[Joe_E]

Hey guys, I've been looking into getting a camera to starting shooting cars. I am a beginner at this but do want to do a lot of shooting at the car meets I go to. Wanted to see what camera you guys would recommend. Was thinking of getting the Nikon d5500 18-55mm. Any thoughts?

[M_Six]

Don't short yourself too much with the "starter" bit. You might find that you've quickly outgrown it and will wish you had gone bigger. That said, I don't know Nikon gear, so I can't say if the D5500 is a good mid-level camera or not. But look at "starting" in the mid-levels so you can grow into the camera instead of growing out of it.

[Joe_E]

Originally Posted by M_Six

Don't short yourself too much with the "starter" bit. You might find that you've quickly outgrown it and will wish you had gone bigger. That said, I don't know Nikon gear, so I can't say if the D5500 is a good mid-level camera or not. But look at "starting" in the mid-levels so you can grow into the camera instead of growing out of it.

What camera would you recommend then?

[sygazelle]

There are great cameras out there. I've been happy with Nikon and I'm thinking about getting a new one since mine is an 8 year old D80. Technology has improved a lot since then. I'm thinking about buying the Nikon 3300. Great price and great features for a low priced camera. The reviews on it are amazing. Check it out:

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3300-2...keywords=nikon

[geek]

Originally Posted by Joe_E

Hey guys, I've been looking into getting a camera to starting shooting cars. I am a beginner at this but do want to do a lot of shooting at the car meets I go to. Wanted to see what camera you guys would recommend. Was thinking of getting the Nikon d5500 18-55mm. Any thoughts?

I've been shooting SLRs and DSLRs for more than 35 years and actually own a D5500 now. I think it's an excellent choice. The D3000/5000/7000 line all take excellent photos--they all use the same sensor now--but they're at different price points with different feature sets. As you progress from beginner, you'll find you want more of them. I've never gotten past intermediate myself, so I'm very happy with the D5500.

Most photographers will tell you to not spend too much on the body and save your money for good lenses. I'm no pro, but I agree with this. Good luck and enjoy your new camera!

[Joe_E]

Originally Posted by geek

I've been shooting SLRs and DSLRs for more than 35 years and actually own a D5500 now. I think it's an excellent choice. The D3000/5000/7000 line all take excellent photos--they all use the same sensor now--but they're at different price points with different feature sets. As you progress from beginner, you'll find you want more of them. I've never gotten past intermediate myself, so I'm very happy with the D5500.

Most photographers will tell you to not spend too much on the body and save your money for good lenses. I'm no pro, but I agree with this. Good luck and enjoy your new camera!

What accessories would be good to get with the camera? Tripod? Filters? And what do you think about getting the 18-140mm lens instead of the smaller one?

[geek]

Originally Posted by Joe_E

What accessories would be good to get with the camera? Tripod? Filters? And what do you think about getting the 18-140mm lens instead of the smaller one?

The 18-140 is a good lens, so, yes, I'd get that instead of the 18-55. I put UV filters on my lenses to protect them from scratches; thank goodness, for I've scratched many a filter. I usually leave them on when I shoot because I'm lazy, but the pros take them off or use much more expensive filters because having a cheap piece of glass in front of your expensive lens reduces image quality.

Tripod is also a must for tack sharp images. I have a Benro Travel Angel--nice & compact--but I don't think they make it anymore.

Since photography is all about light, you might want to get a flash & reflectors, but that's a little more advanced. Someone who knows more than me will have to comment. Also, guys who shoot cars a lot should post about what their lenses, tips, and tricks are. I don't know anything about that.

[GoHokiesGo]

Not sure on budget, but take a look at the Canon Factory Refurbished bodies if you decide to look into the Canon route; direct from the factory, comes with warranty, and gets rave reviews for a perfect camera at lower cost. I don't know much about the Nikon bodies since I shoot Canon, but you can't go wrong with either Canon or Nikon and would be buying into well established systems.

