New slr.

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Originally Posted by austravel

What's that green laser in one of the photos? That's cool.

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier, a girlfriend of mine is a professional photograoher and she tells me go nikon. And she will most likely take me shopping for one.

Have been looking at the nikon d5100. Anyone have one? Thoughts?

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The camera body it is not important, before use all your money in a new camera with a kit lens get a used body with little use and a decent lens or two, that it is my opinion.
A Nikon D200 if you like Nikons or a Canon 50D both for under $500 will serve you well.
The simple rule for taken good sharp shots are:
1) The best glass that you can afford
2) The best tripod that you can afford
3 Camera body

This is what you can do with a Nikon D200

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...013/05/771.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...013/05/772.jpg

Top photos. That beach one is great.

She tells me, if i can afford it, to get a full frame camera. That coupled with a good lens, is better than max megapixel. I always thought that the more megapixels, the better the pic, but supposedly that's not true.

It's not so much the budget side of things, i have more of a problem with justification. So spending that little extra for a full frame and good lens, and something that is going to last a long time, i don't mind. I would rather that than spending $500 on a camera that i start to use, and find i can't do everything i want and have to update.

Looking at the nikon D600 - D700 at this stage.

The D700 have been replaced by the D800 so you should be able to get a very good deal.
The D600 is a new model and a good one as well.
I have a D300s, I like it because the crop factor of 1.5 is very good for avina and wild life photography.
My lens are a Tokina 12-24 f/4 for landscaping and the awesome good glass an value the 70-300 VR
If you like to see some examples of the images with this set up there are plenty in my page Arthur Plottier - arthur-plottier.megashot.net

Cheers
Arthur

She's right about megapixels...

I have an old 300d (relegated to backup duty now, bought a 60D) with 6 megapixels. Can crop images and print on A3 without pixelisation. Much clearer images than the wife's 14 megapixel point and shoot.

Given your budget I'd consider second hand, although I recommend buying through a reputable outlet if you're not clear on what's what.

Do you really need an SLR? For most things, I find a P&S more convenient and faster; also being lighter, you are more likely to have it with you. For travel, I mainly use a Sony HX9V which is a few years old now.

For some macro photography, where focus is critical, I do use my D300. I was going to get the D600, but could not justify getting yet another SLR when I have another 2 which are sitting idle (D100 and F4s).

Well I think I just liked what I could do with a slr. I have a little digital camera which I hate because by the time I take the photo, the moments over haha

But, my photographer friend has told me that if I want to get a good dslr, she'll take me to all sorts of places and teach me, then get me selling photos, so its a win win really. I am looking for a new career so could be a start.

Only time will tell, next couple days she'll take me to camera place to make a purchase :)

Edit: as for point and shoot, I have a galaxy s3, and the way technology is now, a phone can be perfect for a quick p&s.

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Originally Posted by austravel

Well I think I just liked what I could do with a slr. I have a little digital camera which I hate because by the time I take the photo, the moments over haha

But, my photographer friend has told me that if I want to get a good dslr, she'll take me to all sorts of places and teach me, then get me selling photos, so its a win win really. I am looking for a new career so could be a start.

Only time will tell, next couple days she'll take me to camera place to make a purchase :)

Edit: as for point and shoot, I have a galaxy s3, and the way technology is now, a phone can be perfect for a quick p&s.

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Converting a hobby to an income can be a challenge. Because of the Digital camera lots of people are trying to do the same thing. Best of luck.

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Originally Posted by mowog

Converting a hobby to an income can be a challenge. Because of the Digital camera lots of people are trying to do the same thing. Best of luck.

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I agree with you, I have a big exposure for the last 10 years or so and even if I have sold images the income is not enough to live out of it.
Even participating in exhibitions and competitions it is not enough.
In arts it is not what you know but who you know to be able to sell your work.

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Originally Posted by mowog

Converting a hobby to an income can be a challenge. Because of the Digital camera lots of people are trying to do the same thing. Best of luck.

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Totally agree. I've done it before, and some times it takes the fun out of the hobby. Luckily for me it doesn't have to be a income, more of a bonus if I make a couple bucks. But I have a main income.

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Originally Posted by Chucaro

In arts it is not what you know but who you know to be able to sell your work.

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Sad thing is it's not just arts this applies to. You could have all the skill set in the world, but doesn't mean you'll get the job. However in saying this I'm lucky because my friend is a professional photographer and is already sayingn she wants to train me. So yes you're right! Haha

I sell the odd print every now and then its a nice ego boost to think someone likes your work.

Since "For Sale" is a dirty word here... :nazilock:

Here is a site where I don't have anything for sale.

Flickriver: Photos from mowog