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dankellys

dankellys

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Dan
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I am really keen to get into photography and I am looking at buying my first SLR.

I am a freelance web designer and believe that not only would I enjoy photography as a hobby, but it would also come in useful as part of my business, later down the line.

So, im after any hints and tips on how to get started, camera suggestions, or anything else really.

I have been looking at the Nikon D3100, as this also has a built in 'user guide' which seems to be being raved about on various review websites.

Cheers,

Dan
 
The D3100 should have plenty of offers on now as the D3200 is out. I think the best piece of advice I read when I was looking is to get to the shops and see how it feels in your hands.

FWIW, I ended up buying a Canon 550D.
 
welcome dan.

when i first got a start dslr, i found this link and it was extremely helpful for me to understand the basic concepts.

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/index.html

re: nikon v canon brand war, just keep in mind you're not buying into a camera .. but a system (i.e. when you upgrade body, lenses, flash etc)

i had started with a canon 350d but soon found i preferred the nikon 2 dial system when i used a friends d80.

with m43 and smaller interchangeable lens cameras now, there is even more choice!

whatever you get .. enjoy it and hope the link is of some help. :)
 
Go into your local camera shop and have a play to see which feels right to you, If you have a local camera shop of course.
 
a bit of advise i was given by my old man when i decided to take up photography was to buy the best of what you can afford.

I was originally going to get a Canon 1100D. But eventually was able to get enough for a 60D. It will push you to learn how to use it. If you get the most basic camera you'll out grow it alot quicker.
 
It always help if you post your budget, thoughts on second hand/grey imports too, as there is quite a bit of difference in what you can get, and what kind of photography you most likely be doing.
If you are thinking, on using your kit later on for your job, then is always a good idea to buy a more advance system as Aidan257 suggested.
 
Don't forget that a camera is only a light proof box (with some fancy electronics) it's the lenses that are the most important and expensive. A second hand body without a lens and then buy a quality lens of the size you require for the type of photogrphy you prefer.
 
If you can, get a flash. Built-in flash has an effective range of around 10 feet and is pretty rubbish in any event. And get a decent sized, well made bag - lots of shops have used ones that will last for years - to store and carry everything around. You'll be amazed at how much kit you'll accumulate. ;)
 
Thanks for all your replies. Lots of interesting comments (both on this forum and on hexus photography forum, where I also asked the same question), many of which I had not even thought of.

My initial intention was to go for the D3100 with kit lens, but by the sounds of it I am better off buying a second hand body and a separate lens for my needs (possibly a more expensive lens than I had 1st planned, thanks to the saving from buying a second-hand body). Would most of you agree with that?

Any good places for picking up good second-hand bodies? I would say including lens, I could probably stretch to £400-£500, for now...
 
What do you photograph most of? That will determine which lens you are likely to use most.
 
I don't think you will go far wrong with the D3100 and the kit lens. It will get you started and is a good enough lens to let you practise lots and find out what you really enjoy taking photographs most of. Then you can buy a particular lens to suit. Your body will still be ok. There is something comforting for a beginner in buying new as you don't know enough to buy second hand. That will come with experience also. Good luck.
 
Usual contenders Canon, Nikon or Sony

I would recomend 1st two as they have the most lenses accessories available and are slightly cheaper than Sony.

The Nikon is a good choice but dont be swayed just because it has a built in userfriendly manual i'm sure after a short while you wont even look at it as there is alot more information on some of the features it does out there and Canon make just as good user friendly dslr as well. I would go into a shop and see what feels right in your hands before handing over your cash.
 
aidan257 said:
a bit of advise i was given by my old man when i decided to take up photography was to buy the best of what you can afford.

I was originally going to get a Canon 1100D. But eventually was able to get enough for a 60D. It will push you to learn how to use it. If you get the most basic camera you'll out grow it alot quicker.
Click to expand...

Sound advise. I'm already questioning my choice on the body I got 4 months ago. The truth is 4 months ago I had no idea how I would end up falling in love photography. It's become a passion in a very short time. I guess this 600d will work until I can afford to go full frame. It seems a bit of a waist for me to spend 1500u.s when I could go full frame for around 2200u.s. the other part that keeps me from changing is I can not give up my 17-55 f2.8 lens. Until there is a lens just like this for full frame I will have to hold on to this one.
 
