I want to get a camera that I can use mostly for nature pics and graffiti pics out the window of a moving train, and maybe a butt or two (consensually ofc). Yes I know I’m weird. That said I guess I’ll need a “fast” one for the train, if that is the correct terminology (I think for shutter speed, yes?) The only other requirement is I will not download programs or apps beyond FOSS, preferably something I can just take the SD card out of and plug it into my laptop (linux anyway, most programs don’t like me).
I don’t see myself making this my living (and if I do then I can always upgrade) just as a hobby and maybe some side hustle if the opportunity knocks, so I don’t need the best camera, but I would rather buy nice not twice (unless I leave “hobbyist” and move to “professional”). That said I was thinking maybe a DSLR would be enough for me (if not, I could be persuaded to mirrorless, just trying to keep costs down)? I’ve heard good things about the Canon Rebel, idk. I’m not really trying to go over $1k (and even cheaper than that would be even better) especially if I have to then buy a lens or two.
Any recommendations are greatly appreciated, I have no idea what I’m doing lol.
Some notes;
The f-number is not fps. The f-number is a property of the lens you are using that defines the ratio of light it collects.
Actual explaination of f-numbers
So there are many pros of having a low f-number lens, but don’t go crazy. There are f/1.4 and even lower lenses. I have a f/2.8 and that is more than enough. But it all depends on your use case I guess.
FPS:
I don’t know much about the fuji cameras you are mentioning, but if you are familiar with them and like them, then go for it! I find it to be very personal what people go for.
Someone else in the comments mentioned micro 4/3. Those cameras are very much more “pocketable” and have gotten way better (or so I’ve understood it). But the size of the micro 4/3 sensors is a bit smaller than both full frame and APS-C sensors which will mean a bit worse performance in low light conditions. It is up to you to decide if it is worth the trade-off.
Ooooohhh the f number is in the lens lol, that’s why I couldn’t find it in any camera’s specs! Haha ok thanks!
Looks like the one I’m possibly getting used has an 18-55 “f2.8-4” “kit” lens, I’m guessing that means this lens has variable fs, but the low end is 2.8?
Yup!
So a kit lens is just a lens that is usually sold as a kit with the camera body. These are most often pretty cheap and not of the best quality. Think of it as getting a new TV. It has built in speakers. They work just fine, but if you want good sound you’re probably getting a proper sound system.
The variability of the aperture is common in zoom lenses. So this lens can be as most open f/2.8 when you are at the widest zoom, 18mm in this case. If you zoom all the way in, the most open aperture you will be able to set will be f/4.
You can always stop down your aperture further if you like. So if you’re at 18mm you can still set it to f/4. But you can’t set it to f/2.8 if you are all zoomed in at 55mm.
Worth mentioning is also that there are lenses where the focal length does not affect the minimum aperture. I have a 20-70mm lens that can go down to f/2.8 regardless of what focal length I am working with. But this is often a premium feature. Variable minimum aperture like the one you’ve found is more common.
Also worth mentioning is that there are “prime lenses” that have no zoom ability at all. They are fixed at a focal length. These primes are often of better quality than zoom lenses since they don’t have to account for optical quality in the whole zoom range, but you will be limited by not being able to zoom at all. These often have lower minimum apertures as well. It is not uncommon with primes at f/1.4 or f/1.8. These are great to use if the focal length is right for the purpose, but otherwise not very versatile.
I’d say go with a zoom of some sort unless you are sure you only need a specific focal length.
Your kit lens is a good start, but to get the most out of your camera, consider getting a better lens.
But hey, I don’t know anything about fuji kit lenses, they might be good. Give it a try and see!
Awesome thanks! I figured that was the case with the kits, but I’ll take one to get me started otherwise I’ll have a camera without lenses for a while until I can save for one haha. I assume I’ll need better lenses in the future for sure, at least I’ll need a wide angle and a really zoomy one, prob want whichever is for “macro” too because I remember having fun with that mode on my old Droid X when those came out lol.