Complete photography newbie...suggestions on where to start?

[tinker&belle]

Hi everyone...I am considering buying a decent camera. I know nothing about photography and have only had a point and shoot before. I am thinking about getting a camera with a big lense (can you tell I know NOTHING about this?), but I have no idea how to start researching? Does anyone have a suggestion about what type to look into? I would want one mainly for family photographs and for vacations/day trips so nothing too big. TIA

[NLD]

Hi tinker&belle,

Welcome to the photography boards.

What is your budget?

When you say a camera with a "big lens," are you wanting a camera with interchangeable lenses (a DSLR)?

Nicole

[Frantasmic]

Why are you tired of your point and shoot? What do you currently use?
What's the biggest complaint with your current camera?
Specifically, what types of pictures do you want to take? Family portraits where family is posed against a backdrop of some sort? Action shots of kids in sports?

You may be ready for a bridge camera or you may want to move up to a dslr as the previous poster asked.

There is a big difference between "I want to be a better photographer" and "I want a camera that takes better pictures." That's why people ask.

If you know nothing about photography, but do wish to, the best place to learn is to go to your library and pick out a few photography books. Digital photography for dummies would be good too. Read them and then ask yourself the questions again.

Do you want to be a better photographer?

If so, and your current camera allows more manual control, practice with that to see the effects of what you learned from reading at the library.

Then, you can decide if your new skills warrant a good upgrade to a bridge camera or a lifelong passion (and potentially big bucks) for a dslr.

[ben1993]

I've recently purchased a Nikon L110, I think this is a very good camera to use as a stepping stone from a simple point and shoot to eventually a DSLR.

[Mom2boys2]

ben1993,

Have you tried out your Nikon for fast moving objects? I too am wanting to make the leap from my point and shoot. As my 2 boys are playing sports, I miss every shot with the point and shoot due to the delay.

thanks for any help.