Beginner First camera problems

Gemma window

Gemma window

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Gemma window
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Hi all :)

I need a little help. I'm looking at buying my first proper camera. I really want an DSLR but I'm not sure which is the best for beginners? Plus I don't have a massive budget :(
Anyone have any advice please?

Many Thanks
Gemma
 
Hi Gemma

I was in the same position as you about 6 months ago. Although not completely new to photography my last camera was film.The general advice is to go to a camera shop and try some out for yourself.
I settled on a Nikon 3200 which I am very happy with but any make Canon,Sony etc will be ok.

My other bit of advice is to stay on the forum because all the questions you might have can be answered on here.
 
As above really - go to a camera shop and play. Go with whatever feels best to you, Canon, Nikon, Sony etc. They are all good. Is there a London Camera Exchange or similar near you that sells used gear? Often worth a look as you'll get a better deal for your money.
Probably best to get something with a standard 18-55 zoom lens to start with and evolve from there.
Whatever you do, go for what feels right for you, not what everyone else says is better.
 
Maybe if you gave an idea of your budget, more directed suggestions may be offered
 
snooks said:
…I settled on a Nikon 3200 which I am very happy with but any make Canon,Sony etc will be ok.
Click to expand...
•
This statement might have nasty repercussions!

In today's manufacturers marketing strategies supported by the many and fast
pace developments, one should not ignore the system around a given brand!
Knowing that choosing brand A over brand B my either cost you a lot or save a
lot of money.

Find one that fits your hands but think this is just your first step… and all further
steps should go in the same direction so to not loose your investment.
 
Go to a proper camera shop, nor Currys/Pc world type place, see what fits you best, controls, menu etc then decide, if you buy used then if you decide that one is not for uoy, you wont loose much on reselling.
 
Thank you all for your help, I have around £200-£250 to spend
I was looking at the Sony A200K ?
 
Gemma window said:
Thank you all for your help, I have around £200-£250 to spend
I was looking at the Sony A200K ?
Click to expand...

that is very dated now and you shouldn't be paying no more than £70 at top end in good condition so be careful you are not being taken advantage of.. you can do a lot more up to date than that for your budget.. up to date isn't always a win but with the advances of higher usable ISOs in newer cameras it is IMO better to go newer, especially being a beginner and the time of year it is(less available light)..

as mentioned go and handle a few in Currys, your budget could be getting you a Nikon 3200 or Canon 1200 kit brand new, obviously don't dismiss other brands they were just current examples..

have you friends with DSLRs? which brands do they have? this can always be a factor RE borrowing lenses etc..
 
Given your budget I would say the Nikon D3200 is the best shout, providing you like the control layout etc. Although I'm a fan of Sony I would recommend any new tog to stay away from Sony DSLR's as they appear to be neglecting this system (A-mount) nowadays and concentrating on their mirrorless cameras. In fact some retailers have stopped stocking a-mount lenses.
 
Why do you want a DSLR? As a beginner in modern times, why not go for a mirrorless system camera? They're smaller and cheaper, and if you're not already 'bought in' to a particular system you can start from scratch. There are fewer lenses for - e.g. - Olympus and Panasonic systems, compared to say Nikon and Canon DSLRs, but more than enough for the vast majority of non-professional photographers, and even some pros.
 
Gemma window said:
I'm looking at buying my first proper camera. I really want an DSLR but I'm not sure which
Click to expand...

Hi Gemma

As has been said, you need to get your hands on different bodies to find out which suits you best...

My advice would be to try a few different makes / models and see which menu system you like, which buttons feels the best / in most ergonomically place for you and also, most importantly, which feels best in your hand.

Do you have any friends that have DSLR - could you possible have a play / go with them ?

A lot of the bodies available now are will perform to a similar degree and it is down to personal choice what you like - don't forget, what one person likes, another may not.

Another thing to remember, with Canon / Nikon bodies if you want IS (Image Stabilisation) you need to buy it in the lens, where as with Sony for example, it's in the body of the camera, so all of it's lenses benefit from IS...

Good luck with your search and new toy when you get...:D
 
I've just signed up today as i'm in exactly the same situation as Gemma - with a similar budget, etc.
All good advice which will be heeded - along with a visit to a camera shop for a good "play"
 
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