Buy new or used?

[monkeybug]

I'm currently looking for my first DSLR camera and I'm wondering if I should get an older better quality model, or buy a brand new entry level model.
I will be primarily photographing people and especially kids (wiggly ones )
I can get an Nikon D5000 off of craigslist for about the same price as I can buy a Canon Rebel T3, Nikon D3100, or a refurbished Canon T4I.
I've read that when photographing things that move it's pretty nice to have a camera with Al Servo/AF-C and those features don't come on the newer cameras that I can afford, I'd have to get refurbished or used.
So, is it better to start with the new more affordable entry level or buy the refurbished/used ones?
I'm a beginner to be sure, but I'm interested in learning as much as possible and plan on taking photography classes.
Thanks!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

One of the first things I always ask is, "What's your budget?". Remember the camera body is only one part of the equation. Lenses are second, along with SD cards, maybe an extra battery, maybe an external flash, bag, etc. Probably the first thing you should do is some research and education. Currently, www.dpreview.com is running a series of articles on cameras. At least one or more of the articles is on cameras for the first time buyer. I would definitely review these.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/33...urce=news-list&utm_medium=text&ref=title_0_11

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/4259691750/camera-roundups-2013-what-to-buy-and-why

Also, there are other manufacturers producing quality products other than Nikon and Canon (the Big 2). I would keep an open mind and compare all the models in your price range and then try to handle them prior to purchase. You may find that the camera you thought you wanted doesn't fit your hand or the menu is not user friendly. A lot goes into the first time DSLR purchase. After your initial purchase it gets easier!

As far as whether you should purchase new vs older used or refurbed, I always like to purchase the latest technology. Besides the knowledge of the photographer, every image includes an equipment component. Manufacturers are producing cameras today that we only imagined a few years ago. The newer cameras make getting well exposed images much easier today. They have built new cameras with sensors that now can obtain an image in very low light conditions without the use of flash. Just a few years ago this was not possible. This is why I always go for the latest technology when upgrading.

 

[monkeybug]

One of the first things I always ask is, "What's your budget?". Remember the camera body is only one part of the equation. Lenses are second, along with SD cards, maybe an extra battery, maybe an external flash, bag, etc. Probably the first thing you should do is some research and education. Currently, www.dpreview.com is running a series of articles on cameras. At least one or more of the articles is on cameras for the first time buyer. I would definitely review these.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/33...urce=news-list&utm_medium=text&ref=title_0_11

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/4259691750/camera-roundups-2013-what-to-buy-and-why

Also, there are other manufacturers producing quality products other than Nikon and Canon (the Big 2). I would keep an open mind and compare all the models in your price range and then try to handle them prior to purchase. You may find that the camera you thought you wanted doesn't fit your hand or the menu is not user friendly. A lot goes into the first time DSLR purchase. After your initial purchase it gets easier!

As far as whether you should purchase new vs older used or refurbed, I always like to purchase the latest technology. Besides the knowledge of the photographer, every image includes an equipment component. Manufacturers are producing cameras today that we only imagined a few years ago. The newer cameras make getting well exposed images much easier today. They have built new cameras with sensors that now can obtain an image in very low light conditions without the use of flash. Just a few years ago this was not possible. This is why I always go for the latest technology when upgrading.

Thank you!
I've been reading and researching as much as I can, but as someone who has no experience, it's hard to know what to look for! The articles and website you pointed me to were very helpful.
My budget is as far under $1,000 as I can be! I'd like to be close to $500 if possible.
I just try to keep reminding myself that I don't need everything all at once!

 

[havoc315]

You can get more for your money buying used. A slightly older mid level camera will often have better features and image quality equal to a new entry level. (In fact, in the Sony line, the discontinued a57 is a better overall camera than the a58).
But you are generally passing up on a full warranty. So there is a bit of increased risk.

In your case, carefully research the features and advancements in the models you are considering -- new and used. Read the reviews on dpreview.com and other places.

 

[littlekidagain]

I pick up a refurbished Canon T4i kit for my daughter. It came with a 1 year Canon warranty. I have used it and ran some test on it, I can't find any problems. It was under $600 from B&H. She won't get it for 2 more weeks.

 

[photo_chick]

I'm currently looking for my first DSLR camera and I'm wondering if I should get an older better quality model, or buy a brand new entry level model.
I will be primarily photographing people and especially kids (wiggly ones )
I can get an Nikon D5000 off of craigslist for about the same price as I can buy a Canon Rebel T3, Nikon D3100, or a refurbished Canon T4I.
I've read that when photographing things that move it's pretty nice to have a camera with Al Servo/AF-C and those features don't come on the newer cameras that I can afford, I'd have to get refurbished or used.
So, is it better to start with the new more affordable entry level or buy the refurbished/used ones?
I'm a beginner to be sure, but I'm interested in learning as much as possible and plan on taking photography classes.
Thanks!

