summary = "I wouldn't recommend going for ILCs unless you have a dedicated use case [...] Once you've picked a niche, then the gear choices will result naturally."
> On a less cranky note, I really want to get myself a nice digital camera. Any photographers out there with strong opinions on the matter?
* What type of photos do you want to take?
* What's your budget?
* Do you want to deal with carrying multiple lenses / heavy bodies / etc?
* What's the destination / use case for your photos?
> all kinds. Budget isn't too much of an issue I can just save up longer. Multiple lenses are fun and I'll probably get a couple solid bags so not too put out about weight. Destination unknown.
Well, I'm just going to say that if you don't have any idea at all, then that also means you can't really get a good answer. I wouldn't recommend going for ILCs unless you have a dedicated use case -- a compact or even a smartphone will do fine in most general cases. (I picked up a Sony RX100 M2 used for a few hundred bucks for my general shots.)
Once you've picked a niche, then the gear choices will result naturally. As a general rule, spend more on glass than on bodies. Probably pick two telephoto lenses, one below ~70mm (down to 35mm or 24mm) and one above (up to about 200mm). Get a body with a sensor that's at least APS-C, and at least 12MP. A Sony a6000 or a6300 will be most versatile in the $750-1000 range (body only). You'll be spending an additional $400-$1000 for each quality lens you also pick up.
> fair enough! I'm just doing my research right now so I appreciate the honesty.
you're welcome :) it's really important to know what you're getting yourself into. a lot of people buy in way too early and stick with a kit lens because they didn't budget for lens -- and at that point, you might as well get a 1" compact, maybe even a Micro Four-Thirds like the Fujifilm X100 series if you can afford it.
