There are so many factors to consider when purchasing your first “serious” camera. Quite frankly, the cameras on the market today are all so competitive that you're unlikely to find a camera that is not capable of producing professional quality photos.
My main advice to you is to stop obsessing about scientific details, and focus more on which camera is more fun for you to shoot. I have been shooting Nikon full-frame cameras (and before Nikon, I shot Canon) for several years. I have shot every camera on the market many many times. But in mid-2015 I sold all my full-frame Nikon gear and switch to the Fuji system. Why? It's much lighter, it has more techy features which I enjoy, and it costs half the price.
What I found is that when I got my Fuji XT1, I looked back several weeks later and found that I'd never picked up my old Nikon since I got the new Fuji. Why? The Nikon was so heavy and such a pain to carry around, that I never found myself bringing it with me. Now I look back through my portfolio since the switch and there are about 10 photos in there that I would never have taken with my Nikon because I never would have brought my camera with me.
So my advice is to pick a camera that (1) Is suitable to your budget, (2) Is a good fit for the type of photography you'll be doing, and (3) Is fun for you to shoot.
If I were buying my first camera today, here are some of the main options I'd consider, along with some things to consider about each one.
Jim's #1 Pick for Your First Serious Camera: Fuji XT10
There is so much to love about the Fuji XT10. The way I've been gushing on Fuji in this article, you may be wondering if they sponsor me. They don't at all.
I love the Fuji system because they have an intuitive system of buttons and dials for helping the photographer to set the exposure in manual or automatic mode in the fastest time possible. It can take some time to getting used to all of the buttons and dials, but once you do, you'll fall in love. I also like the big, bright digital viewfinder in the Fuji cameras.
But the two primary reasons for my love of Fuji are (1) They are extremely lightweight, and (2) the lenses on the Fuji system are top notch.
I think the Fuji XT10 is an excellent choice if you'll be primarily taking pictures of family, doing portraits (including if you're thinking you may want to do it professionally), street photography, travel photography, and landscape photography. There are two areas that I'd caution you against choosing sony: wildlife and sports. Fuji has plans to release a supertelephoto lens but we haven't seen it yet. If you're shooting wildlife or sports, there just aren't great lens options for you yet.
Check out the Fuji XT10 on Amazon to see the current price.
#2: Nikon D3300
No, I'm not a Canon hater. I own a Canon camera still and I think there are many advantages to them. However, in this case I'd pick the Nikon D3300 mostly for the price over the T5i or T6i.
The Nikon D3300 is an excellent first serious camera if you're going to be doing sports photography or wildlife photography. It's also a good choice if you know you want to stick with a traditional DSLR format instead of trying out a mirrorless camera.
Personally, I'd take the XT10 over the Nikon D3300 or Canon Rebel any day of the week, but that's just my personal preference.
Which DSLR is better? Canon or Nikon?
There are many differences between Canon and Nikon. Some of the differences are significant, but almost all are trivial. Having the opportunity to shoot both brands on a regular basis, here are the major differences that I have found between Canon and Nikon cameras.
Benefits of Nikon DSLR Cameras
- Nikon cameras almost always have more focus points. This is a major advantage because it enables you to follow the rule of thirds where Canon cameras often don't have focus points near the third lines–forcing the photographer to focus and recompose.
- Nikon cameras are often slightly less expensive than comparable Canon cameras.
- Slightly larger sensors. Nikon uses a crop sensor that is slightly larger than the comparable Canons. Obviously this isn't true for full frame cameras, which are identical in size between the brands.
- Built-in features. Nikon is often more willing to include features such as timelapse and bracketing into its cameras.
Benefits of Canon DSLR Cameras
- Better color and contrast in RAW files. Many photographers think that RAW files come straight off the sensor without processing, but that is not technically true. Canon RAW photos look more polished when you first look at them on the computer, but please don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying Nikon photos look any less colorful or contrasty when finished. I'm only saying they look more polished straight out of the camera when shooting in RAW. If you shoot in JPEG, you'll notice a difference in the color styles, but the final photo will look just as good from one camera as the other.
- More user-friendly UI. The user interface and menu system on Canon cameras has always seemed more intuitive to me than the Nikon system. However, Nikon is working to improve on this front with new GUI features on the D5200.
- Focus motor. There are very few lenses on the market that require the camera to have its own focus motor. Usually the focus motor is found in the lens. However, the popular Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens requires a focus motor and some of the entry-level Nikon DSLRs don't have a focus motor. This means that newer photographers are forced to spend an extra $120 for the 50mm f/1.8G lens to get a focus motor. This is a very minor difference, but since most new photographers will eventually buy this lens, it is something to be aware of. Advantage Canon.
