DSLR Camera for Beginners.

Update January 18 2019: Please scroll at bottom of the page to read the update.

I’ve had several people ask me what kind of camera they should buy when starting out in photography and some have asked me what camera to get for videography too. Most said that they don’t want to break their bank either…. I can feel their struggle, because I was in the same situation as them when I first want to get my 1st DSLR too.

In this writing, I’m generalizing a startup camera I recommend for beginners who wants to get their hands in photography or videography while spending minimally. To tell you the truth, I know a handful of people who tried to get into photography/videography for the first time and spent thousands of dollars only for them to lose interest in the long run. It is easy to get sold with the newest gear on the market and there are so many to choose from. You’ve got mirrorless camera, touchscreen, flip screens, High-megapixels, etc… but what do YOU really need??

If your goals are to unlock your talents and explore the art of photography and videography, then I recommend getting a Nikon D7000 body (Amazon Affiliate Link) or if you got extra $$$ to spend, maybe go for later versions of the same lineup like Nikon D7100 (Amazon Affiliate Link) or Nikon D7200 (Amazon Affiliate Link). Then pair this off with Nikon 50mm 1.8D (Amazon Affiliate Link) lens. I’m a Nikon guy, if you are a Canon, I recommend a Canon 7D body (Amazon Affiliate Link) and pair this off with Canon EF 50mm 1.8 STM (Amazon Affiliate Link). Because they are pretty much in the same class and this camera are also being used in the pro field. Since we are being cheap here, I advise to go buy a camera in Used condition. There are so many used DSLR body available in Amazon that you can shop for at affordable prices. See it here (Amazon Affiliate Link). And a used Nikon 50mm. 1.8D lens are affordable as well. If you have cash to spare, and strongly want a brand new one, then buy it new. I will cover on another blog why it is ok to go for Used gear instead of going for New one and mention the pros/cons about it.

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Now you’re probably asking “But Matt… it’s 2019 and you’re recommending getting an old camera?? Why??” Well the answer to that question is point you to the very reason in the beginning of this article… we don’t want to break your bank! Additionally, since you’re starting out, it’s best to learn the principles of photography/videography 1st. The Nikon D7000 with the paired lenses I suggested above are essentially all you need to get your feet wet on both photography and videography.

What’s so special about the Nikon D7000?(Amazon Affiliate Link)

This DSLR has got you covered from photography to video. In fact when this DSLR first came out, it was considered a semipro camera. Even I still use this camera in my professional gigs to date. I will highlight below and try to explain the features in plain words what this camera has to offer on both photography and videography.

Photography

• The camera is 16.2 Megapixels which is enough resolution to have things print up to 20 inches long edge (give or take) without losing much resolution. Possibly bigger. Cropping the image will lower the Megapixel, so take note.

• The body itself has a AF coupling, which means that you can mount older Nikkor lens that has no motor in it! That makes your DSLR expandable on wide ranges of other lenses as opposed to relying on lenses that has motor within it.

• One of the biggest advantage of it is that it has two SD/SDHC slots where you can setup your capture to either Overflow or Backup on the other card. It can shoot RAW (NEF) and/or JPG.

• The focus point can be either 39 or 11 focus points (that little red dot when you look in the viewfinder).

• The camera has two dials, one for Shutterspeed and the other dial for Aperture. Entry level DSLR only has one dial.

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• It has a Live View switch on the back for those of you who like to shoot that way instead of squinting in the viewfinder.

• It is pretty good for sports (6 fps) where it can freeze frame a motion.

• The body itself has some weather sealing which makes it weather resistant. Although unlike a pro body where it is weather proof.

There are more features that this camera has to offer for photography. I wanted to inform you and point out the key things above that are essentials for your Photography. Now…. if you are learning or choosing a path for Videography… this DSLR camera is so versatile that it will cover you in that area too.

Videography

• Interchangeable lens. The lenses alone will make your video look like “film” and you can take advantage of those creamy blur look.
• Video format is MOV with a video compression for MP4.
• This camera can shoot on several pixel and frame rate. NTSC 1080 (23.9fps) NTSC 720 (29.97fps) and PAL to mention a few. Not extravagant but enough for you to experiment and explore video/filming. Also note that 1080 aspect ratio is still good this year (2019)!!
• It can record non-stop for 20min. Otherwise it will stop recording and you will have to press record again. Each recorded session counts as one MP4 file.
• It has a built in mic, but I recommend getting an external shotgun mic. This camera has input for audio recording.
• Expandable to have an external monitor with mini hdmi connection.
• Several 3rd party rigs for film setup where it can make your Nikon D7000 body look like one of those camera used in the film industry.

Now that we got the brief info about the DSLR, we can move onto the lens!

Why get a Nikon 50mm 1.8D? (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Because this lens can shoot in low light and having the 1.8D will give you that blur/creamy depth look. Hard to master in the beginning but you will see the joy of able to create that field of depth. Another reason is because the lens is so affordable!!! You can check the prices yourself in Amazon if you click on my affiliate links at the end of this article. I personally use this lens in my professional gigs in Fashion, Weddings, etc. Don’t get this confused with another Nikon 50mm 1.8G (Amazon Affiliate link) lens where it’s more expensive. Because the 1.8G has a motor inside the lens, while the 1.8D does not. The Nikon D7000 body has that AF coupling that does the autofocusing for you.

One thing I have to share with you is that this lens is what you call a Prime lens. Meaning that this only has one focal distance and that is 50mm. If you are looking for a lens that has variable focal distance, then this is not the lens for you. With this lens, in order for you to zoom in and zoom out of your subject…you literally have to walk towards them to get closer or walk further away to get a full shot. Hey this is perfect for your health regimen! Imagine the calories you burn! hehehe! In comparison to a zoom lens, where you only stay in one spot and have the ability to zoom in/out of your subject while staying stationary in one place.

To conclude, starting out with this combo (Nikon D7000 and Nikon 50mm 1.8D) is a perfect setup who are new and want to explore photography/videography while having some access to advanced features that are found on Pro DSLR bodies. Pretty soon I will be making a video providing in depth review and details of Nikon D7k and the lens in this blog in my new youtube channel (See the Side Bar on the right where the “Follow Me” section is). I will send an announcement when it’s available to watch so make sure you subscribe to my new channel ahead of time! Let me know your thoughts or any ideas what to blog next? Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog 🙂 I will so greatly appreciate your support!!

UPDATE January 18 2019: Some updates!! I forgot to mention that you will need to get Nikon batteries, Nikon Charger and SD cards. I have listed them out on the bottom for you.

Camera and Lenses mentioned in the above articles: (These are all Amazon Affiliated Links.)

Nikon:
Nikon D7000 DSLR
Nikon D7100 DSLR
Nikon D7200 DSLR
Nikon 50mm f1.8D lens
Nikon 50mm f1.8G lens
Nikon Compatible Batteries and Charger (Third party battery and charger)
Nikon MH-25 Quick Charger for EN-EL15 battery
Nikon EN-EL15 battery

Canon:
Canon 7D
Canon EF 50mm 1.8 STM lens

SD/SDHD Choices of cards for storage:
32GB Sandisk Ultra Class 10
5-Pack Sandisk Ultra 16GB Class 10
Sandisk 32GB Clas 4 SDHC card (2pack)