Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

What DSLR camera to use for Adventures?

5K views 88 replies 50 participants last post by  Simsm734 
#1 · (Edited)
I have a couple of pretty awesome trips coming up. My Samsung S5 active takes amazing pics but there is only so much a smart phone camera can do. So I am going to start looking for a decent DSLR camera to document these trips.

A few considerations: I am not made of money so a $5,000 Leica is not going to work. I am using this to take pictures of my adventures across North America, so it needs to be tough. I am considering buying a refurbished used camera so I can get more for my money; bad idea? I would like to have both an optical and an LCD viewfinder, I think you can get better pics looking through a camera than at a screen.

I am leaning toward the Nikon 3300 as you can buy a factory refurbished body with 18-55mm lens for $400. I would add the longer range lens as well.
 
#2 ·
Havn't used it on a trail yet, but I use my Canon T5i and love it. It's my first DSLR and it's been easy to learn on so far. Last time I looked the going rate was about $650-$750. Going to buy a Wide-Angle lens next. Here's some shots I've taken with it;





 
#5 ·
I have a couple of pretty awesome trips coming up. My Samsung S5 active takes amazing pics but there is only so much a smart phone camera can do. So I am going to start looking for a decent DSLR camera to document these trips.

A few considerations: I am not made of money so a $5,000 Leica is not going to work. I am using this to take pictures of my adventures across North America, so it needs to be tough. I am considering buying a refurbished used camera so I can get more for my money; bad idea? I would like to have both an optical and an LCD viewfinder, I think you can get better pics looking through a camera than at a screen.

I am leaning toward the Nikon 3300 as you can buy a factory refurbished body with 18-55mm lens for $400. I would add the longer range lens as well.
Canon 70D ...

Canon U.S.A. : Consumer & Home Office : EOS 70D

I bought the 70D for my girlfriend last year at Christmas. Amazing camera for stills and video. The hard part about video is maintaining focus. The 70D has an advanced focus most cameras don't have.

Do your homework... perhaps go out and rent one before buying.

.
 
#6 ·
I know that Canon is coming out with their next models. One will be the T6i, so that means that the prices for the T5i should be coming down. I've got a t1i; that still meets my needs. I forgot which model they started with both the LCD viewfinder and normal optical viewfinder.

I do agree that the 70D would be an AWESOME camera. I think the OP isn't looking to spend that much, though.
 
#8 ·
Thanks! And yeah, I am more in the $500ish price range. I understand I will need to spend more to get lens and accessories but I can buy it in sections. Just a good entry level DSLR will fit my needs. That's why I am looking at refurbished ones. It looks like both Nikon and Canon both offer 1 year warranty on the refurbished cameras they sell.
 
#7 ·
I went with a crop-sensor and wish I had saved up from the beginning for a full frame. I have the Canon 6D now and the difference is very noticeable.

Built in GPS for automatic photo and video tagging.
One of the best low-light DSLRs.
One of the lightest and most compact full-frame DSLRs with viewfinder.

And the wow feature, EOS Remote app. You can pair your phone and use it as a *LIVE* viewfinder and full function remote (Av, Tv, ISO, tap to focus). Tap to focus is the real crowd-pleaser when taking group pictures. While using the live viewfinder on your phone, you can tap anywhere on your screen and the camera will auto-focus to that point, assuming you have an auto-focus lens.
 
#9 · (Edited)
I haven't used the 6D.. but I've used a 60D, 7D and now my girfriends 70D...

In general, it's fairly easy to shoot natural-light still photography... shooting video is another story all together. I wouldn't give 2 cents for a 60D or 7D for video. The 70D is an awesome application for stills and video and natural-light photography.. not full frame, but easily compared to the Canon pro line.

Need to remember the larger the camera the more difficult to handle...

I recommend renting... that way you can compare how a camera works and feels in the field.

.02
 
#10 ·
They aren't as mainstream and aren't carried in most stores but I'm a huge fan of Pentax. They offer fully weather sealed bodies and lenses, even in their more basic/ beginner models. I have a K50 with an 18-135mm weather sealed lens. If I was going to upgrade I would go with a K3.
 
#13 ·
I have traveled around the world with a Cannon and a Nikon DSLR and have subjected them both to just about every environment you can think of. They have both been unintentionally abused and both have held up well for what they have been subjected to. Both companies make excellent cameras and it will come down to personal preference in the end. I will say that after having had both I personally feel that Nikon has the advantage in optics and if I ever replace one of mine, that is what I will buy.
 
#15 ·
Lot's of good advice for cameras above (it's like the many "changing the oil threads" - everyone has an opinion). I shoot with a good Canon Rebel, but it's the software (Adobe) that can really make the difference (if you have the time to spend with it). Here's some Jeep pics that were nice, but with some creativity - they can become unique. Share with us what you decide and better yet - post those great Jeep pics!
 
#16 ·
Most people here seem to be using the GoPro to document their trips. You can get the White Edition Kit for about $199. You can get a 64GB SD Card, mounts and a few battery packs and still make it under $300. The GoPro is waterproof and sealed for scuba diving. If you really want to have fun, you could get two of them, and mount one outside the Jeep and one inside the Jeep, and then edit the video's and splice them together like real motion Pictures. The videos taken with these little Dynamo's are amazing.
 
