Completely new - some advice please?

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skinttillpayday

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Hello
I'm completely new to photography. Myself and my husband have in the last couple of months started taking lots of wildlife pictures, and he really likes taking pictures of the moon.. and then we'd like to do nice ones of the kids too.
But basically we're using our ordinary digi camera and I'd like to invest in something decent for what we are doing. My budget is between £300-£500. Although I realise that my digi camera is only for basic portrait shots anway, what I don't like about it is the time it takes from pressing the button to getting the shot, and I'd like to take many shots in a few seconds.

I've really tried to do my research online but what I'm getting is a lot of gobbldygook I really don't understand with all the numbers and letters. Can anybody recommend some good reading for the very beginner photographer? And also a decent camera? Also what computer programmes do you use to edit and crop your pictures?

I'm thinking of enrolling on a phogography course in the local college to help us on our way but please don't think I'm being 'lazy' for asking - I really don't know where to start.

Thank you for your time
 
What is your ordinary digi camera at the moment?

What is it you want to do that it can't? (other than reduce the shutter delay and increase the frames per second)

Do you want to be able to change lenses, or do you want something that is lighter, easier to carry and is an all-in-one as much as possible?

These questions will give a starting point to progress from. For software.. it again really depends what you want to do. There's a few free options for basic cropping, straightenting and tidying up images.. for going that bit further Photoshop Express 9 is looking very useful from the specs but I haven't tried it yet.


(ps, this isn't a lazy question if you're thinking of that other thread.. what's maybe not clear on that thread is that it's largely referring to very different - and quite specific - type of question)
 
Hi thank you for your reply.

My current camera is a Sony cybershot touchscreen one. I want something that takes sharper, clearer pictures. I also want to be able to take pictures MUCH more quickly as I'd love to photograph birds, and this simply isn't possible with my current camera. I think the ability for different lenses will be necassary for my hubby to take some night time pictures.

I'm not worried about having lighter equipment, I just want something that works well and takes excellent pictures!

There seems to be a lot of good reviews on the Nikon D40, but I honestly don't know which camera would be a good one to start with - and I don't want to end up buying twice, I'd rather buy the best that I can afford..if that makes sense?

Thank you
 
Hi an welcome. As Alastair asked, this will help us answer your question better. Enjoy the forums.
 
The D40 is an excellent camera but has been replaced witj the D60 which is also superb. One piece of advice which is really important is to handle the different makes and see which make is most comfortable to hold.

Edit,
Forgot to say look in the tutorial section, there is a great thread on choosing a camera.
 
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There are some good deals out there at the moment and I would recommend this one as it will give you both a shorter lens for portraits and landscapes and a longer one that will help with wildlife and bird shots.
The camera is a good one and will definitely meet your needs as well as come in just within your budget.

Using an adaptor called a T adaptor it could also be connected to a telescope at a later date for even better moon photographs.


http://www.cameraworld.co.uk/ViewProdDetails.asp?prod_code=PON09I000065&Prod_name=Pentax+K-x+with+18-55mm+%26+55-300mm&CAT_CODE=5&SUBCAT_CODE=51
 
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Within the budget you're going to struggle to get a DSLR body and lens(es) that will do everything you ask. But if you're prepared to do photography by installments almost any basic DSLR body and kit lens from Canon or Nikon would be a useful first step with specialist lenses to follow later.
 
Davec223 said:
The D40 is an excellent camera but has been replaced witj the D60 which is also superb.
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The D60 itself has now been replaced by the D3000, which in turn was made obsolete by the launch of the D3100.

Having said that,they're all, as Dave says, superb little cameras, but bear in mind that any D60s (or even D40s, and they're are a few) that are still on retailer's shelves have probably been there for quite a while, so a serious discount would need to be in order to make the purchase of one worthwhile.
 
Alastair said:
Within the budget you're going to struggle to get a DSLR body and lens(es) that will do everything you ask. But if you're prepared to do photography by installments almost any basic DSLR body and kit lens from Canon or Nikon would be a useful first step with specialist lenses to follow later.
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Just to add, if you want to shoot birds/wildlife you are going to need at least 300mm (I struggle with just 300mm in a 7D) so I think you need to be aware that to get half decent shots of birds you will need to up the budget. The good thing is that you don't have to do it all in one go !