One thing to remember when you're looking at the Canon line... the T2i, T3i, T4i, T5i, 60D and 7D all have nearly identical image quality. It comes down to features with those when you're deciding which to get.

The AF modes are nice but the quality of your lens is just as important when it comes to making sharp images. Some lenses focus faster and more accurately than others, then there is contrast and clarity variations on lenses. Skill is also a factor. Anticipating, setting up, knowing where to put the focus point and how your AF will best lock on in a situation come into play. Most people don't think about all the factors. Nailing the focus consistently on moving subjects is about a lot more than just having AI Servo mode.

Also check KEH when buying used.

 

[wiigirl]

One thing to remember when you're looking at the Canon line... the T2i, T3i, T4i, T5i, 60D and 7D all have nearly identical image quality. It comes down to features with those when you're deciding which to get.

The AF modes are nice but the quality of your lens is just as important when it comes to making sharp images. Some lenses focus faster and more accurately than others, then there is contrast and clarity variations on lenses. Skill is also a factor. Anticipating, setting up, knowing where to put the focus point and how your AF will best lock on in a situation come into play. Most people don't think about all the factors. Nailing the focus consistently on moving subjects is about a lot more than just having AI Servo mode.

Also check KEH when buying used.

Very good points...

 

[monkeybug]

Thank you everyone for the helpful replies!
While I was researching and reading and trying to figure out which way was the best to go, my husband was secretly standing in line in Target and brought me home a Nikon D3200!
I spent all day yesterday taking pictures (in manual mostly), reading and watching youtube, and then taking more pictures! I even found open course courses on photography from Stanford and MIT.
I do have some (probably really dumb) questions though! I shot everything in raw yesterday because I also want to learn some basic photo editing, but when I tried to upload them into iphoto, it said they were in an unrecognizable format. I looked on apple's website and it said it supported raw files from the D3200. Maybe I have an old version?
I don't plan on editing them anytime soon, just wanted to save them in that format for when I do, but should I just use jpeg for now? Can I use a free program like Picaso to save them without editing them? (with the intention of editing them later)
What affordable lenses are good for portraits?

 

[kofslinky]

Check in the App Store for any Mac updates. I get them periodically for a "Digital Camera RAW" update for different cameras, so there might be something in there. Also make sure you're up to date on iPhoto- then you should be all set!

(You can also set up the Edit button in iPhoto to do your editing in external programs like Photoshop if you want. The only downside is I can't seem to get the edits to come back into iPhoto without reimporting the image.)

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Until you resolve your editing issue, my recommendation is that you shoot in JPEG and RAW. On my camera it is called RAW+. You will get both formats. The JPEG for instant gratification and the RAW for later edits. It will take more memory, however it gives you the best of both worlds. I use it quite frequently when I don't need the burst speed for shooting sports, etc.

Good luck and have fun with the new camera!

 

[monkeybug]

Check in the App Store for any Mac updates. I get them periodically for a "Digital Camera RAW" update for different cameras, so there might be something in there. Also make sure you're up to date on iPhoto- then you should be all set!

(You can also set up the Edit button in iPhoto to do your editing in external programs like Photoshop if you want. The only downside is I can't seem to get the edits to come back into iPhoto without reimporting the image.)

Thanks! I didn't know I could set up the edit button to take me to another program.
I think I have to buy the newer version of iphoto, mine is from 2010 and as far as I can tell there are no free software updates I'm missing.

Until you resolve your editing issue, my recommendation is that you shoot in JPEG and RAW. On my camera it is called RAW+. You will get both formats. The JPEG for instant gratification and the RAW for later edits. It will take more memory, however it gives you the best of both worlds. I use it quite frequently when I don't need the burst speed for shooting sports, etc.

Good luck and have fun with the new camera!

Thanks! I saw that setting and wondered if it would fix my problem, I just worried that with no way of copying the raw files without deleting them it would fill up my memory card too quickly. Maybe there is a way to delete the jpegs off the card but not the raw? Hopefully once I update iphoto that won't be an issue though.
Speaking of shooting sports, I was practicing with the shutter priority setting and having my daughter spin, it worked really well indoors, but when we went outside I couldn't get pictures without a lot of blur. It was near dusk and I had to have the ISO pretty high, is that why I was getting blur?
Sorry for all the newbie questions!

 

[photo_chick]

Don't copy the RAW files from your memory card using iPhoto, it has been known to wonk up files now and then. Just drag and drop the file from the memory card to wherever you want.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Thanks! I didn't know I could set up the edit button to take me to another program.
I think I have to buy the newer version of iphoto, mine is from 2010 and as far as I can tell there are no free software updates I'm missing.