I'd recommend grabbing a few photography books or reading websites to understand your exposure triangle. Go out and experiment to understand how things impact your image. Pick up a 50mm prime with a large aperture, usually relatively inexpensive, to pair with the zoom lens.

I'd also consider looking at image editing software and learning how to shoot in raw. Modern day post processing gives you so much flexibility and many of the styles people like today are based on post-processing techniques. Learning to shoot properly and getting it right in camera with proper lighting is critical, but it opens up the ability to create some pretty amazing pictures with some basic planning.

[Vetsky]

I will always recommend a full frame sensor if the budget allows it. Keep in mind that once you choose your brand. Cannon, Nikon, and Sony being the big three. Your basically stuck with them.

The lenses are much more important than the bodies. If your leaning towards a crop sensor(which is fine) I would NOT buy a zoom lens. As GoHokiesGo mentioned. I would get an large aperture 35mm and 50mm prime and shoot with just those two for a while.

My first camera was Niokon D90 with a 35 1.8. I shot with that for almost two years, never changing the lens once. It is amazing what you can do with a shallow depth of field.

[Aatish]

Get something you're comfortable using/handling. DSLRs are really nice, but take up space. Mirrorless are small, and offer solid performance...but may not be as capable as DSLRs.

Don't focus too much on the body, more so the glass.

[Joe_E]

A canon 70d 18-135mm. What do you guys think of this setup?

[Aatish]

That's a nice combo.

[Rat3d ///M]

I can't offer any advice that hasn't already been said, besides go with Nikon, but I'm a Nikon guy so my opinion is biased and it's honestly 6 in one hand and half a dozen in the other. Personal preference really, both are great choices.

I started taking my photography semi-seriously about 5 years ago when I picked up a Nikon D40x w/ 18-55 and 55-200mm lenses used for $400.00. My camera was outdated back then (made in 2007 I believe) so today it's definitely old, obsolete technology, but I'm still using it. I've sold the kit lenses and bought an 18-200mm lens for no other reason than I like to take a lot of pictures of the city when I go on vacation and it's easier to carry one do-it-all lens than 2 purpose built lenses. I also picked up a Nikon SB800 Speed Light to make an attempt at indoor photography (ceremonies, etc.) but haven't honestly gotten much use out of it. My bread and butter so-to-speak is automotive photography (car shows/meets/cruises, etc.)

All that being said, yes I am still rocking my original DSLR that is now 10 years old, but I am looking to upgrade to a D7100 this Christmas. At around $600 (body only) it seems like the best upgrade out there for me, and I have 100% outgrown the D40X IMO. I am no professional by any stretch, but I take photography as a serious hobby and I enjoy doing it. No professional training whatsoever, just read a bit online, watched some videos, and had lots of time to practice.

[Mik3ymomo]

I shoot Nikon but honestly image quality is going to have more to do with the lens and the photographer than it will be decided by this brand or that brand. I've seen beautiful images taken with just about everything out there.
You may find that the higher end the camera; the nicer the photos you see taken with them. That's because only a more serious shooter is likely spending that type of money. It's not the camera so much.

Mirrorless is an excellent choice. You will also carry it more often as it's heft is much less.
Image quality is excellent.

Whatever you choose to do, learn the basics of photography and get a nice editing program like Adobe Lightroom.

[apexlocator]

Read up on composition and pickup lightroom. Any camera will do as long as you can change settings like ISO, aperture, shutter, etc.

[E92 M Sport]

Find a local camera store and try the different models you're interested in. A good store will let you try many different ones and take the time to explain lots of stuff to you. I went with a Nikon d5100 and like others have said, you will see better glass equals better pictures. Prime lenses are great. I have the 18-55, 55-200 and a 35 1.8 prime, which is my favorite. Super sharp pics, and great low light performance too. I learned a lot by reading http://www.thephotoforum.com

Good luck.