#17 ·
If you're looking to start out with a DSLR, go with a lower level Nikon or Canon. Easy to use, more features than you'll need and it won't break the bank. Just remember that you can have the best camera on the planet, but if you don't know what you're doing with it, you might as well just be using a cell phone camera. I know a lot of people who can use a crappy $40 point-and-shoot and have better quality work than people who go out and spend TONS of money on DSLR kits thinking that a fancy camera will give them automatic great shots.
 
#18 ·
I've been a Sony shooter for about 9 years now and I'd recommend it. They're easy to use and have have tons of extra features that Nikon or Canon don't offer. If you like quality and features pick Sony. Look into the Sony A58, it's an awesome bang for the buck.

Taken with my Sony A77 MarkII





Taken with my A55 (Older version of the A58)



Taken with my A57 at night and handheld.

 
#19 ·
How much do you know about SLR (and DSLR) cameras in general?

Most of optics of the camera are in the lens, while only the sensor is in the body. The two current big players both have lenses that will last 20+ years if properly cared for, while you change out the body as the technology of the sensor gets better, which is probably worth it once every 5 years or so.

The question you want then is who makes lenses that do what you want. If you want rugged, or you plan to get mud on them, then that limits your choices.

Personally I use Nikon stuff and just don't get mud on them, or if I'm going someplace muddy I'll bring a plastic camera protector to stick the camera in. I've got maybe ~1500 invested in 3 lenses (a wide, a zoom, and a fast prime), with a ~400 body, a ~200 flash, a couple of batteries, a 12v charger that works off solar when camping, and a maxpedition sling bag to carry everything except the chargers.

I agree with starting with a simple one. Unless you know how to set exposure by hand then you won't want anything over the mid-level camera. The features the pros want to make a 90% picture into a 99.9% picture all require manual settings.

Also, I find the "full frame" cameras to be just to dang heavy to carry around. The lenses are like 3x the weight for maybe 1.2x better picture. The make the bodies out of metal so they they can get more banged up, but that means even more weight, ugh. I don't want to look like a soldier going into battle with a huge camera bag full of crap.
 
#23 ·
Also, I find the "full frame" cameras to be just to dang heavy to carry around. The lenses are like 3x the weight for maybe 1.2x better picture. The make the bodies out of metal so they they can get more banged up, but that means even more weight, ugh. I don't want to look like a soldier going into battle with a huge camera bag full of crap.
You're over-exaggerating the weight. I have carried a gripped 7D (magnesium body) with a 70-200F4LIS lens around my neck for 3+ hours during football games. They aren't that heavy. I have also done this while having another camera draped over my shoulder.

Full frame cameras don't always have heavy lenses either. You can mount any Canon lens with an EF mount on a full frame Canon camera, whether it's an entry level/plastic construction lens, or an L series lens. Lens weight is also dictated by what type of lens you are using - long range lenses with multiple element groups are going to be heavier. IMO, for his use, he will want a wide-mid range lens. 18-55 for entry level, or 24-70 if he wants to drop some coin.
 
#20 ·
I've got a Nikon D3100 and like it a lot.

For the sake of durability, you may want to invest an extra $100 on a Pelican Case. My old Nikon D40x got messed up because I carried it around in a regular camera case. The Pelican case is padded and waterproof, the new camera has survived worse stuff than the old one endured without any damage.
 
#21 ·
If your looking for a DSLR and not a pro the canon t series is the way to go. I have a t1 that prob 5 yrs old. Great camera. With DSLR it's more about the lens "glass" than the body. If your not a pro you will have the camera mostly in the auto mode anyway. If you go canon and plan on using it and want pro prints the go to lenses are 24-105 f4, 24-70 2.8, 50mm and a 70-200 1.4. All of those will set you back almost to $5k Mark. If you just want the camera and plan just using once and awhile the basic lens kits that you can find at best buy, Sam's, costco will be perfect. Also if you plan on using it while on the trail dust and water are not something you want around. But there are also some great point and shoot cameras out there.
 
#22 ·
Spend the majority of ur money on a good lens...u can buy the best body but with a cheap lens u won't get the most out of it. Put a higher end lens on a cheaper body and u would be surprised what u get. U don't need the super high megapixel bodies...

U have to figure out what ur going to be shooting mainly...scenery, wildlife or people...that will help u out with what lens or lenses to buy. For landscape stuff I used a Zeiss 21mm that was a manual focus lens, there wasn't a lens that would touch it for sharpness and clarity IMO but u don't need to spend that much.

I would honestly give the Sony RX100 a serious look...I sold off all my photog gear and just went to that after deciding I wasnt going to spend much time at it seriously anymore.
 
#24 ·
Consider some of the high end pocket cameras too. They have gotten so good in recent years. The absolute BEST travel camera is the one you have with you and is ready to shoot.