Hi Dan,
as a web designer, I am surprised that you have not taken advantage of indicating your location on your profile so we know where you are located. It will help you to make contacts.

Good luck

Malcolm
 
I'd certainly recommend remaining open to used bodies. I was about to buy a D5100, but Jessops wouldn't match another retailer outside the local area, which led to the salecritter suggesting a couple used operations, including one that happened to be local at the time. As a result, I picked up a very lightly used D90 for little more than the D5100, with all the benefits.

I can't, obviously, recommend a specific model - there are so many parameters in the choice, let alone physical feel preference. I would say I've found the dual control wheels of the D90 very handy in my wildlife photography, being able to adjust the aperture and speed quickly, but that might be completely irrelevant to your needs. Similarly, the D90 has an internal focus motor, for older lenses - potentially useful, but maybe not a "must have" for you. The D3200 has a newer and more sensitive sensor, on the other hand.

As has been noted, of course, you can (and very likely will =:) spend much more on lenses than the body, so don't consider this the final opportunity. I initially picked up a Tamron 28-300mm alongside the body, but after finding it rather soft at 300mm (where I spent most of my time) and prone to chromatic aberrations, eventually went for a used Nikkor 300mm f/4D - a bit more expensive than the body, but.. ye gods, it's about as close to a perfect lens as it comes, other than not being free. Very sharp, negligible CA, but still light enough for a walkaround lens (for a wildlife sort), and not requiring the selling of any vital organs.
 
I am a newbie as well, with maybe three months head start on you. I went down the d3100 and 18-55 kit lens route. I also thought the guided mode things would be a great learning tool but I found that they were very basic and quickly outgrown. However, the camera its self has been great, offering pretty much all the functionality I need as well as all the functions described in the various books I have been learning from.

I can't commend Nikon D3100: From Snapshots to Great Shots enough as a book. Although I would suggest getting the paperback rather than the kindle version I did. The Kindle can't be stuffed full of post it notes etc.
 
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I am in the same place as Dan in that I am looking to buy my first DSLR and thought I would join this thread rather than start a new one.
I too have been looking at the D3100 with kit lens.
I have probably been reading too much online but the advice I have seen seems to be split in to two camps.

One is to buy something like the D3100 kit, start taking pictures and learning.
The second seems to be that kit lenses have their limitations and I would be better off buying a second hand body and spending the money on better lenses.
 
The second hand advice is normally given by people who already has experience in photography and are on their second/third camera, with a better understanding of what each camera can do, and what kind of photography they practice.
For us that are starting up, the choice of camera is down to a new shiny, full guarantee beginner camera, or a second hand but more advanced body losing the "new" factor.
It is down to your budget, and when you are starting out, there is no point in buying £500 pound lenses because they will be wasted with your skill.

A lot of the advice is based as well on ergonomics, how the camera feel on your hands, more than in technical differences.
 
Thanks again for all the replies, they have given me a lot to think about.

Tel, you are right about there being 2 camps, I have found the same thing. Every 'newbie' reply has highly recommended the D3100, but the more seasoned Pro's recommend going for a second-hand, more advanced camera.

I went to Jessops over the weekend and had a play with the D3100 and really liked the look and feel, and it fits into my budget perfectly, but am I going to regret going for this camera a year or so down the line?

What are the main drawbacks of this camera, compared to say the Canon 60D or the 550D (both of which I could get within budget second-hand)?

Is the lack of a focus motor a big issue?
 
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Hi Dan,

The lack of a focus motor in the body will mean you won't get autofocus ability on some of the older (but still very good) Nikon lenses.

As an example, the 50mm f/1.4D or 85mm f/1.4D. These lenses would work but you have to use manual focus. These lenses were subsequently updated to the 1.4G (AF-S) version and have a built in motor, but they cost more.

Check camerapricebuster for a comparison.

I would second the 2nd hand route so long as the body and lens is in good nick and has no faults. If you are actively using your camera and learning lots, you are most likely to outgrow entry level cameras within the year.
If it's just for the odd shoot, you could find the D3100 lasts you several years.