[Joe_E]

Thank you to everyone who has helped me! I'm going to go with the nikon d7200, only thing is what lens would you guys suggest for car shows and photo shoots. Thinking of going with the Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 VR that it can come with, or going with the body only and getting a prime lens. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[Rat3d ///M]

Can't go wrong with a 35mm prime. That is the next lens on my list. I love my 18-200 as my walkabout lens. Image quality won't be the best but it's a nice do it all solution.

[Joe_E]

Originally Posted by Rat3d ///M

Can't go wrong with a 35mm prime. That is the next lens on my list. I love my 18-200 as my walkabout lens. Image quality won't be the best but it's a nice do it all solution.

What about a 50mm prime? What nikon prime would you recommend?

[John Tanglewood]

Originally Posted by Vetsky

I will always recommend a full frame sensor if the budget allows it.

I 100% agree with this.....however, there is no such thing as beginner AND full frame. And you realize that when looking at the prices.

The 7200 (crop sensor/dx) is an excellent choice for a midrange. I had a D7000 (DX) for while and LOVED it, then upgraded to a D600 (full frame/FX), then upped that to a D750 (better FX).

Realize that if you get serious about the hobby you will eventually move to full frame. FX glass is incredibly expensive and should be seen as an investment, so please consider this when making upgrades to your 7200.

For shooting static cars with smooth, creamy out of focus backgrounds, you want something that can go long (100-200mm) and WIDE (1.8 - 2.4) - so you can get excellent bokeh.

A 35mm or 50mm 1.8 prime will be an awesome walkaround lens for you and will work for car photography, but I'd still look for something longer.

Honestly - you will get a million suggestions, so here is mine. Get the kit lens with the body (the 18-140) - it is long, versatile, and while it won't provide the best depth of field at long range, it is a great start.

and THEN......based on what aspect of car shooting you like best, do heavy research into buying your first purposeful lens. Baby steps. it's an expensive hobby so it makes sense to take it real slow. You can also RENT lenses from plenty of places like B&H and try them out for yourself.

And make sure to purchase a circular polarizer (CP) for shooting cars - you use it to eliminate the glare that comes off the hood, roof, and windows. They aren't that expensive just make sure the diameter of the CP matches that of your lens.

And invest in a tripod if you're doing stationary shooting. That's a must. Okay I'm spent, good luck.

EDIT:
Also buy this (for learning little things that you'd otherwise never find out about)


And this (for learning everything you'd want to know about composition from the best of the best)

[Vetsky]

Originally Posted by John Tanglewood

For shooting static cars with smooth, creamy out of focus backgrounds, you want something that can go long (100-200mm) and WIDE (1.8 - 2.4) - so you can get excellent bokeh.

Everything John said is dead on.

Personally, I would still stay with the primes. But John's comments make sense.

Another reason to shoot cars with longer lenses is that you want a certain amount of compression which you get when shooting at larger focal lengths.

Here is an example. One was shot at 35mm(not such a great shot) and the other at 200mm. Can you see the difference in the background?

[GoHokiesGo]

Originally Posted by Joe_E

Thank you to everyone who has helped me! I'm going to go with the nikon d7200, only thing is what lens would you guys suggest for car shows and photo shoots. Thinking of going with the Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 VR that it can come with, or going with the body only and getting a prime lens. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

If you're just starting out, I'd recommend getting that zoom to give you some versatility. You'll build your lens collection over time as you learn and figure out what focal ranges will benefit your shooting style the most; however, usually a 50mm or 35mm is a standard prime that you can get for cheap (Canon's 50/1.8 is like $100 new, I'd assume Nikon has an equivalent), so I'd probably pick out one of each- the zoom and cheap prime- to start learning with.

Definitely take the time to learn your camera and lenses. After a few times shooting, look over your photos and find what focal length is your most used to upgrade lenses. You may find that your always at the long end of your zoom for compression, or more on the wide end to get those distorted up close images; after some time go out and buy a prime or higher quality zoom in the range you're using the most. Make friends with someone that also shoots Nikon and borrow lenses from each other; a few buddies started shooting around the same time as me, and we used to borrow and compare lenses all the time as an easy way to experiment.