Craigslist as this way you can inspect the gear in hand prior to payment.

blu62vette

Seems like a great deal on a D300, I love the Sigma 150 lens.

Edit: You don't need the OS Sigma, the older version is best for coin stuff, so don't worry about not having the most recent model. I use the non OS version and have bought that for others.

messydesk

The Nikon D5100 is a really good deal right now. The D5200 will be coming out soon, which is depressing the price of the D5100.

Brol

You can try also ATS: Here

JMW

Canon has some great deals on "refurbished cameras" Be sure to use the Canon USA website. Full warranties and better than new

morgansforever

renomedphys,
That is one heck of an image of a MPL, great job.

MD pointed out the 5100, I have to agree.

myth

Nikon d600

more then you were looking to spend but this is a great deal at this moment. This camera is ranked 3rd in dslr's at the moment, according to DxOmark which is the rating scale most pro photographers go by.

renomedphys

<< <i>Nikon d600

more then you were looking to spend but this is a great deal at this moment. This camera is ranked 3rd in dslr's at the moment, according to DxOmark which is the rating scale most pro photographers go by. >>



Another good deal on that!

Frankcoins

Consider "bridge" cameras (between P&S and DSLR) about $200




Or Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras such as the Pentax K-01 about $400

BryceM

For what it's worth, I'd plan on spending more on the lens than on the body. You will get far more for your money by buying used or refurbished too. The risk of something going south is a little greater, but that's what I did and I haven't regretted it one bit = more money to spend on coins.

I got a like-new Canon EOS Rebel XSi with a kit lens for around $350 and a new Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens for around $550. That leaves you $100 for a nice copy stand. Someday I'll upgrade the body, but for now I'm very pleased. The camera tethers nicely with the computer and it's a breeze to compose and experiment with the shot on the monitor. The photos are downloaded to the computer automatically as quick as I can shoot them.

phnatacc

Just to throw some more options on the table...

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 ($499 Body)
Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm/F2.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. ($679)

Deliciously compact and capable camera with an uber-sharp macro lens (90mm equivalent to 35mm)

A touch over budget @ $1178 - but the results are not to be trifled with...

baddspellar

Call Canon tech support and ask about their "Customer Loyalty Program". This allows you to trade in old Canon cameras (working or not) and get a ~20% discount on their posted refurbished prices. Last phone number I had for this was 866-443-8002

To get an idea what you might get, see their regular refurbished prices here: http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252

This is how I got my DSLR a couple of years ago. I traded in an old Canon film camera that had been gathering dust

Mitchell

Phnatcc: Very very nice work! I like the interplay of the droplets on the colors of the orchid.

Edscoin

Frank, Have you ever used the Fujifilm camera on coins?
Just wondering as I was looking at one last nite that was on sale cheap.

photog

I second the second-hand body! I shoot coins with a Nikon D200 I picked up for about $200 from KEH.

KEH is a great place for used gear - they come with warranties, and their grading scale for condition is reliable and accurate. I have never had a problem with them - and buying used has saved me a TON of money over the years!

Regardless of what body you go with, the Sigma 150 2.8 is fantastic lens - new or used.

Jenna
DWN

Aethelred

There are Nikon people and Canon people (I like Canon), however the results you will get have more to do with lighting and you level of skill than the particular camera model you are using.

lkeigwin

The DSL-R doesn't matter. Put the worst in the hands of the better photographers, with decent lenses, and you will agree.

My advice is don't spend too much. If you get into it you will learn and get the right set-up. And if you don't you haven't burned much.
Lance.

seateddime

Any thoughts on the D7000?

lcoopie

Plenty to read about camera selection by Ken Rockwell

morgansforever

<<Resolution and ISO are silly numbers used to try to sell you more expensive cameras. Resolution, expressed in megapixels, hasn't been relevant since the 1990s. I've made great 12 x 18" (30 x 45cm) prints from a 3MP camera, and 40x60" (100 x 150cm) prints from a 6MP camera. 6 Megapixels is all anyone needs for anything, and every camera here has two or three times that today.>>

Interesting, I was under the impression more MP's was necessary for enlarging say a dime to 25x it's original size.
From the link lcoopie provided by Ken Rockwell.

mrearlygold

We use a camera we paid $250 for years ago, a "kodak" . We're about to upgrade One of these days.

GoldenEyeNumismatics

<< <i>You can try also ATS: Here >>



I wound up buying that one. Thanks for the tip!

Pics with the new camera...

morgansforever

My local pawn shop wants $300 for a D3100 kit with the 18-55, complete with battery, charger, strap, software, manual, box etc.
Thing looks brand new and the receipt was for $550 bought 3 months ago. I'm thinking I should pull the trigger. Good entry point do you agree?
Any pointers on what I should look for, besides the obvious, making sure it works, anything else?

Some basic specs:
14.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
EXPEED 2 Image Processor
3.0" 230k-Dot LCD Monitor
Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 24 fps
11-Point Autofocus System
ISO 100-3200 (Expandable to ISO 12800)
3 fps Continuous Shooting Rate
Scene Recognition System
Active D-Lighting & Scene Auto Selector

lcoopie

I'd rather get it refurbished by Nikon for a little more

link to adorama

19Lyds

<< <i>

<< <i>You can try also ATS: Here >>



I wound up buying that one. Thanks for the tip!

Pics with the new camera...

>>

Well Crap! I coulda used that one!

lkenefic

Older thread resurrection alert!

Hello everyone... many of the cameras listed here are now available used in the $150 - $200 range with a macro lens. I've also encountered Canon EOS Rebel t2i and t3 at this price point as well.

So, how have these units fared over the last ten years? Are the refurbished Canons ok, or would I be better served buying a lower quality newer camera and macro lens?

Thanks in advance!