Beginner SLR camera recommendation help

[Gianna'sPapa]

It's OK to delete your underexposed picture of your feet, you won't need it, but someday you may need an out of focus underexposed picture of your feet, To be serious though, it's much easier to throw away some photos is you have better shots similar to it!

The reality is that when you look at photos that most people who take photography more seriously on Facebook or flicker tend to be their good or better shots. We don't usually see the ones that didn't make the cut, and their are a lot more of those. I think too often people see those shots and think most photos that person shoots are that quality.

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A professional photographer friend of mine one day asked me if I knew the difference between a great photographer and one not so good. All things went through my mind, but in the end I just "No, what?" His reply resonates to this day, "You never see a great photographer's bad shots!"

 

[havoc315]

It's OK to delete your underexposed picture of your feet, you won't need it, but someday you may need an out of focus underexposed picture of your feet, To be serious though, it's much easier to throw away some photos is you have better shots similar to it!

The reality is that when you look at photos that most people who take photography more seriously on Facebook or flicker tend to be their good or better shots. We don't usually see the ones that didn't make the cut, and their are a lot more of those. I think too often people see those shots and think most photos that person shoots are that quality.

Great point, and a great advantage of the switch to digital. It's not uncommon now, for me to try to get the great shot with 10-20 different variations (to the sometimes frustration of my children). If I walk away with 1 great shot out of 20, I'm pretty happy.
Back in the film days, I would never want to burn through a whole roll of film just to get 1 picture. So it would be 1 or 2 shots to try to get the right composition and lighting, and then move on.
The more serious photographers, see the huge advantage of digital and aren't shy about deleting their bad shots. Plus, they are serious enough to be patient, not afraid to re-take the same shot again and again. Your pure amateur is more likely to take 1 or 2 shots and be done.

 

[photo_chick]

I'll take 100 or so digital shots of something I might have shot 5-10 of with film. But I never throw anything away. I'm a pack rat in all areas of my life. And I have pulled some of those bad images out for non-photo art projects, so you never know when you may use them. I'll delete things from my lightroom library but the files are still there. And with storage space being as cheap as it is these days... well there is no compelling reason to toss anything for me.

 

[mikegood2]

A professional photographer friend of mine one day asked me if I knew the difference between a great photographer and one not so good. All things went through my mind, but in the end I just "No, what?" His reply resonates to this day, "You never see a great photographer's bad shots!"

Have heard multiple variations or that quote and it is very true. Also a great photographer tends to be much more selective of what they consider to be a good shot.

Great point, and a great advantage of the switch to digital. It's not uncommon now, for me to try to get the great shot with 10-20 different variations (to the sometimes frustration of my children). If I walk away with 1 great shot out of 20, I'm pretty happy.
Back in the film days, I would never want to burn through a whole roll of film just to get 1 picture. So it would be 1 or 2 shots to try to get the right composition and lighting, and then move on.
The more serious photographers, see the huge advantage of digital and aren't shy about deleting their bad shots. Plus, they are serious enough to be patient, not afraid to re-take the same shot again and again. Your pure amateur is more likely to take 1 or 2 shots and be done.

Agree! The ability to shoot for "free" (the fact that you have no film costs, not the cost of the camera ) means that there really is no reason not to experiment with a shot and try other angles etc. The only possible problem I see with that is the fact that people may become a little lazy and rely on the camera too much.

As far as the film days go, I don't think their is anything that I miss about those days! There is a photo podcast that I listen too where the podcaster has started shooting more firm/slide. He talks about how refreshing it is and how much he enjoys it. My view, glad you enjoy it, but don't agree with you at all! Maybe that is why I don't listen/look forward to it as much as I use too.

 

[KERdad06]

Wow, some great advice. I'm still doing a lot of research, and appreciate the help. And I will check out the book, Understanding Exposure. Sounds like that will be very helpful as well.

 

[DSLRuser]

Your pure amateur is more likely to take 1 or 2 shots and be done.

Thats what makes the kids so mad. my wife understands i am trying to get "the shot" but the cringe when i sit and take 20 shots of the same thing. Many with little changes they dont see, some with slight camera angle changes.

They got real mad when I took them with me to shoot a sunset. 1 hour before to 1 hour after, I sat there and took 300 shots.

Partially to try our various techniques, but mostly just looking for "the shot"

 

[DSLRuser]

Wow, some great advice. I'm still doing a lot of research, and appreciate the help. And I will check out the book, Understanding Exposure. Sounds like that will be very helpful as well.

the author of "understanding Exposure" is brian Peterson. he has his own youtube channel. A bunch of quicks 3-4 minute videos showing you a single concept inn each video. great way to learn.

 

[csummerlin55]

I've also been looking into buying my 1st DSLR (I'm thinking Nikon D5100) and really appreciate this thread.

 

[MommaMcG]

The problem is not your equipment, the camera. the problem is you, the photographer.

Totally not trying to stir the pot, but I think this statement is a little harsh. I mean, she only has a p&s right now, and let's face it.....a lot of them aren't very fast. I'm a professional photog, and I still get crappy pictures on my p&s because it's not a great camera. Now, if she already had a dSLR, then yes, the problem would probably be the photographer.