When it really comes down to it, buy whichever brand has the best camera in your price range and then stick with that brand.
Mirrorless or DSLR
I personally believe that all of the top cameras will be mirrorless within the next 5 years, but right now it really just depends on your personal preferences. The mirrorless system has many advantages, but also some drawbacks that haven't yet been overcome.
If I were buying a camera today as my first camera and I didn't fall into a special situation where I needed a very robust lens system from a Canon or Nikon, I'd probably start out with a mirrorless camera since they are generally better connected, easier to use, and less expensive.
I use a mirrorless camera for all of my professional work now.
Should I go full frame?
Good question… one which I have answered extensively in this post.
So, I’m just starting out. I’ve gone some photography of my mothers products for her and were happy with the results. So, when my cousin asked me to do her wedding photos I figured why not?
So I purchased a nikon d3200 that came with two lenses. Was this a bad choice for a beginner who wants to pretend to be a photographer?
I was also looking at flashes and what not and I’m becoming increasingly paranoid I’ll make the wrong choice here. She knows I’m new, and my cousin can’t afford a real photographer, but that doesn’t mean I want to half ass this. Hell, I probably would have bought thousands of dollars in equipment if I could have afforded it.
Any advice that would help me best capture my cousins wedding would be a blessing.
And thank you for all the information this site has. It seems I have a lot of studying to do :/
Helpful post. Thanks.
I currently have a Canon XS Rebel with the two kit lenses.
I am unsure if I should upgrade to a new body (like the 7D) or go for a new lens like the Tamron 24-70.
I am obviously on a budget but am getting in lifestyle photography (paid gigs).
What is a better investment at this time?
Hey Camilla,
that’s a bit of difficult situation. No offence, but the XS (better known as the 1000D) really isn’t such a great camera, both in terms of features, image quality and built quality. I would still recommend investing in better lenses first.
There are some cheap but outstanding prime lenses out there which will show you that your camera is capable of producing much better results than you could with your kit-lenses. They are also rather fast (large aperture) which makes them perfect for gigs. I’d recommend a fast (something around f/1.7) 50 mm and/or 35 mm prime.
Thanks for sharing … very helpful indeed.
Hi I love your show I have two questions. I currently have a Nikon D60 with the two vr kit lenses. I’m thinking of upgrading my equipment & have been told that it’s better to just buy better lenses & keep the camera body. Is this true & if so which lenses do you suggest ? Or should I upgrade my camera to a 5200 or 7100 ? I like to shoot landscapes & candid street photography mostly. Thanks. Adrian from Cork, Ireland
is sony cyber shot dsc h300 camera is sufficient for photography
I haven’t seen any Lumix Panasonic, does it mean they aren’t good enough? I would like to start photography and have been thinking of getting a Lumix.
If you get a chance to listen to the podcast, you will notice Jim is not yet a big fan of mirrorrless cameras. It may happen down the road, but he is not there yet.
Would also encourage you to look at the reviews and think about what YOU want to do. Some will argue that NOTHING but a $4000+ DSLR is good enough for professional work while others will tell you they do professional work with their sub $1000 mirrorrless cameras.
I would encourage you to look at the LENS systems available and the PRICES of said lenses for the cameras you are considering.
The LUMIX has a GREAT video reputation if you are wanting to shoot video. It also shares it’s lens system with OLYMPUS as they are Micro Four Thirds.
Fujii makes some incredible cameras as does Sony in the mirrorless cameras.
Ultimately, I would encourage you to do your homework, if you can, go to a camera store and HANDLE the cameras you are considering.
Canon and Nikkon tend to hold their RESALE value and have been around. If you go outside those two brands, you will find the cameras to be smaller, lighter, more competitive in prices and loaded with MANY features that the DSLR’s likely won’t offer.
I personally shoot with the OLYMPUS OMD-EM10 and have a bunch of lenses for it and would be happy to rave about it all day.
By “do your homework” I would encourage you to look for prices and reviews. One site that may help is http://www.dpreview.com/.
Once you start to narrow it down, look for images made with the camera and/or lenses. You can do this with a simple google search – (images taken with Olympus OMD EM10 for instance).
Another option is to go to FLICKR.com and do a search for camera and lens you like and it will show you a ton of images taken with that system.
Be aware, if you are just getting into this, also consider the fact that there is SKILL involved in getting the best images out of ANY camera.
Finally, if you are a pro or have been shooting for years already, disregard all my previous comments as you probably already know all these things!!!! 🙂
Nikon and Canon provide greater options for accessories. But for the straight studio photographer the best option is a Sony A7R. Imagine a Nikon D810 Sensor (made by Sony) and the ability to use your choice of Sony, Nikon, Canon, and Leica lenses. A combo that can’t be beat.
