So I need a camera

[INeedARemedy]

DSLR? Mirrorless? I don't fucking know

I mainly need it for macro photography, but also outdoor/nature photography as well. 4k video would be dope, but not 100% necessary. My spending cap is around $2,000

I was eyeing the Nikon D7500, that comes with the "AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR" lens for $1,500. That plus the Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 macro lense brings me up to just about 2k

but mirrorless is apparently the wave of the future?

The Sony a6500 seems dope, at $1,099, but I've yet to figure out a daily catch-all lens, and a macro lens

What say you, sherdog?

 

[fdswer]

You could rent a couple and see how you like them. User experience is often overlooked, if it's a good camera but you can't stand using the ui or just hate how it feels in your hand it will ruin the experience.

 

[Eazy123]

I have a hard time taking user reviews seriously when it comes to expensive things, which is why I got off the camera forums. Of course everyone is going to tell you their camera/lens is the shit, especially when they dropped $2000+ on it. People will fight to the death to defend/justify a purchase like that.

I took fine macro photos when I had a d5100 and a Tokina 100mm. But everyone is different. Are you familiar with photography? Is it something you're planning on getting more into, or if you get a d7500 are you not going to even touch half the features?

Another tip if you want to do extreme macro...use two lenses and a reversing ring. I used to pair my 100mm with a cheap 35mm attached to it backwards and you could see the snot in a flea's nose with that setup.

 

[Plutoburn]

This probably won't fit your need but I'd just like to give it a shout out.

I got a Sony mx-100 IV because I wanted to get into photography, more so than just to shoot selfies or dining out which phone camera is more than enough, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to lug a giant camera with me when I travel. So I was looking for something that can take great pictures without too much fiddling because I am a beginner and not gonna go full manual and change lenses. I think this is a really great gateway camera for people who wanted to go a step beyond phone cameras.

 

[INeedARemedy]

I have a hard time taking user reviews seriously when it comes to expensive things, which is why I got off the camera forums. Of course everyone is going to tell you their camera/lens is the shit, especially when they dropped $2000+ on it. People will fight to the death to defend/justify a purchase like that.

I took fine macro photos when I had a d5100 and a Tokina 100mm. But everyone is different. Are you familiar with photography? Is it something you're planning on getting more into, or if you get a d7500 are you not going to even touch half the features?

Another tip if you want to do extreme macro...use two lenses and a reversing ring. I used to pair my 100mm with a cheap 35mm attached to it backwards and you could see the snot in a flea's nose with that setup.

Right on. It's definitely something I'm going to get into, and the macro stuff and 4k video possibilities is for my business, so I've gotta delve into it pretty heavily. It's not something I'm just picking up for kicks, but right now I know fuckall about it

I guess the reason why I'm aiming high at a d7500 / a6500 is that I want something that's going to stay cutting-edge (in that price range) for the next several years, you know?

 

[wonderbread]

There are a ton of options for what you can spend! I would get a older model canon. I have a 70D. Unless you want full frame sensor. And I would get a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens and then another more versatile lens, maybe a zoom. Even with the 70D you could still afford a nice Canon L lens, but the 100mm 2.8 macro is a very sharp lens for the money.. The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX and EX DG Macros are also a VERY sharp lens for the money.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

Shit thread shit poster.

 

[Eazy123]

want something that's going to stay cutting-edge (in that price range) for the next several years, you know?

Nothing in the camera world stays cutting edge for several years. No matter what camera you buy, next year's will have better low-light capabilities/more pixels/whatever, and no matter what lens you buy, the next version will have better flare coating/closer minimum focus distance/etc.

It's super easy to blow thousands before you know it because there's always something better just around the corner.

 

[My name is]

Buy it use it take it back if it sucks

 

[astrozician]

I know a little about Canon. I don't do macro, but I know you can get extension tubes to get that extra close focus for macro.

I'd look at a 24-105mm L lens for the wildlife and an extension tube for macro. Whatever camera you want is up to you. I use a Canon T2i, 9 years old and does everything I need it to do.

 

[boingyman]

Honestly a consumer grade DSLR (ASP-C) is probably your best bang for your buck. I recommend go the used/refurb route (especially lenses) or wait for good sales. Canon or Nikon, doesn't matter until you try it. If you go Canon the 60 macro and 100 macro are both good lenses. Personally I would go wtih the 100 macro (non-L version). Canon EF-S lesnes have never been as affordable as they are now for what they offer.

With $2000 budget if you go the used/refurb/sale route you could have a decent starter kit. I'm slightly bias towards Canon, since I own and use Canon (as well as Fuji). If you keep the body $700 and under (or if you want you could get something that included a kit lens). Even the Canon rebel series are decent or you can get a refurb 70D. You could probably get a UWA lens (Canon 10-18mm), macro lens (60 or 100mm) and even something with more range such as a Tamron 150-600mm. You can even get a 50 1.8 STM for under $100. If you are patient and shop smart you could get all of that for about $2000.

Mirrorless is great for portability, although in geneal can be much more expensive especially when you compare ASP-C sensors or smaller such as Fuji.

Also you have to consider the cost of 'accessories' such as post processing software, tripod/head, speedlight/strobes and all accessories associated with added lighting, filters, camera bag, etc.... It may also be good to keep in mind if you plan to 'upgrade' in the future, especially if you want to go Full Frame.

In summary I personally would go:
1) Canon 70D (or even a Rebel body or a lightly used 7D) used, refurbished or good sale
2) Macro lens of your choice (Canon 60, Canon 100, Tamron 60) used, refurbished or good sale
3) Then prioritize everything else, whether you want a better general zoom lens, other prime lenses, UWA zoom, Telephoto prime vs zoom, tripod/head, other accessories, etc....