Hi guys,

I'm just beginning to take interest on photography as a new hobby. I've been reading a lot (maybe way too much) and now my mind is clouded by the question of whether I should go with enthusiasts-level camera or just an entry-level one?

Thanks in advance for any responses. Btw please provide your justification on you suggestion, aight.

[UPDATE]09-01-2017
So I've got myself a used Canon EOS 70D with 24k SC at the cost of RM1400. Borrowed f5.6 18-55mm II IS non-STM lens from my uncle. Yongnuo 560 at RM250. Sandisk Ultra 16GB 80mb/s for RM29.50.

This post has been edited by techfreakguy: Jan 9 2017, 09:27 PM

entrly level dslr

If money is not an issue to you, straight go for full frame sensors.

If money is an issue to you, go for semi professional crop sensors. Personally entry level DSLR is too limited and you can't explore much.

Lens? the 50mm is always a good start. Prime lens forces you to find ways to frame your subjects, and I love that.

Does the transition from entry level to semi pro is too much to be handled?

My budget is limited to semi pro body only. That being said, I can't really afford to buy any extra lenses if I really wanted to buy semi-pro camera.

Been looking at a few number of used semi-pro cameras with low sc, but best way to know is by having it infront of me aight.

Recommend me any model please?

To be honest, the transitions from entry level to semi pro to full professional is not a day and night transition. What differs is mostly the features in it. Since you mentioned that you read a lot, that is enough for you to pick yourself up from things that you don't understand in a DSLR camera. What is important is that, as mentioned, the features that is in a entry, mid and pro cameras are different.

What's your budget? I'd recommend the 80D, 70D (or even 7DmkII if your budget allows). Since I am more of a Canon guy, I cannot shed some light on Nikon cameras. Other Nikon users will be able to help you.

Get the NIKON entry level.

Kit lens 18-55mm VRII.
Fixed lens 35mm/50mm 1.8G

And u r good to go...

lens first body later.. using a 35mm or 50mm prime on a entry level do produce better image quality as compared to semi pro body - assuming you are talking about D7200, 80D, A6300 range..

give us the camera model instead of saying "semi pro" not too sure with your definition of semi pro..

iphone7, samsung s7, huawei p9

My budget is around 3-4k.

I'll give it a thought. Thanks!

Those are exactly the models I have in my mind as semi pro body. Maybe entry level is enough for me with right lenses.

Thanks for replying everyone.

in this case few setup which you can go for..
1 - canon 700D/750D with yongnuo 35mm f2 and get a canon 50mm f1.8 2nd hand can find anywhere.
2 - Nikon D3/5 series with 35mm F1.8g
3 - Sony A6000 with 35mm F1.8 if budget tight sigma 30mm f2.8..

i personally used all 3 setup before and i love the sony most.. unlike the semi pro camera from canon and nikon.. their entry level autofocus points are pain in the ass.. too little.. Sony on the other hand are using different technology for this focusing system. do check it out.

Sounds great. Thanks for your thoughtful reply mate.

As you are just starting out, I wouldn't recommend getting prime lens as you'll find many constraints with it. Get a good general purpose lens.
(E.g. for Full Frame - 24-70mm F4 or 24-105 F4, for Crop - 15-85mm or 18-135mm)

With your budget I don't think you'll be able to get the 80D with lens, probably 70D or Nikon's counterpart with the lens 2nd hand. Unless you stretch your budget to 5k-ish.

LOL when people say Entry level DSLR can't explore much when in reality most people in this world don't even push 25% of a 10 year old Digital SLR like say the EOS 350D.

Anyway buy what you can afford.

Full frame sensor? LOL. Seriously many of the best images in this world aren't even taken with full frame sensors.

It's even worse when people say 50mm is a good start.

Seriously, all wrong man, all wrong. There's no rule that you need to go for full frame or full frame is best because it isen't.

The best sensor in the market now happens to be an ASP-C sensor.

As for lens, NO - DO NOT go 50mm. You need to identify what you wish to shoot first.

Better you go entry level and spend on accessories that you need rather than going to semi-pro or what not and stuck with just a limited gears.

Since you're starting out as a hobby, just get an entry level with 18-55 lens or whatever kit it comes with and explore first.

Take it from me - back in 2010 I got my professional qualification by using images taken with entry level camera. https://www.goldfries.com/photography/my-jo...ciation-mpa-uk/

Yes, I was using EOS 350D / 500D / 550D - and yes, those are cameras more than half a decade old by now and I was able to create professional grade images that pass the critique of 5 renown industry professionals.