How about a 2nd hand D90 or D300 even? (Bigger bodies, so might not be to your liking if you have small hands)
 
Having just made the transition from d3100 to d90 this weekend, absolutely loved the d3100, it got me through the early learning curve with the greatest of ease, but loving the d90 now
The main reason for my change was the lens motor issues, and I got a great deal on a d90, so it was a no brainer, but would have happily stayed with the d3100 indefinitely
It really is a great wee camera, easy to handle, all the buttons easilly found by second nature in no time, surprisingly good quality images, even with kit lens, good with higher iso and generally very user friendly
If going second hand, I'd try and squeeze a 35mm f1.8 into the budget, it gets some lovely sharp images and a lot of bang for your buck
Now feeling ready to explore the extra features the d90 has to offer, but might have been a bit daunting if it was my 1st camera. I'm sure I'll get used to the extra weight, but I'm missing the easy handlig of the d3100 and 35mm, especially as I've now got bigger heavier lenses
Both excellent cameras, so I'd suggest either, but go in a shop and handle with lenses on to see how they feel
 
Re the newbie reviews. I think you ought consider that people seldom condemn a big ticket purchase they have made. The psychology behind buyer reviews tends to mean people self affirm large ticket purchases.

My newbie rationale behind a new body and kit lens was fairly simple. I am a newbie, I had no idea what I was buying. I went for some thing in price range, with warranty and with decent reviews.

The difference between kit lens and the Internet fave 1.8 35mm is marked, but that isnt to say I am unhappy with the kit lens now I have the 35mm 1.8. The kit lens still produces what to my eyes are more than adequate images. I view the 35mm as a bit of specialised kit to be used when the situation suits and the kit lens as an all purpose tool to be used when I need something the prime can't do.

I suspect whatever you buy will suit you well as you are already doing the sensible thing and researching / thinking.

Don't forget to budget for ancillary kit. I forgot and had a rather skint month. My existing SD card was too slow to cope with continuous shooting. I also forgot to budget for a case / bag and of course the cheap cases would be a false economy, I needed something with sufficient room to hold things I would acquire in the future. Then there was the external flash gun I realised I needed to get better indoor shots. The decent uv filters friends suggested I bought to protect the optics from scratch damage.

That soon added up to another £150.
 
The newer cameras will have more bells and whistles but remember that all though camera history people have taken excellent photos with whatever has been available. Just because, for instance there is now a 5D Mk III this does not mean the original one is now useless, far from it (I only picked this because t'was the only one I could remember first and latest versions of).

I agree with the others, go for second hand body and best lenses you can afford at the time, lenses will last you a lifetime, cameras may get replaced/added to at some time in the future
 
I have just ordered a new D3200 and am expecting delivery in July sometime
Im getting it from Harrison's at £629 woth the free wifi connector although they are now dropping to £599 or less now but I wanted the red rather then the black
I did not really have a budget set ,and was tempted to the D3200 by the nice red colour ( yes I like my colours and appearance of everything I have ,from women to cars to :D )
So hopefully to will be a good camerea for me as the boy had a Nikon 3000 and I liked using that
Also I was tempted by being able to get them via the wifi connector through apple phone/ipad later on in the year

This will be my first proper camerea and I'm getting excited as delivery time gets closer
I have just had a lens cleaner and lens pen delivered and 3 San disk memory cards via amazon ,thanks to the advice on hear for this
Just got my bag to order this week .
I was told in jesssps that I must have a filter lens at £40

Can you recomend if this is necessary and where to get one cheaper and what sort as viewing a newby I need help on this .
 
You realy dont need a UV filter other than it will help protect your lens from getting dirty or scratched. Most usefull is a circular polariser filter which cuts down on glare from the sun and deepens blue skys and adds a bit of contrast to clouds as well as saturation to colours.

Best brands are Hoya (pro digital 1), B+W, Heliopan or Kenko
 
Lordharding said:
I was told in jesssps that I must have a filter lens at £40

Can you recomend if this is necessary and where to get one cheaper and what sort as viewing a newby I need help on this .
Click to expand...

There are many debates on TP regarding UV filters. As far as I understand them they were useful in film days, but with digital etc they offer very little in terms of optical benefit.