To the OP, you can't really go wrong with any entry level Canon or Nikon package. I'm a Canon girl myself, but Nikons are also great! And once you get your camera, practice practice practice. And read as much as you can. Also, ditto the monopod idea....it's wonderful for sports pictures!

 

[photo_chick]

Totally not trying to stir the pot, but I think this statement is a little harsh. I mean, she only has a p&s right now, and let's face it.....a lot of them aren't very fast. I'm a professional photog, and I still get crappy pictures on my p&s because it's not a great camera. Now, if she already had a dSLR, then yes, the problem would probably be the photographer.

To the OP, you can't really go wrong with any entry level Canon or Nikon package. I'm a Canon girl myself, but Nikons are also great! And once you get your camera, practice practice practice. And read as much as you can. Also, ditto the monopod idea....it's wonderful for sports pictures!

I do think it may have been a slightly harshly worded statement, but if you read the rest of the post from DSLRuser, the point being made is buying all the equipment in the world won't necessarily get the shot. The photographer still has to step up and take command of the camera.

I'm a professional photographer and am about to graduate with a BFA in photography. I've been using an SLR for more than 25 years now. And I too take my share of crappy pictures. But I've also pulled some really nice shots from very basic cameras. Mainly because I have the knowledge and experience to push those cameras to their limits and then some. It's not what you use, it's how you use it.

 

[MommaMcG]

I do think it may have been a slightly harshly worded statement, but if you read the rest of the post from DSLRuser, the point being made is buying all the equipment in the world won't necessarily get the shot. The photographer still has to step up and take command of the camera.

I'm a professional photographer and am about to graduate with a BFA in photography. I've been using an SLR for more than 25 years now. And I too take my share of crappy pictures. But I've also pulled some really nice shots from very basic cameras. Mainly because I have the knowledge and experience to push those cameras to their limits and then some. It's not what you use, it's how you use it.

I understand what he said. He said "any dslr," which she doesn't even have yet. And who knows how old her p&s is or how slow it is....which makes a difference if she wants to take sport photos. And as I said, if she did have a dslr, then yes, it would probably be user error.

 

[mikegood2]

I understand what he said. He said "any dslr," which she doesn't even have yet. And who knows how old her p&s is or how slow it is....which makes a difference if she wants to take sport photos. And as I said, if she did have a dslr, then yes, it would probably be user error.

I see both sides of the argument. I agree that DSLRusers first line came across more negatively than it could have, but it also contained a lot of good information. Part of the problem is we don't know what cameras she has had in the past, but if she has had issues with all of them a better understanding of photography fundamentals would help.

The other issue is that she is shooting one of the more difficult things to shoot, sporting events.

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[photo_chick]

I understand what he said. He said "any dslr," which she doesn't even have yet. And who knows how old her p&s is or how slow it is....which makes a difference if she wants to take sport photos. And as I said, if she did have a dslr, then yes, it would probably be user error.

Go back and read the whole thread. I think you missed some things.

As far as old point and shoots... I got my first digital point and shoot in the late 90's and used it while I continued to use my film SLR's for a few years. I used that simple little camera to shoot sports, indoor shots of my baby, low light shots of my family, fireworks, sports... all the things people typically say "you really need a DSLR for" I pulled off with that camera. I'm not saying there weren't limitations. And I had to really push it in some situations. But all the shots that the OP asked about in the original post are doable with many types of cameras if you know how. And user error, often in the form of a lack of knowledge, is often the reason people are unable to get those shots. But it's always much easier to blame the equipment.

I've seen many people make the mistake of thinking a DSLR will solve all their problems. And while a DSLR can make getting certain types of shots easier, it will not eliminate the need for knowledge. No camera will get shots in every situation on auto.

 

[traylorc]

I've seen many people make the mistake of thinking a DSLR will solve all their problems. And while a DSLR can make getting certain types of shots easier, it will not eliminate the need for knowledge. No camera will get shots in every situation on auto.

I agree with you wholeheartedly. In fact, I think purchasing a DSLR can lead to additional problems without a basic understanding of photography.

 

[KERdad06]

Totally not trying to stir the pot, but I think this statement is a little harsh. I mean, she only has a p&s right now, and let's face it.....a lot of them aren't very fast. I'm a professional photog, and I still get crappy pictures on my p&s because it's not a great camera. Now, if she already had a dSLR, then yes, the problem would probably be the photographer.

To the OP, you can't really go wrong with any entry level Canon or Nikon package. I'm a Canon girl myself, but Nikons are also great! And once you get your camera, practice practice practice. And read as much as you can. Also, ditto the monopod idea....it's wonderful for sports pictures!

Go back and read the whole thread. I think you missed some things.

As far as old point and shoots... I got my first digital point and shoot in the late 90's and used it while I continued to use my film SLR's for a few years. I used that simple little camera to shoot sports, indoor shots of my baby, low light shots of my family, fireworks, sports... all the things people typically say "you really need a DSLR for" I pulled off with that camera. I'm not saying there weren't limitations. And I had to really push it in some situations. But all the shots that the OP asked about in the original post are doable with many types of cameras if you know how. And user error, often in the form of a lack of knowledge, is often the reason people are unable to get those shots. But it's always much easier to blame the equipment.