Entry level cameras today are WAY better than semi-pro camers back then (EOS 40D / 50D) and do you think entry level cameras are limited?

If don't believe also can check out my profile
https://www.dreamstime.com/goldfries_portfolio_pg1
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/goldfries

All taken with APS-C sensor camera, some taken by phones (even smaller than APS-C sensor).

None of the images are taken with full-frame sensor because I only have full frame camera around 2014 and haven't submitted any pics to stock photo.

Those images you see in that 2 links were taken with Canon EOS 350D / 500D / 550D / 60D, with some phone models.

And after reading all this - do you still want to worry about Entry level cameras?

^ the above.

70D / 80D are excellent models, I won't go 7D2 though, unless you want super duper AF + weather seal and what not.

I sold off my 60D for about RM 1.5k. Exchange rate not good these days so if you want to cut cost, can source for used mint condition 60D / 70D. They'll be great.

As for Nikon side, there's the D7200 but it doesn't have the flip LCD as that on 60D / 70D / 80D.

In the end which brand you go for is entirely up to you, best you go to shops and feel those camera body in your hand and try out their interface see what you like.

I was on Canon, now on Nikon. I also used Sony for a little bit, and scattered experience for Fuji, Sigma and whatever else - buy what you feel comfortable with.

As of now DO NOT aim for any prime lenses yet because you don't seem to know what you like to shoot so go with 18-55. Explore, later see you want to go wide, or to tele, or go macro.

For people like me, 70-200 is rarely used so that's why I sold of my Canon 70-200 F4L as it's under-utilized and even on Nikon now I haven't go any 70-200 because I don't use that range.

For my work it's all ultra wide (Sigma 12-24 II), standard range (Nikon 24-120) and prime lenses for product shoots (Tamron 90mm macro, Nikon 40mm DX Micro for video as it works like 60mm). Know what you need / want, buy accordingly - don't buy because people tell you XXmm is good and all.

I like 50mm doesn't mean it works for you. You like 100mm doesn't mean it works for me.

Get yourself a entry level DSLR first. To be honest any camera will be capable enough as long as it has decent M, Av/A, Tv/S modes that allows your inputs for the controls.

Agreed that you should not prioritize on getting a prime lens first. High chance is that you will be frustrated that you can't zoom ( 99% of my friends who handled my camera with a prime lens couldn't understand why they cant zoom ). Not to mention the frequent needs to change lenses will be extremely troublesome for someone new.

Wow, so much to digest! Thanks for the insights and explanation. Will update soon on which camera I will buy. Thanks! Really appreciate it guys!

Probably in Malaysia people only look down on Entry level cameras.

You see across the globes so many people produce amazing work with entry level cameras with no complaints.

Also this "FULL FRAME" target is a joke,

I've outdone plenty of full-frame users for ages and so have many. Having full frame doesn't make your pictures any much better.

Noise control advantage is getting lesser by the year.

If sensor size is an issue then might as well go medium format / large format. There's the Pentax, PhaseOne and Hasselblads for your consideration.

Anyway here's a video for you to digest further, my thought is exactly like what he said.

goldfries Walao yourself all using prime but you discourage ppl from using it. I'll say if i have the money i'll go for the prime as well with the any entry level camera and DITCH the kit. I'll rather learn how to walk and get the shot that to rely on Zooming in and out. Once you are too used to zoom the moment you get a camera with a prime.. you will feel the cacat-ness.

i started off in 2010 with m4/3 EPL3 on a kit lens on my next change to 100D with 40mm f2.8.. i never turned back. It's prime all the way.. If i change a camera i need to make sure there's the lens i want. when i notice the 40mm is not my cup of tea.. i tune it down to 22mm f2.8. later i to GX1 with Oly 25mm F1.7/8 that was ideal! all my travels ill bring that only one lens.. fast forward a year + gatal tried nikon.. but then too bulky even with the 35mm F1.8.. Now Back to mirrorless with Sony A6000 + 35mm, 50mm and of course the KIT which is always in my pouch.. i couldn't be bother to bring it along anywhere i go. lol

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I used the following equipment
Camera Body : Canon EOS 350D, 500D and 550D
Lenses : Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II, EF 50mm f/1.4, EF 85mm f/1.8 and EF-S 18-55 IS f/3.5-5.6
Flash : Canon 580EX II and 430EX II