Anton Falco
EF0
Hello All.
I know this has been brought up here on the forums a few times, as I've used the search feature and read through and absorbed as much info as I could from previous threads, but I could use some assistance from those with more knowledge and experience chasing than me; especially as some of those previous threads are several years old.
I'm starting from scratch (no previous high end cameras), but I do have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 DSLR that I've had for two years. I've taught myself the basics of photography, and feel I've outgrown this camera and its basic features. My pictures from the May 24 Dodge City event looked great, or so I thought, until I saw the pictures of photographers here. I'm not nearly as skilled, or as experienced, but that little camera can't quite keep up, obviously.
As a result, I've been doing research since that event, and based on the title, I'm completely torn on which direction to go. As stated previously, I don't own any other cameras or lenses, so there's lost investment. I don't mind the learning curve of buying an advanced camera, as I don't imagine it leaving my hands much for the first while after getting it. I know the tried and tested Nikon/Canon DSLRs are solid and have a much larger lens selection, but seeing the features and potential future abilities of the mirrorless cameras has me pondering going that direction; though I don't know as much about their track record. The low light features on some of those Sony mirrorless cameras look INSANE.
When not chasing, I'd like to do landscape and nature photography, (maybe some sports, but it wouldn't be the primary use) but chasing (lightning, structure and tornadoes) would be the primary reason. I have about $1500-$2000 (Canadian, so the exchange will hurt a bit) to spend on the camera and, ideally, two lenses that can give me a balance between structure and being able to zoom. I was pondering a 18-135mm lens, the Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 lens (that has rave reviews on the forums here), and maybe a lens in the 10-22mm form for structure, if that sounds logical, to cover most bases. I just bought a decent camcorder, so video isn't a massive concern for the camera, though I won't balk at 4k video.
I've been looking at:
1) Canon EOS 80D. Starts around $1200, but will push the edge of my $2000 budget with the lenses I want.
2) Nikon D7200. Also starts around $1200, but includes a 18-140mm lens for an additional $400.
3) Sony Alpha a6300. A bit more expensive to start, and not quite the lens selection (before buying the adapter), but extreme low light ability. I've read about overheating concerns, but I'm not sure if they're warranted.
I know there's no such thing as "future proof", and that most DSLR and mirrorless cameras can get you good shots without spending an arm and a leg, but I would like something good and consistent for a while without needing to upgrade anything but lenses. I'm open to any and all suggestions. Perhaps a cheaper body and better lenses.
I'm just completely unsure of which direction to go as I've learned more and more about the features and tons of options available, and I'd greatly appreciate any feedback.
I know this has been brought up here on the forums a few times, as I've used the search feature and read through and absorbed as much info as I could from previous threads, but I could use some assistance from those with more knowledge and experience chasing than me; especially as some of those previous threads are several years old.
I'm starting from scratch (no previous high end cameras), but I do have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 DSLR that I've had for two years. I've taught myself the basics of photography, and feel I've outgrown this camera and its basic features. My pictures from the May 24 Dodge City event looked great, or so I thought, until I saw the pictures of photographers here. I'm not nearly as skilled, or as experienced, but that little camera can't quite keep up, obviously.
As a result, I've been doing research since that event, and based on the title, I'm completely torn on which direction to go. As stated previously, I don't own any other cameras or lenses, so there's lost investment. I don't mind the learning curve of buying an advanced camera, as I don't imagine it leaving my hands much for the first while after getting it. I know the tried and tested Nikon/Canon DSLRs are solid and have a much larger lens selection, but seeing the features and potential future abilities of the mirrorless cameras has me pondering going that direction; though I don't know as much about their track record. The low light features on some of those Sony mirrorless cameras look INSANE.
When not chasing, I'd like to do landscape and nature photography, (maybe some sports, but it wouldn't be the primary use) but chasing (lightning, structure and tornadoes) would be the primary reason. I have about $1500-$2000 (Canadian, so the exchange will hurt a bit) to spend on the camera and, ideally, two lenses that can give me a balance between structure and being able to zoom. I was pondering a 18-135mm lens, the Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 lens (that has rave reviews on the forums here), and maybe a lens in the 10-22mm form for structure, if that sounds logical, to cover most bases. I just bought a decent camcorder, so video isn't a massive concern for the camera, though I won't balk at 4k video.
I've been looking at:
1) Canon EOS 80D. Starts around $1200, but will push the edge of my $2000 budget with the lenses I want.
2) Nikon D7200. Also starts around $1200, but includes a 18-140mm lens for an additional $400.
3) Sony Alpha a6300. A bit more expensive to start, and not quite the lens selection (before buying the adapter), but extreme low light ability. I've read about overheating concerns, but I'm not sure if they're warranted.
I know there's no such thing as "future proof", and that most DSLR and mirrorless cameras can get you good shots without spending an arm and a leg, but I would like something good and consistent for a while without needing to upgrade anything but lenses. I'm open to any and all suggestions. Perhaps a cheaper body and better lenses.
I'm just completely unsure of which direction to go as I've learned more and more about the features and tons of options available, and I'd greatly appreciate any feedback.