Thanks! I saw that setting and wondered if it would fix my problem, I just worried that with no way of copying the raw files without deleting them it would fill up my memory card too quickly. Maybe there is a way to delete the jpegs off the card but not the raw? Hopefully once I update iphoto that won't be an issue though.
Speaking of shooting sports, I was practicing with the shutter priority setting and having my daughter spin, it worked really well indoors, but when we went outside I couldn't get pictures without a lot of blur. It was near dusk and I had to have the ISO pretty high, is that why I was getting blur?
Sorry for all the newbie questions!

One thing you will have to determine is how you store your images. Most recommend you store them in two different locations. Personally, I use external hard drives to store all my images. I keep a complete duplicate on different hard drives and I have some of the better images located in another location. Some use the "cloud". For myself the cloud is a little cost prohibitive (I took over 40,000 images this past race season). Right now, I am using 5 external hard drives to store my images. I don't suspect you would need that much storage, but please look into storage in multiple locations.

To determine what the issue is would require seeing not only the image but the EXIF information. The EXIF is the area that will allow the best analysis of an image. EXIF info is accessed by right clicking on the image and then clicking "properties" and then "detail".

 

[monkeybug]

Don't copy the RAW files from your memory card using iPhoto, it has been known to wonk up files now and then. Just drag and drop the file from the memory card to wherever you want.

Oh, okay! That should be easy!

 

[SkaGoat]

Which version of iPhoto do you have? If you open iPhoto, go to the iPhoto menu, and choose About iPhoto menu option it'll tell you which version you have. The last new version (9.0) was release in 2010, and part of iLife '11, there was no iLife '10.

So if you have iPhoto 9, it should support the RAW files from your camera. Your version of OS X might be the limiting factor, which version are you running?

The safest thing to do would be to copy the photos from the camera into a folder on your desktop, then eject the camera, import the photos into iPhoto, when you know they imported properly into iPhoto, format the card, in the camera using the camera.

I must admit, I usually import my RAW files into Aperture straight off the camera and haven't had any problems with it *crosses fingers*.


I chose to buy a used camera (Canon EOS 7D) instead of buying a new Rebel T5i.

I got a really good deal on the 7D (even had 1 full year left on an extended warranty), this let me buy a higher end camera than I would not normally be able to afford. I know the sensor is the same as what's in a T5i, but there were other factors.

- Best Crop Sensor Canon available for still photography.
- Best Auto-Focus in a Canon camera below a 5DMkIII, was better than 5DmkII
- Equal build quality to a 5DMkIII (including water sealing), was better than 5DmkII
- Better control layout, and ergonomics than in the Rebel series.

But anyone I know who is just starting out, I really do suggest they buy new either the Rebel line for Canon, or the entry level options from Nikon, they really are great cameras to start with.

 

[monkeybug]

Which version of iPhoto do you have? If you open iPhoto, go to the iPhoto menu, and choose About iPhoto menu option it'll tell you which version you have. The last new version (9.0) was release in 2010, and part of iLife '11, there was no iLife '10.

So if you have iPhoto 9, it should support the RAW files from your camera. Your version of OS X might be the limiting factor, which version are you running?

The safest thing to do would be to copy the photos from the camera into a folder on your desktop, then eject the camera, import the photos into iPhoto, when you know they imported properly into iPhoto, format the card, in the camera using the camera.

I must admit, I usually import my RAW files into Aperture straight off the camera and haven't had any problems with it *crosses fingers*.


I chose to buy a used camera (Canon EOS 7D) instead of buying a new Rebel T5i.

I got a really good deal on the 7D (even had 1 full year left on an extended warranty), this let me buy a higher end camera than I would not normally be able to afford. I know the sensor is the same as what's in a T5i, but there were other factors.

- Best Crop Sensor Canon available for still photography.
- Best Auto-Focus in a Canon camera below a 5DMkIII, was better than 5DmkII
- Equal build quality to a 5DMkIII (including water sealing), was better than 5DmkII
- Better control layout, and ergonomics than in the Rebel series.

But anyone I know who is just starting out, I really do suggest they buy new either the Rebel line for Canon, or the entry level options from Nikon, they really are great cameras to start with.

Thank you!
I updated to OS X Maverick and now it works just fine! I need to get some editing software I guess!

 

[manning]

There is nothing wrong with refurbished as long as you get the same warrantee as with a new one.

 

[sporadic]

Little late to post this, but I'd go older / refurb any day and put the extra money towards nice glass. Camera bodies come and go, but nice lenses last forever when cared for.