Go to your local photographic store and get used to the feel of the camera bodies, that's the best way to see how you'll get on with them.

Steve
 
If anyone looked at my link it would show a pentax KX + 18-55 and 55-300mm lenses for £499,so yes it's doable within their budget,with a decent quality DSLR, you just have to remove the Nikon or Canon blinkers
 
Whilst not a DSLR, a bridge camera may suit your needs. This is a camera with a fixed lens, that has a powerful zoom and is an all round camera - it means you can buy the camera and then not spend a small fortune on lenses and accessories.

It will not give you the quality of a DSLR, but the quality is acceptable to most people. All the shots in my gallery were taken on my bridge camera, a Fuji S9600. This is no longer available, but the latest version the Fuji HS10 is much better than mine and can be had new for around £300.

It may not be for you, but it is worth considerng as it gives you many options for photography in one go, and if you like an enjoy it, you may then want to upgrade to a DSLR.

many people will recommend that you jump straight to a DSLR it's your call.
 
Hmm this is a difficult one as I'm jumping into this brand new I'm still a little unsure exactly what you mean by DSLR :shrug:

I like the idea of spending all my budget on the basic camera and then paying out for accessories later on. So is the D3100 the most recent model? When doing a search on the D3100 it says around £499 for 'basic body' does this mean that I still get a camera that works? :cuckoo: I'm kind of figuring its like buying a car chassis with no working body?? Or perhaps its the basic camera which I'd then upgrade the lenses for?

:thumbs:
 
Yeah you get the camera body and a lens, and then can add to it. However, the basic kit won't let you take every kind of shot, hence the extra lenses. So you would need to buy a long zoom for the bird photography straightaway.

The Pentax kit that Ian posted the link for looks good, and would get you started pretty much straight away. It has a twin lens kit, so the zoom is included and it is heavily reduced.
 
A DSLR is the term meaning a camera with interchangable lenses. It actualy means Digital Single Lens Reflex. No need to get bogged down with the tech.

When you see a camera sold as body only, this means you just get the camera, no lenses. Which of course is useless, so you need to buy lenses either seperately or buy a DSLR as part of a kit with lenses included.

Different people will say different things, the lenses included in packages are usually cheaper "all rounders" often 18-55mm range. Some will say they are fine, others will say skip them and buy a better quality lens from the start.
Often if you have a specific need eg wildlife, you will want a lens with a much bigger range, preferably 300mm or more, however these can often cost more than the camera, so you need to make a comprimise and get something in between. Most manufactures do budget 70-300mm lenses. Whilst optically they arent fantastic, they will allow you to take photos of a good quality of the sort of subjects you want.
Once you realise your own potential as a photographer, you can condsider upgarding the lenses to higher quality, and faster ones.
 
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Flash In The Pan said:
The older D3000 is available from Currys, complete with 18-55 VR lens for £324, the 3100 is available with the same lens for £498
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the second one there sounds good. I think I might nearly be ready to venture into a shop to have a hands on look at a few. Thank you so much for all of your advice, it really is appreciated.
 
skinttillpayday said:
the second one there sounds good. I think I might nearly be ready to venture into a shop to have a hands on look at a few. Thank you so much for all of your advice, it really is appreciated.
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Just becasue a model has been superceeded doesn't mean you shouldn't look to buy it. If I came across a D40 which was in mint condition for £250 I would be tempted to buy it over eithero f the other two models.

In fact given the differenece in price I would go for the 3000 and save the money for a lens later on - as has been noted a 50-200mm or 70-300,, is often needed for wildlife shots.
I would also use google to see what the cheapest option out there is.
 
On a budget I would look at the Sony Alpha DSLRs. They have anti shake built into the body to allow you to take photos in lower light.

They are compatible with old Minolta lenses. Look out for a Minolta 70-210 F4 lens known as the beer can which you should be able to get for less than £150.

