What to learn before plunging into the world of DSLR!?!?

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rasmusrok1

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Jonny
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Hi

Basically i am a student and i am, very soon, going to buy a DSLR (not sure what yet). I was wondering if you guys had any advice about cameras, photo taking, or anything photography related that you think would have been helpful when you picked up your first DSLR.

Thanks so much

Jonny
 
Budget is the first thing to consider. No point in looking at the spec of a Hasselblad H3 if all you can't aford it :D (no harm in dreaming).

Look at all the current cameras on the market , Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax etc.

Once you have settled on one or to then find a shop and handle them. What suits some may not suit you.

Also consider "Used cameras" a D200 may be yesterdays camera but it is still a bloody
good one (just an example, same applies to any other make)

Independent lens makers like Sigm and Tamron for example should aslo be considered as an upgrade from kit lens. Produce excellent images at less cost than manufactures own.

I am sure there are loads of other things, but brain not fully functioning on a Monday :lol:
 
One of the most helpful things I found when starting out was a book called Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Really helped me understand aperture, shutter speed, ISO and how they relate to each other to help with exposing your pics the way you want. I also dredged through an enormous amount of the free Photoshop/Lightroom tutorials available on the web which helped me get to grips with my editing software a lot quicker than just bumbling about on my own would have.

Tommy.
 
The best thing to do is have a go of any of your friends camera's if they have a DSLR then decide on which you like more Canon, Nikon and Sony are the main ones people tend to push for.

Then if your friends know anything about helping you with settings etc and Understanding how to do certain little tricks and look at other peoples photos for composition tips.

Basically go for the camera that you can afford to get some extra's with a bag, tripod, external flashgun is a must for me anyway.

Go for what feels best for you!
 
Try handling first a DSLR so you know how it feels. You could borrow from someone you know. So it is feels perfectly, you could start scouting for the best cam for you. You should consider your budget and base the camera specs on your budget. You should be keen on the lens quality and the other add-ons of the camera (like automatic specs). Pixel is also important so you know how large and how detailed your pictures will be. Other important thing is the grip of the camera.
 
When buying the DSLR, remember the other bits - if possible, get a memory card before you get the camera so you can use it straight away, as soon as the battery's charged.

Live with the basic kit for a while before deciding what (if any) other lenses you want/need - no point in buying a telephoto lens as soon as possible only to find that a wide angle would get more use.

Keep your eyes on 2nd hand dealers - OK, they're more expensive than e-bay but you'll get a warranty.

If you have to use a credit card, pay off the last purchase before making the next!
 
The camera is not very important. It's how you use it that matters.

A DSLR is massively capable, but you can't buy photographic ability and if you don't know what you are doing, your pictures will be nothing special. Almost as if the camera did all the thinking for you ;)

Nobody ever got good overnight. Photography isn't that difficult, but you need to put the work in, make mistakes, and learn.

Just buying a DSLR is a guarantee of nothing. Not saying that you think that way, but some people do and their camera soon ends up on ebay.
 
Just buying a DSLR is a guarantee of nothing. Not saying that you think that way, but some people do and their camera soon ends up on ebay.
Click to expand...

Yeah thats exactly why i wan't to learn the theory before the DSLR comes. I wan't to make a good go at photography.

I have recently been learning photoshop skills through a CD i bought of ebay, it's very extensive and i am learning quite fast...i think.

One of the most helpful things I found when starting out was a book called Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson
Click to expand...

Thats the second time this book has been recommended to me, i think i am goint to buy it, it may be a good starting point as a lot about photography goes over my head at the moment. I want to know it all!!!!1

Thanks for the advice anybody....does anyone know of any good websites with tutorials about composition, manual settings, post processing and printing??? Or any other good books for that matter.

As for the camera i am shortly goint to go to a jessops and have a feel of a few DSLR's i think from what you guys have said it's the best way!

Cheers!!!
 
I can't think of anything you need to learn before buying a dslr, once you have chosen one and bought it, have a good read at the manual and then just go out and have a play with it. Try different settings, auto, manual, programmes, and take notes of the different settings you've used and then compare the results.

Buy a copy of Understanding Exposure and have a good read at that and have a play with this site and you should be on your way to being at one with your camera :)
 
All good advice guys, the websites you have directed me to are great...makes for a little bed-time reading!
 
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