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Recommended Cameras

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.

85 thoughts on “Recommended Cameras”

  1. Jim, I just purchased a Fuji X-T10 from your review. I have a Nikon, but you’re right. It is a real heavy pain to pack. I take ranch photos, so am horseback much of the time. I’m having a hard time getting the X-T10 menu to work according to its manual, especially when using wide-angle lens and wanting to set the “lens moderation optimizer”. I’ve tried to reset to factory defaults, been through the manual front & back, and been on line trying to figure this out. Any tips or websites that help with getting the most out of this camera?

  2. Harpreet SIngh

    Hi Jim,

    I am looking to buy Canon 80D 18-135 lens, will it be a good option for a start in phototgraphy

  3. Hi Jeff,
    I’m looking to get my first “good” camera. Want to use it taking pictures of my daughter at marching band parades and video my girls concerts too. I want something I can take action shots but also use on vacation to take pictures and do some landscape photography. I only use a point and shoot now and my iPhone. Confused on what to buy. Don’t want to spend $1,000. Just want something easy to use that will take great pictures. Please help!

  4. “There are two areas that I’d caution you against choosing *sony*: wildlife and sports” – is that supposed to read Fuji?

    Good article btw. My first camera (which I’m still shooting on) is a Sony a57. I thoroughly enjoy it, and it has some of the benefits of a mirrorless system because of the translucent mirror. I’m wanting to go fullframe soon. Unfortunately the SLT line from Sony seems not to have a certain future. Also the lens system doesn’t get very good press so I’m undecided about going Sony mirrorless (Sony being what I’m familiar with), non-Sony mirrorless, or sticking with a DSLR format. I can’t imagine shooting without the benefits of a EVF though.

    1. i know this is strange, but i still hate evf’s. i’m trying to come around, but i just can’t seem to get over the digital feeling they give me, which at some level disconnects me from the subject.. maybe i just need to shoot the right evf

  5. I just stumbled on this post thus far, i have been shooting with a t6 for about two weeks i enjoy it i shot alot of everything. I have canon 50mm 1.8 lens. I wanted to ask if i should upgrade my camera or get a better all around lens?

  6. Any chance you might do a review on Compact Cameras – esp those suitable for travel photography when we are reluctant to haul our DSLR around with us?

    I understand the technology is putting out some very capable cameras but can’t sort through all the reviews.

    Have always looked to IP for buying recommendations!

  7. Hey Jim, my first camera was a Canon AE-1 35mm, and it took great pictures. I am a novice on my best day, lol. But I really do love the digital side of the photography world. I still have a Minolta Maxum 7000 that I bought off friend back in 88. Still works too, lol. Anyway, I am looking into getting a entry to mid level serious camera that I can grow into. I really like your take on Fuji, and I just saw that they released the X-T2, which is 24mbs now. Have you had a chance to review that yet? Thanks!!

    1. Pentax… well you’ve got a fine camera, that will last for years and will take the same photos these other ones will. Images are taken with lenses and sensors. Pentax has a good Sony sensor in it that is used by Nikon and Canon in their models. All brands have cheap and expensive lenses and Pentax offers a huge range with access to some excellent film camera glass that works well and is quite inexpensive (though it wasn’t when it was new). Enjoy your camera and go take some great photos.

  8. Hi, i am prashant from Delhi, India. suddenly i opened your site today and it came out to be a pleasent surprise for me that you have recommended Fuji xt10 as choice of the camera and I have just bought xt10 one month back. Till now i am exploring the camera, and its wonderful. thanx, looking forward for many more tips and suggestions. wonderful site.

  9. What are your thoughts on the new Fuji XT20 and if it could be used for landscapes professionally? How does it’s image quality compare to the likes of the Nikon d750?

  10. Hi , Are you still online in 2017?
    I have a few questions. Need to buy a great camera for taking indoor Real Estate Pictures. My problem, the walls never seem to be true to the color. Whats the secret. Is it the camera, the lens or me? I don’t favor the Canon and I am leaning towards the Nikon and would love your advice.
    Thanks for your help,
    Gail

  11. Jim:

    I’m considering the Fujifilm mirrorless system but am a bit conflicted as to which model to choose. There now seem to be several choices and I’m wondering whether you’re still staying with the XT 1 or have moved on to one of the newer choices?

    A little background. I too was a Nikon shooter for many years feel it’s time for a change.

    I’d greatly appreciate your comments on the subject noted above.

    Thanks,

    Hank

  12. Hi, there just like to say that there are some people on here think that if you don’t have a canon or Nikon your poor MONEY talks. I have Olympus e-500 which is a great camera.

  13. I absolutely appreciate all the information provided on this site. I’m a little late to the party however. So my question is now that it is 2018 is the Fujifilm xt10 still the recommended camera for beginners in Jim’s opinion?? If not, the what is the camera suggested? Also I’ve been reading thru this website recommendation on laptops for beginners (mac pro lineup). Is this recommendation still the same for laptop?? I would appreciate a response.

  14. I shoot both, this is my observation:
    Canon cameras have better low light performance.
    Nikon cameras seem to be more durable (Motherboard of 6D once died, joint fracture of Canon 24-70 II lens, no repairs so far on Nikon product).Besides the Canon cameras feel more plasticky while the magnessium based Nikon frame feels more solid and assuring to feel.
    Nikon cameras have better battery performance.
    The color rendition of the Nikon Cameras are more realistic to what I see in life than Canons.Canon images seems “futuristic” like in wonderland, some people may actual like this in Canon.
    Nikon images look more 3D while Canon Images seem flat.
    I prefer Canon L lenses to Nikon G lenses. The L lenses produce more crisp and cleaner images than comparable Nikon lenses.
    I use the Nikon cameras >70% of the time because of the longer battery life performance and durability in the field.

  15. If you are looking for the best DSLR cameras, then I will suggest you visit the article once before buying it. This article will provide some of the parameters that you must check for a camera.

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