Nrew to photography

Browsey

Browsey

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Sam
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Was wondering what camera to get for learning about it all? Most likely a Cannon or Nikon.
 
Have you given any thought about how much you can afford to spend.

Any current Nikon or Canon (Cannon's are different!) with the bundled kit lens will be an ok starting point.
 
Hi Sam, I would suggest that you go into a camera shop and try a few. There are so many to choose from, both Canon, Nikon and other well known makes.

It is best to try a few, within your budget, to see how they feel to you, if accessing all the controls feels comfortable to you, as obviously everyone is different and we all have different size hands. ;):thumbs:
 
I too am new to photography, I have just bought a Nikon D3100 with the standard 18 to 55 VR kit, I also bought a Sigma 70-300mm lens. This set up seems to be a great starting point. Currys are doing the body and 18 to 55 for £299 with £30 cash back from Nikon. :thumbs:
 
not taking sides on the Nikon/Canon arguement as they in reality are very much alike in picture quality. it really boils down to cost of accessories (lenses and the like), also what you find the easiest to use.

The big problem when buying entry level cameras is it doesn't take long to outgrow them and you start wanting a camera with more features. This is the trap I fell headlong into starting with the Nikon D70s to D200 and now D300.

The other thing is models keep being upgraded and there is the tendancy to want the next, something every photographer yearns for.


Realspeed
 
realspeed said:
not taking sides on the Nikon/Canon arguement as they in reality are very much alike in picture quality. it really boils down to cost of accessories (lenses and the like), also what you find the easiest to use.

The big problem when buying entry level cameras is it doesn't take long to outgrow them and you start wanting a camera with more features. This is the trap I fell headlong into starting with the Nikon D70s to D200 and now D300.

The other thing is models keep being upgraded and there is the tendancy to want the next, something every photographer yearns for.

Realspeed
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more
 
Started out with a Nikon D40x (I suppose the equivalent is the D3100), it was good for a first DSLR because it keeps all the more advanced settings inside the menus where you can't accidentally mess with them.
Then a few years and 6000 photo's later, when I wanted all those extra settings on hand I went out and got myself a D90, mainly for the extra bits, but I also got sick of cleaning dust off the sensor (from changing lenses so often).

Nikon v Canon? At the lower end of DSLR you'll find the Nikon has better/stronger build, but the Canon has the image quality. At the mid-top end it's all swings and roundabouts.
 
thanks have taken all in to consideration and will have a think about it my budget is defiantly no more than £300 and might go for Nikon but will think about it.
 
You're right to keep it inexpensive to begin with as with most things. That way if you find its not your thing you haven't splashed out too much.
If you have friends into photography see if they have a spare camera you could use.
Photography is fun, highly subjective and can be frustrating but very satisfying when you get an image you really like.
Enjoy.......
 
I would suggest something with manual controls that emulates higher end cameras and makes it easy to use. Lots of low end SLRs only have one command dial, and usually by default, it operates the shutter speed. If you want to manually change aperture, you have press a button, hold it, then move the command dial. Sounds trivial, but it's an extra barrier to make you not want to try manual control.

You don't always have to use manual, but when learning basic exposure theory, it's a good thing to do.

Higher end cameras have a separate command dial for both, so you can adjust speed and aperture quickly without taking your eye from the viewfinder.

For this reason I would say get a used Nikon D80 or D90. They have a two dial system. Not sure if any lower end Canons do... but others will advise.

D80s go cheap used on Ebay, and they're still an excellent camera.
 
Browsey said:
Was wondering what camera to get for learning about it all? Most likely a Cannon or Nikon.
Click to expand...

two things to learn

1/ how to compose a shot

2/ how to process the shot

for 1/ any digital slr (or 4/3 mirrorless too) will do and 2/ practice, reading books (Scott Kelly does a good range for photoshop), YouTube has loads of videos while the net in general provides loads of information.
 
Yeah.. don't bother with all that exposure stuff... pointless. Just bodge it post processing.

:bang:
 
Definitely go for an entry level DSLR. Don't over spend on your first, save your money, maybe go 2nd hand, because in a few years time you'll almost definitely want to upgrade.

If i'd started out with my current D90, i'd have really struggled to get the basics right. A lot of people make the mistake of jumping straight to prosumer DSLRs and a lot of people end up putting them in a cupboard and buying a compact instead.

Your only important decision needs to be brand, because when you start buying accessories/lenses, you really want the flexibility to use those purchases on your next camera.
 
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Whatever you buy, dont buy an expensive one for your first camera. get used to experimenting with a budget version then upgrade in a couple of years when you have a good grasp of the controls such as aperture and shutter priority.
 
Don't forget there are other makes me cameras equally as good,
Sony
Pentax
Olympus

I personally use Samsung Gx 10 (Pentax K10d in disguise) ,if your on a budget this could be the way forward for you. Just Google lenses for Pentax and you might get an idea what I'm getting at, their older 50mm prime for example are tack sharp and can be bought for £20,their newer primes are generally expensive. I have the 24mm dal f2.4 ,bought second hand for £60 and it's a cracking lens and highly rated in the Pentax circles .
Just giving you some other ideas not saying this is what you should do :-)
 
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