So picked up a super good deal for a compact... just to get my hands into the art of photography.
I'm a traditional artist at heart, but have always been interested in photography. I know its not the SL1 like I wanted, but I got a very good deal on a sony NEX 3n

I got the camera that comes with the kit 16-50, plus a 55-210, a bag, and extreme 16 card ( just so its fast enough ), all for around 400$ ( including 2 year warranties )

anyone work with compacts or have had experience? is the 55-210 worth it or should I return it? just looking for input for first time camera buyer.

Nex 3n is a mirror less camera, sorta like a mix between a dslr and a compact.
The ability to change lens is a big one, but if you wanted to, you could return it and buy a entry level nikon d3100 or a Canon t3i from amazon. (both are about $430)
The Nex is much better in terms of portability, its much smaller and lighter.
Its basically up to you if you wanted to return it or not, imo its kinda more of a hassle to control your settings like iso/fstop/exposure on a compact camera, its much quicker and easier on a dslr.
I am not saying its not possible, but its kinda of a pain on a compact.

As for over time, if you really fall in love with photography, you're bound to end up buying a dslr anyway.
Imo if youre buying a camera anyway, buy a dslr, either a d3100 or a t3i, its pretty much the same price.
Then save up for a prime lens, 50mm is what people usually go for, or a 35mm or a 85mm.

If youre not at all into the manual stuff, just stick with that I guess.

This post was edited by xXDreamAlongXx on Jan 1 2014 11:31pm

changing iso, apeture, and shutter is all fairly easy with this camera though. The only downfall is it doesnt have quite the selection of lenses that canon/nikon offer.

Im sure they offer mount adapters some where so you can mount other lenses, but you will lose the ability to auto focus.

As for the 55-210, id keep it for your arsenal.

This post was edited by xXDreamAlongXx on Jan 1 2014 11:42pm

I hate AF, would never be using it


the 55-210 is normally 349$, and got it for 190

I only use auto focus when i am in moments where i need to be fast, like kids or sports.
The only con i can think of is the camera being front heavy depending on the lens,lol, and possibly the sensor isnt as big a normal dslr. ( not sure about the sensor though )

You shouldnt have a problem with what you have then, it mostly comes down to what you're comfortable with and how you use it. Once you start taking a lot of photos you'll begin to have a mind of a photographer and youre going to start wishing you had your camera all the time because of those moments you see amazing shots and all you have is your phone.

This post was edited by xXDreamAlongXx on Jan 1 2014 11:52pm

I was planning on getting an SL1, but it was too good of a deal to pass up. Also I believe the sensor is the same size. Along with the NEX3n having 4fps which is the same as the sl1. ISO range is alot higher also, but I do want a better F. lens

If you want to stick with the nex lense series there is the 35mm 1.8 for $400 or the just get a E-mount adapter to either a EF canon mount or a F nikon mount.
A Canon 50mm 1.8 is like $120 and a nikon 50mm 1.8 is like $140

As for mounts, I am not sure which brand is a good brand, you would have to wait for a reply or ask someone else.

This post was edited by xXDreamAlongXx on Jan 2 2014 12:04am

woah, where do you see this mount? I can get an adapter for canon lenses!???

i really want the canon 50mm 1.8

This post was edited by UncleMuscles on Jan 2 2014 12:04am

Just google them, they run from $20-$400.
http://www.photigy.com/canon-eos-lens-adapter-for-sony-nex-cameras-review-and-image-samples/

because of the adapter I dont think youll be able to reach bokeh 1.8 though, not sure..


This post was edited by xXDreamAlongXx on Jan 2 2014 12:13am