I've seen many people make the mistake of thinking a DSLR will solve all their problems. And while a DSLR can make getting certain types of shots easier, it will not eliminate the need for knowledge. No camera will get shots in every situation on auto.

Just wanted to clear up a couple things. First, I am a guy - haha

But seriously. When I originally read the comment that the problem was the photographer, I too thought it was a little harsh. But, when I thought about it, I figured many of the people on here know a lot about photography and have probably seen these basic questions many times.

My point & shoot is a Kodak Easy Share. There is always a delay when taking the picture, about 1-2 seconds, so I've missed a lot of shots.

But, I am happy to say that tonight I bought a Canon Rebel T4i. The best piece of advice I got was to try the cameras out in person. I was leaning towards the Nikon D5100, but it just didn't feel right in my hand. When I held the Canon, it fit perfectly. I bought the kit with the 18-55mm lens at Best Buy for $634, and the 55-200mm lens seperately - it was on sale for $147. After researching prices online beforehand, I feel like I got a really good deal. I can't wait to get started with it and read the manual to see what it can all do.

Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts and advice - it was VERY helpful!!

 

[mikegood2]

But, I am happy to say that tonight I bought a Canon Rebel T4i. The best piece of advice I got was to try the cameras out in person. I was leaning towards the Nikon D5100, but it just didn't feel right in my hand. When I held the Canon, it fit perfectly. I bought the kit with the 18-55mm lens at Best Buy for $634, and the 55-200mm lens seperately - it was on sale for $147. After researching prices online beforehand, I feel like I got a really good deal. I can't wait to get started with it and read the manual to see what it can all do.

Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts and advice - it was VERY helpful!!

Congrats on the purchase! I think you will be very happy with the choose. Also wanted to pass along what I hope is a helpful piece of advice: Be patient and try not to get frustrated! Like I and others have stated, sports photography is one of the tougher things to shoot, but a DSLR is a step in the right direction.

Also, I'm not sure if it is possible, but you may want to see if you could attend some practices! It's a great way to get familiar with the camera, and at the same time experiment! Their is nothing worse than missing that "special Shot" at the big game/match.

Just wanted to clear up a couple things. First, I am a guy - haha

sorry about that, I just realized I used she earlier! The funny thing is I realized I used she when I typed it and was going to go back to the OP and check. I just ran out of time and posted as is.

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[photo_chick]

But, I am happy to say that tonight I bought a Canon Rebel T4i. The best piece of advice I got was to try the cameras out in person. I was leaning towards the Nikon D5100, but it just didn't feel right in my hand. When I held the Canon, it fit perfectly. I bought the kit with the 18-55mm lens at Best Buy for $634, and the 55-200mm lens seperately - it was on sale for $147. After researching prices online beforehand, I feel like I got a really good deal. I can't wait to get started with it and read the manual to see what it can all do.

Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts and advice - it was VERY helpful!!

Going to hold it in person not only to make sure it fits well in your hands, but also the buttons are comfortable to reach really is important. I'm glad you found what fits you!

Happy shooting!

 

[caa1277]

Just wanted to clear up a couple things. First, I am a guy - haha

But seriously. When I originally read the comment that the problem was the photographer, I too thought it was a little harsh. But, when I thought about it, I figured many of the people on here know a lot about photography and have probably seen these basic questions many times.

My point & shoot is a Kodak Easy Share. There is always a delay when taking the picture, about 1-2 seconds, so I've missed a lot of shots.

But, I am happy to say that tonight I bought a Canon Rebel T4i. The best piece of advice I got was to try the cameras out in person. I was leaning towards the Nikon D5100, but it just didn't feel right in my hand. When I held the Canon, it fit perfectly. I bought the kit with the 18-55mm lens at Best Buy for $634, and the 55-200mm lens seperately - it was on sale for $147. After researching prices online beforehand, I feel like I got a really good deal. I can't wait to get started with it and read the manual to see what it can all do.

Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts and advice - it was VERY helpful!!

That's great! I also bought the Canon T4i on Friday. Waiting to have it delivered. I got the 18-135 lens instead of the 18-55 and I also bought the 55-250 lens.

Don't be afraid to play with it. Practice, practice, practice! Just go out and start shooting. The other advice that I can give you is to NOT set the camera to auto. Avoid this at all costs. Learn the different settings and how they affect each other.

Congratulations on your purchase! Two Chads with the same camera. Great minds do think alike!

 

[KERdad06]

That's great! I also bought the Canon T4i on Friday. Waiting to have it delivered. I got the 18-135 lens instead of the 18-55 and I also bought the 55-250 lens.

Don't be afraid to play with it. Practice, practice, practice! Just go out and start shooting. The other advice that I can give you is to NOT set the camera to auto. Avoid this at all costs. Learn the different settings and how they affect each other.

Congratulations on your purchase! Two Chads with the same camera. Great minds do think alike!

Congrats to you too. I played around with my camera a little today, sure is fun. Can't wait to figure more things out.

Good luck with yours too!