What are your thoughts about the Pentax K50? Pentax in general?
Any Pentax camera is fine, the k5ll or k3 is all a person needs. they have features that no one else have for the price point.
I love pentax cameras. they are, in my oppinion, the most fun to shoot, and have the most personality. there are “better cameras” but when you are looking to shoot, I’d shoot what fits my needs and shooting style best. A great starter pentax is the k50 (with the wr kit lens) because it’s got a decent mp count, it’s weather sealed, and it’s cheap. image quality is great, video is more then adequate, though not it’s best feature, it’s more than usable. for ~$300 it’s a monster and a great intro into the strange and fun world of pentax (full disclosure i’ve shot nikon, canon, pentax, fuji and samsung) My favorite cameras of all time are from pentax and canon, but try one out, once you familiarize yourself with the super simplistic menu system, they really are a joy to shoot.
Any Thoughts on the Fugi X-T1? I had the X-E1 for 12 months and it changed my entire shooting style. I feel as though I got the missed shots I always wanted. I just purchased the X-T1 and am looking for an inexpensive off camera flash set-up with the recommended beauty dish.- Any comments appreciated.
Hello Sir
I have recently purchased Fujifilm finepx S6800. I am not a professional photographer but I love shooting photos. Is this camera is good ?
i’d look at upgrading it once you’ve outgrown it’s abilities, but it’s a tool to learn photography basics, and composition. when you upgrade, if you want to keep it fuji, to which i have personal attachment, their mirrorless cameras are literally among the best in the world.
Confessions of a former Nikon fan. I sold all my Nikon gear and acquired Olympus and Panasonic micro four thirds cameras and lenses. I was shooting mostly landscapes, macros and operating room pictures. The Olympus OM-D EM-1 has a extensive selection of lenses. Great wide angles, macros, and the best close-up/macro system I have ever used (I did have the Nikon system and sold it). Most of my pictures are either on-line or printed no larger than 13 x 19. The reason for my selling off the Nikon was the weight and size. At my age (60’s) lugging a D7100, Induro tripod and ballhead and lenses was too much of a chore. A trip to Ireland with the Olympus and 12-50 mm high quality zoom convinced me. The pictures were collected in a photo book. I think this wonderful web site would do a service in making equipment recommendations for non-pro photographers if they asked the questions: (I think this might be quoting from a recent PODCAST) 1. What are you going to shoot? 2. What’s your budget? 3. How much experience to you have with photography: a you a casual shooter or serious? This might be a better place to start.
I am now doing wildlife photography (birds). You have made the statement in your PODCASTS that you can’t get birds in flight with mirrorless cameras because they can’t track moving subjects well. The EM-1 focuses relatively fast and by tweaking settings ala other blogsters on various forums you can do respectably well with birds in flight.
The Olympus OM-D EM-1 is pretty amazing!
Just read your most recent behind the scenes photo, where you quoted that the Nikon D750 was WAAAAY better than the D800. Make sure you update this gear page, since I recently bought the D800 on your recommendation. Considered the D750 from the recommendation of another photog, but bought the D800 instead after reading your review. My decisions were my own, so not faulting you at all. But I wouldn’t want you to be contradictory on your site.
I am wondering if you have a preferred camera for real estate photography. Looking to take great interior and exterior shots. Also, what accessories would you recommend?
First i had nikon d300. Then i replace it with d7100. And now i get nikon d810. I surprice with iso 64 & 32. The dynamic range is woww.
I thing mirroles has not better image quality than d810.
HI, I was wondering how you felt about Pentax brand cameras? It’s what I use for my photography business and love it, but it’s the only brand ive ever had, so not sure if its really great, or just great because I have nothing to compare it to. Thanks!
“Benefits of Canon DSLR Cameras
* Better color and contrast in RAW files.”
Personally, shooting Canon and Nikon I see NEFs have more dynamic range than CR2s.
How a raw file first “appears” in the raw converter depends on which one and how you use it. Raw files by definition are uncooked. If you use Nikon Capture the file will look as good as a JPEG straight out of camera. If you prefer Lightroom or Capture One it’s a simple matter to create your own default setting in your raw converter of choice and have it applied as the image is imported/opened.
$47.61 GoPro Alternative 4k action camera http://www.gearbest.com/action-cameras/pp_234671.html?vip=88126
Hi Jim. Have you had a chance to review (in person) the XPro2 yet? I am curious if you would still recommend the XT1 over the Xpro2? I currently have a D7000 and primarily use an 85mm 1.8 for portraits and the kit 18-55mm lens for landscapes. My intent in the future is to focus mostly on travel/landscape photography.
Really anxious to read your review on the XPro2. Really anxious to read your review on the XPro2. Did I say … Really anxious to read your review on the XPro2.