Any of the Alpha bodies, such as the A200 or the A350 would be perfect to go with that lens.
 
$500 will get you a used 30D, 18-55 & 100-300 lenses. Alright not IS lenses, but they'll get you started with both portraits and wildlife.

One thing that I read in a book though and I think its true, a lot of people go out and get an SLR, shoot in auto and then think their shots look average, this is true. An SLR takes a bit more thought to really get the best out of, whereas a bridge is a lot easier to use. Certainly the HS10 Fuji is a brilliant, very easy to use camera, so much so I'm probably going to get my other half one for Christmas as she just doesn't get on with my SLR and a 100-400L is too heavy for her to carry around that much.
 
cw318is said:
$500 will get you a used 30D, 18-55 & 100-300 lenses. Alright not IS lenses, but they'll get you started with both portraits and wildlife.

One thing that I read in a book though and I think its true, a lot of people go out and get an SLR, shoot in auto and then think their shots look average, this is true. An SLR takes a bit more thought to really get the best out of, whereas a bridge is a lot easier to use. Certainly the HS10 Fuji is a brilliant, very easy to use camera, so much so I'm probably going to get my other half one for Christmas as she just doesn't get on with my SLR and a 100-400L is too heavy for her to carry around that much.
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Oh goodness me that paragraph is a little complicated :shrug::)

So many possibilities and so many suggestions! So perhaps I should get an older model and save my money to buy better lenses? eek :eek:
 
on your budget you could get a canon 30d/40d from the classifieds forum on here (second hand) and get yourself a canon 55-250mm IS lens. Wildlife photography involves very expensive lenses with long reach - it's an expensive hobby. Be prepared to buy a camera and lens to get you going and add the wildlife bit (ie the long lenses) later.

Just for your info I have a Canon 400d with kit lens, battery grip and padded carry bag which i might be willing to sell for £250 + postage. message me if that's of any interest.
 
skinttillpayday said:
SSo perhaps I should get an older model and save my money to buy better lenses? eek :eek:
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In my opinion, this is an excellent idea. Camera bodies come out very regularly, and devalue quickly, especially at entry-level. If you look for a body that is a few years old, it'll still take great pictures, but at a tiny fraction of what it cost new!

Lenses are a different matter, especially good quality ones, they last for years. If you're really on a budget, then I'd be looking at something like a Canon 450D, or 30D or the Nikon equivalents mentioned above, with an 18-55 lens and a 70-300mm (or 55-250 if you go down the canon route). This will cover your basic needs, but the lenses the guys who are really into birds use cost thousands!

So I'd suggest going into a shop, and trying all the different ones on display. Then when you've found the one you like, write down the model number, and find the one before it, and wait for one to come up in the classifieds :)
 
i have no experience of this camera , but have heard good things about it.

the only adventage of the nikon or canon is the range of lens , and also on meets there are more likelyhood of others having lens and bits and bobs they may let you uses

some of the nikons have no auto focus built in the camera so this limts the lenses is more limited.

Cheers Steve
 
A random idea. When i picked up my dslr a few months ago now I was a bit overwhelmed and left it on auto. Then I went to the library and got a book called DSLR's For Dummies. Amazing book, starts simple and works its way through to advanced techniques. See if you can pick up a copy :thumbs:
 
iancandler said:
If anyone looked at my link it would show a pentax KX + 18-55 and 55-300mm lenses for £499,so yes it's doable within their budget,with a decent quality DSLR, you just have to remove the Nikon or Canon blinkers
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Frustrating a mate . . . ??? you have hit the nail on the head and no one is listening:shrug:

Hi skinttillpayday
. . . I love that handle:lol: I feel that a step back is in order, it happens every time this situation arises . . . every one jumps in, tries to be helpful, in truth its so often information overload, creating confusion. We know what we are talking about, but to you, its is so confusing . . . :thinking:

:thumbs: I see the situation as you requiring photographic flexibility, however, its early days and you are dipping your toe into a potentialy deep pool. Albeit enjoyable, its not a good idea to run before you can walk, enjoyment could turn to frustration.