As said above they can be used just to protect the lens. Though you should bear in mind that you are now putting another layer in front of a lens developed by Nikon at great expense.

I fell for the Jessops 'must have a uv filter' line when I bought my first DSLR. Then I had a read on here and took it off...I've never used one since. Other types of filters, like polarisers, do offer benefits, but I'd wait until you've had the camera for a bit then see what you actually need.

As a guide, if you're still thinking about getting a UV filter for £40, I'm presuming you are getting an 18-55 lens with the camera. These can be bought for around £55 in the classifieds here should you ever damage the one you buy.
 
Lordharding said:
I have just ordered a new D3200 and am expecting delivery in July sometime
Im getting it from Harrison's at £629 woth the free wifi connector although they are now dropping to £599 or less now but I wanted the red rather then the black
I did not really have a budget set ,and was tempted to the D3200 by the nice red colour ( yes I like my colours and appearance of everything I have ,from women to cars to :D )
So hopefully to will be a good camerea for me as the boy had a Nikon 3000 and I liked using that
Also I was tempted by being able to get them via the wifi connector through apple phone/ipad later on in the year

This will be my first proper camerea and I'm getting excited as delivery time gets closer
I have just had a lens cleaner and lens pen delivered and 3 San disk memory cards via amazon ,thanks to the advice on hear for this
Just got my bag to order this week .
I was told in jesssps that I must have a filter lens at £40

Can you recomend if this is necessary and where to get one cheaper and what sort as viewing a newby I need help on this .
Click to expand...

Jessops will tell you that, because they will make about £39 profit on each filter sold at that price.

You DON'T NEED a uv filter they serve no purpose whatsover, unless you are really worried about damaging the front element on your lens.If you use the lens hood, this should never happen. And as pointed out, you can buy a brand new lens for little more than the cost of the filter if it's the kit lens you will be using.
 
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I am not fussed on a UV filter either. Would rather use the lens hood now.
 
Thanks again for the advice everyone. Good question about the filters too, as I was going to buy a few, but by the sounds of it, they are not needed, especially with a lens hood. Here is my 'starter list', does anyone think I am missing anything:


- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D3100...2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1340740440&sr=1-2 - £364.58 - Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera 18-55vr Kit

- http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=111296 - 2 x £9.39 - Duracell Secure Digital SDHC Memory Card - 16GB - Pro Photo 200X - Class 10 - 30MB/s

- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tuff-Luv-holster-telescopic-Top-loader-digital/dp/B001QIYAL0/ref=pd_cp_ce_3 - £12.99 - Tuff-Luv 'ZipNGo' holster

- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D3100.../dp/0321754549/ref=acc_glance_ce_ai_books_t_1 - £13.59 - Nikon D3100: From Snapshots to Great Shots

- http://www.amazon.co.uk/52mm-Flower...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1340878649&sr=1-3 - £7.99 -52mm Flower Petal Lens Hood

POSSIBLE ADDITIONS:

- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-55-20...61X0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340740780&sr=8-1 - £132 - Nikon 55-200MM F/4-5.6 AF-S VR DX

- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polaroid-PL...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1340741267&sr=1-14 - £39.99 - Polaroid PL108AF Shoe Mount Flashgun for Nikon
 
You shouldn't need to buy the lens hood,it comes with the lens.
 
That is tight. I've had a lens hood with every Nikon lens I've ever bought.

Times must be tough.
 
Has anyone bought/tried the Pentax K-r? Dixons have a great deal on it ( £450 for body with with 18-55mm Lens + 50-200mm Zoom Lens! - http://www.dixons.co.uk/gbuk/pentax...-with-18-55mm-50-200mm-lens-08722500-pdt.html - Out of Stock at the minute though).

It has some really good reviews, and seems like an excellent price. Would people recommend Pentax as a brand, or am I better off sticking with Nikon/Canon?

Could I have difficulty buying lenses/accessories in the future if i go with this brand?
 
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TCR4x4 said:
You shouldn't need to buy the lens hood,it comes with the lens.
Click to expand...

I cannot see anything on the amazon page regarding the hood being included.

I would add a tripod to the list, it all depends on the use of the camera.
 
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