Any recommendations on a DSLR camera comparable to Nikon D800

[TCav]

Originally Posted by Victor43

Hello and thank you for the details response. Since I'm very much new to DSLR and the terms quoted above I'll spend my time understanding what they mean. I also agree that buying a DSLR camera may be steep learning curve not to mention the steep price of the D800. You also had mentioned then Pentax digital camera as a good choice yes ? What other APS-C camera would you recommend that could provide nearly identical quality images as the D800 camera and in your recommendation could you specify what lens should I buy along side the camera body ? Yes I do have a budget and would like to spend less than $800 - $850 USD. I want the flexibility of taking far away shots such as mountain hills, lake bodies and up close macro shots of flowers, integrated circuit chips and so on.

Nikon, Canon, Sony and Pentax all make great dSLRs. Since you brought up Nikon, I presume you have some reason for narrowing your choices to Nikon, so I will confine my remarks to them. Of their current offerings, I suggest that the D7100 is probably the most capable camera body for the price. Unfortunately, even it's low ~$700 price doesn't leave much room for lenses, let alone quality lenses.

[TCav]

But as for lenses, I suggest you carefully consider the following:

• Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro (OS)* HSM | C ($499)
• Tamron SP 70-300MM F/4-5.6 Di VC USD ($449)
• Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro ($619)

That's almost $1,600 just for lenses to do what you want to do, or double your entire budget.

[Victor43]

Originally Posted by TCav

But as for lenses, I suggest you carefully consider the following:

• Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro (OS)* HSM | C ($499)
• Tamron SP 70-300MM F/4-5.6 Di VC USD ($449)
• Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro ($619)

That's almost $1,600 just for lenses to do what you want to do, or double your entire budget.

Thank you again for the helpful information. I do believe and agree that I may need to spend over $1000 USD camera. I am not really focused on the Nikon cameras. So Sony Canon Pentax can also work.

[TCav]

Ok, bare bones. That is, reasonably high resolution, reasonably good image quality camera, paired with good quality lenses for what you want to shoot, from any dSLR manufacturer.

Canon:

• T5 (18MP) w/18-55 lens ($399) or T6i (24MP) w/18-55 lens ($699)
• 55-250 lens ($149)
• 60mm Macro lens ($399)

Nikon:

• D3400 (24MP) w/ 18-55 and 70-300 lenses ($597)
• Tamron 90mm Macro lens ($499)

Sony:

• A68 (24MP) w/18-55 lens ($698)
• 55-300 lens ($248)
• Tamron 90mm Macro lens ($499)

Pentax:

• K-70 (24MP) ($647)
• 18-55 lens ($184)
• 55-300 lens ($297)
• 50mm Macro lens ($347)

Of these, I'd say that the Nikon is the best option. I'd also say that, aside from the Tamron 90mm macro lens, the macro lenses I listed are too short for what you want to do, but they'll work and they're not very expensive. The only problem is that the Tamron lens isn't stabilized on the Nikon body, which could be a problem.

[JR1]

Originally Posted by Victor43

Thanks for the reply. Does same sensor = equal picture quality ? Wouldn't same sensor and same lens = identical picture quality given all other variables are equal ?

Gosh you are new.

You also have to remember that the technology IN the camera also counts for a lot, what processing engine it has, what algorithms are in the computers software.

Earlier it was asked about lenses and Nikon cameras, in fact the latest Nikon lenses can be used on the original Nikon F Film body and old lenses on new cameras unlike Pentax/Canon etc

I use a D80, D810 and D4s

Has NO one suggested Pre-Owned cameras from a reputable supplier ?

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https://www.facebook.com/JRSPhotography.co.uk

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[JR1]

Oh and the D800 is OLD now replaced by the D800E and then the D810

[TCav]

Originally Posted by JR1

Has NO one suggested Pre-Owned cameras from a reputable supplier ?

I'm a big fan of used lenses. Most of the lenses I own have been bought off the used market.

I'm not, however, a big fan of used dSLRs. Too many things can go wrong with complex electronic and electromechanical components and connectors, for me to be willing to forego a full manufacturer's warranty.

[JR1]

IGNORE people who extole the virtues of 50 and 100 and more MPs, they are talking rubbish unless they take into every possible calculation and senario and we shoot in the "real" world NOT a lab, there is NO point in having a 50+ megapixel camera when there is not a lens made by either Nikon or Canon or even Leica that can "USE" or in fact resolve detail for such sensors.

Go to DXO marks and look at lenses, some will for example only resolve detail as far as a 16Mp sensor so their is nothing to gain using them on a 50Mp camera. (this is a very simple non technical comment, read it for yourself on DXOs' site.

Of course you can crop more with more Pixels, but a camera has to be chosen for what YOU need it for. There is so much more to consider such as different DOF in FF and Crop sensors.

Me I would join a club first

[TCav]

Originally Posted by JR1

Go to DXO marks ...

Personally, I prefer SLRGear.com and PhotoZone.de for objective test results on lenses. DxOMark's test results are sometimes contradictory.

Sometimes even PhotoDo.com for older lenses in a pinch.

[Mark Smith]

Originally Posted by TCav

Ok, bare bones. That is, reasonably high resolution, reasonably good image quality camera, paired with good quality lenses for what you want to shoot, from any dSLR manufacturer.

Canon:

• T5 (18MP) w/18-55 lens ($399) or T6i (24MP) w/18-55 lens ($699)
• 55-250 lens ($149)
• 60mm Macro lens ($399)

Nikon:

• D3400 (24MP) w/ 18-55 and 70-300 lenses ($597)
• Tamron 90mm Macro lens ($499)

Sony:

• A68 (24MP) w/18-55 lens ($698)
• 55-300 lens ($248)
• Tamron 90mm Macro lens ($499)

Pentax:

• K-70 (24MP) ($647)
• 18-55 lens ($184)
• 55-300 lens ($297)
• 50mm Macro lens ($347)

Of these, I'd say that the Nikon is the best option. I'd also say that, aside from the Tamron 90mm macro lens, the macro lenses I listed are too short for what you want to do, but they'll work and they're not very expensive. The only problem is that the Tamron lens isn't stabilized on the Nikon body, which could be a problem.

Hi! Could you please help me to choose lens for Nikon D5200? I want to make a gift for my friend. I've just seen a video about these lens http://wholetechnics.com/camera-lens...enses-142.html, but I can't decide. Sigma 18-200 mm F3.5 - 6.3 seems to be good, but it's heavier than others, and my present is for girl. Maybe, it's better to choose another one?

Thanks.