'Iancandler' may have it right on the 'Pentax', you get the two lenses that will cover your basic needs as you describe. You may want a 'longer lens in the future for your birding'? but thats in the future. However, the one down side, Pentax is not a 'mainstream manufacturer these days', its been over shadowed as a brand by Canon and Nikon. Personally, I would not let that worry me, there are many years of product cudos and know how backing Pentax, the Kx has had very good reviews, its is not an inferior product :thumbs:

I would see the camera doing a good job of giving pleasure for many years. Lens availability is OK from Pentax and third party producers, there is a healthy range of used 'heritage K mount lenses', to buy if that takes your fancy . . . as time goes on. Snag . . . if you did decide to change brands at a later date??? the resale value may be a little lower than the equivalent 'C or N' . . . However, you are getting that difference up front on 'point of sale'.

I see this as a possible, two camera family . . . ? 'you will' like the Pentax, hubby may be drawn by the big brands as time goes by . . . us fellers do have our heads turned easily . . . :shrug:

All down the line I feel, Pentax = all you want for the foreseeable future, Canon or Nikon = extra expense soon! as you hanker for a 300mm lens. All three brands will do a sterling job . . . :thumbs:

Just my humble opinion . . . CJS

PS, its hands on, feely, touchy time, best don in a proper camera shop.
 
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Duncan_P said:
A random idea. When i picked up my dslr a few months ago now I was a bit overwhelmed and left it on auto. Then I went to the library and got a book called DSLR's For Dummies. Amazing book, starts simple and works its way through to advanced techniques. See if you can pick up a copy :thumbs:
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Got the book. It is great for beginners. Well worth spending the £15 or around that rather than spend a lot more on equipment that may not suit you.

Another thing to point out is that lenses are not cross compatible between makes. A Nikon lens will not fit a Canon lens etc. They have different mounts and workings. With this is mind, remember you are buying into a system not just a standalone camera as you did with your compact. I suppose it is like buying an electronic toothbrush over a manual one. Once you have got bored (ignore the fact they wear out) with the manual one you throw it away and buy another regardless of manufacturer. With the electronic one you have to buy a brush head that is compatible with the electronic handle. There is however a range of brush heads available. Some are made by third parties such as Tesco or Boots. Continuing with the analogy the camera body is the equivalent of the electronic brush handle. The lenses are the brush heads. The body is pretty useless without the lens.

There are third party manufacturers eg Sigma and Tamron that make lenses with Canon, Sony or Nikon etc mounts (same as Asda make brushheads to fit a Braun toothbrush).
 
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tramp92 said:
There are third party manufacturers eg Sigma and Tamron that make lenses with Canon, Sony or Nikon etc mounts (same as Asda make brushheads to fit a Braun toothbrush).
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Just to keep the balance 'Tramp', just checked out Sigma, they list 21 zoom lenses for 'Pentax' up to 500mm :thumbs:

CJS
 
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hmm that certainly puts things into perspective, thank you for your post CJS. You are right in that we are quite likely going to turn into a two camera family, and probably quite quickly. The extra expense of buying the equipment to go with the camera isn't really a problem, its just my immediate funds are about £500 and even so I'm looking at waiting till payday (lol hence the name) :lol:
We've dipped our toe into a few expensive hobbies over the years and indeed have been stung by 'newer better' brands coming out, and upgrading only to find that they are very much the same but a different colour.. so I'd just like to make sure I get it right.

I'm definately going to see if I can get myself into a shop in the next week and see what I like the feel of. I have spotted the dummies book on amazon already and thought it may be a good place to start!
 
Hi Skint (a familiar concept), welcome to the forum.

Your budget should get you something decent, but try a different approach.

See if you can find a local club. Talk to lots of people and average out the result.
 
Welcome to the forum, as Oggy said got to the local camera club, talk to the regulars and possibly try out equipment if they will let you.

My local club had a visit from Stuart of Digital Depot and he had all types of lenses etc for people to try.

Regards
 
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