New beginner looking for suitable camera

<p>I am new beginner and looking for a camera which is suitable for fresh starter. I am prefer landscape photography and would like to ask what kind of camera is the most fit and my budget is below SGD 1500. </p>

<p>Thanks and regards<br>

Jasmine Foong </p>

<p>Hi Jasmine.<br />

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Many compact cameras will take perfectly acceptable landscape photographs, but given your budget, I would suggest that you might take advantage of a camera whose lens you can change, and which may give you more control. Though if the portability of the camera is of concern to you (if it needs to fit in a pocket) then you may yet decide a compact camera would suit you.<br />

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I would suggest that you look into either one of the low-end DSLRs - most would suggest either Canon or Nikon, though Pentax and Sony (SLT cameras) are also an option - or a mirrorless camera such as those from Sony or Samsung, or possibly a micro 4/3 system.<br />

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For landscape photography, the DSLRs near the bottom of the manufacturers' ranges - for example, Nikon's D3200 and kit lens - are very nearly as capable as systems costing 5x more, so don't feel that you have to spend more (you can always spend your budget on more lenses later when you know what you need). Which camera is best for you is a matter of what feels most natural - they're all very capable - so I suggest trying them in a camera store and seeing what fits your hands.<br />

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Good luck, and enjoy your journey into photography!</p>

I don't know anything about other brands, but a D3100 or 3200 Nikon will go a long way.

<p>For those not sure, that's about $1200 Us Dollars to spend.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>The Nikon D3200 or D5200 are good, but will only AF with AF-S lenses which reduces your options a bit. I'd consider a D7000 - more lens options, but heavier. I can't comment on Canon.</p>

Hi Jasmine,

Each and every response (above) resonated with my own recent search for a DSLR entry level camera. Andrew Garrard's

suggestion: handling/holding several cameras to find one that feels comfortable in your hands is extremely important.

Take all the time you need; you will "sense" when a camera is a good fit. I chose Nikon D3100 and am very happy

with the quality images from an entry-level camera. It's helpful to have money left for lenses and accessories vs spending entire budget on the camera body. Enjoy the process of searching and please let us know what

you chose. Sincerely, Lynn H.

<p>Indeed go to a store and try cameras in your own hand - all brands if possible - Olympus PEN, Sony NEX etc. included. All will make a fine choice, the most important is what you find comfortable to use.<br>

If you are not sure which buttons and switches are important to reach easily, make sure you read an introduction to photography, to understand what matters in operating a camera, and what matters less. The <a href="/learn/basic-photography-tips/">learning section</a> may give some good tips and insights.<br>

__</p>

<blockquote>

<p>The Nikon D3200 or D5200 are good, but will only AF with AF-S lenses which reduces your options a bit.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>With the current available lenses from Nikon and 3rd parties, for somebody who does not already own Nikon lenses from the past, I'd say this concern should not be overrated - there are more than enough good AF-S lenses. The D7000 pushes the budget, while the D3200 is basically an excellent landscape camera. I'd prefer being able to squeeze a 16-85VR or similar into the budget rather than spending nearly all on the body alone.</p>

<p>On the Nikon lens front, there's still a lot to be said for the old 18-70mm f3.5-4.5. Very cheap used and fine quality. I'm using one on a D7000 at the moment.</p>

<p>First I recommend that you get a camera with a viewfinder. The LCD screen can be very hard to see and compose on in bright daylight when you may be shooting landscapes. If you want a small camera, there are high end compact cameras that do have viewfinders. The Canon G15 and Panasonic LF1 are two good ones. The Panasonic LX7 with the optional EVF (electronic viewfinder) is also a good choice.</p>

<p>Any entry level DSLR from Nikon, Canon, Pentax, or Sony would be good. You could get the kit lens which is usually an 18-55mm zoom. That gives you a wide-angle to short telephoto. You could also get a kit containing the camera, an 18-55, and a tele zoom like a 55-200 for what you have to spend, or you could get just the body and an upgraded lens. I'm most familiar with Nikon so I'd consider a Nikon D5200 or D5100 with a Nikon 18-105 VR lens.</p>

<p>Smaller than a DSLR and bigger than a compact is a group of cameras called ILC (interchangable lens compacts) or mirrorless cameras. The Sony NEX series, Nikon 1 series, Olympus micro 4/3 series, and Panasonic micro 4/3 series are in this group. I'm not really up on these so I won't recommend a specific camera.</p>

<p>I agree that you should handle the cameras that you are considering before deciding. If you can't, then buy from an online dealer with a good reputation and a good return policy.</p>