I know several VERY good photographers that have sold off their DSLR's and lenses in favor of light weight, compact cameras and still amaze with their photos.
 
#26 ·
As a camera nerd and someone who sold them, here's a short answer...

Nikon for stills,
Canon for movies.

TBH unless you're shooting full frame (you wont be) all you need is an entry level DSLR. It's all about the photographer and the lens to be honest.

If you give a noob a 4000 dollar camera, and a professional with a 400 dollar camera, guess whos pictures turn out better.

Just buy an entry level and get a nice lens :) Also, get a polarizing and a UV filter for different shoot styles. they are super cheap and drastically change the photo. Megapixels don't matter.. it's about the sensor.

One thing to also note is that the website compresses the images so they might not turn out to be the best on here, so dont look at these for quality.

PM me if you need any info.
 
#30 ·
As a camera nerd and someone who sold them, here's a short answer...

Nikon for stills,
Canon for movies.
And if you want best of both worlds buy a Sony.

I also sold cameras for 4 years and honestly they're all great brands. At the end of the day its best for you to just go to a store and get your hands on them. People always compare brands just like they compare Ford, Dodge and Chevy. Everybody has an opinion. :beerdrinking:
 
#27 ·
When we took our Alaska trip we took both Nikons we own a 5000 and a 5100. Both take amazing photos.
Something the wife found, we rented a couple of real nice high dollar lens for our trip. Couldn't justify buying them since we would probably never need that much lens again. Renting was very cheap and easy. The place was out of Michigan if I remember correctly. They know what they are doing and made it very simple.
 
#31 ·
Even older cameras can take awesome pictures.

I'm pretty much a hack at photography, but really enjoy it.
I have an old Cannon Rebel 6mp camera, the stock 18mm-50mm lens, and a Sigma 70mm-200mm autofocus lens. I've seen amazing pictures from this camera, that still look awesome blown up to more than 20" wide.
So I spent the money for a good tripod, ball mount, and pano mount/camera mount.
Picked up a nice Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod, FLM ball mount, and mounting/pano gear from a company called Right Stuff. It is all very sturdy and durable, but light weight for hiking (which I like to do a lot of).
I figured Cameras are getting better every year, so I spent the big money on things I'll use for a life time. Then when I get better than the camera (doubtful), I'll upgrade it.

One thing I've found is that for anything hand held at 300mm or longer, I need image stabilization in the lens, unless it is on the tripod. I also have a Manfrotto monopod, that doubles as a walking stick. It's aluminum, and a bit heavier than the tripod, but if I'm trying to cover a lot of distance over rough terrain, I like it better for speed of use with shorter focal distances.

I've also used this camera for astrophotography with great success.
 
#33 ·
If you can fork out a bit more money, I'd skip the D3300 and pick up a D7100. The Nikon D3XXX series cameras are OK for casual shooters who prefer to shoot in automatic mode most of the time and are careful what they do with their gear. The D7100 would offer you much much more, ex. weather proofing, part metal body, much better durability, additional command wheel which makes shooting in manual mode much easier, you would also get in-camera auto focus as well as better frame rate. I think you would also benefit from more focus points and better focus ability. I know many people who got into photography after getting their first DSLR and quickly dumped their D3XXX or D5XXX cameras for the D7XXX or full frame. If you think photography will be something you enjoy and you want durable gear, skip the entry levels and go to mid-range right away for about $1000 bucks.

You can also consider mirrorless cameras as they are really getting quite good these days. I started off with a Nikon D5100 back in 2011, sold that quickly and moved to a Nikon D7000 (awesome camera), then made the move to a full frame about two years later and bought a D600. As of recently, I've sold all my DSLR gear and invested in the Fuji-Film mirrorless system X-E2 with a few lenses and am quite happy with that set up.
 
#34 ·
So much great info here guys! It's good to learn that I need to spend my money on the glass and get a body that will work. Kind of the same with hunting rifles and scopes.

I'm going to go out and try multiple brands to see which one has the best ease of use. I'm no pro, I just enjoy taking pics. Most of my shooting will be either landscape or animals.

Ease of use will be a big one. I want something that I don't necessarily need to know what ISO speed I need to be shooting at. Again, I am not a pro and will be fine with the auto setting doing the work for me. As far as abuse goes, it will be in a case in the front seat and wl come out as its needed. I don't expect to roll around in the mud with it. I just need something that is OK with being out and about, I try to avoid being inside, especially when spring rolls around.

I appreciate all the feedback on the subject, it's honestly not one I'm real familiar with.
 
#35 ·
I'm surprised that mirrorless or micro 4/3rd cameras weren't mentioned more in this thread. A few years ago I bought an Olympus OM-D 'cause I got tired of being in awesome places and helping people catch the biggest fish of their life and we were taking pics with a stupid phone. By far the BEST decision I ever made regarding capturing memories!

A huge advantage is these are 1/2 the size of the other DSLR's recommended and just as robust. Check 'em out. Olympus, Sony, etc all make good features models today (a great advantage over when I bought mine).

BTW, lense magnification on a 4/3rds is double a regular frame DSLR (a 14-140 = 28-280!).
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top