beginners, where to start

[KAT4DISNEY]

At Best Buy you might look at the Sony's. Their entry level DSLR's are some of the most compact if the size of the camera is important to you. (Some history for you- Sony bought Minolta to start their DSLR business so if your Minolta SLR was an autofocus you could still use the lenses from it. If it was manual focus then it requires an adapter). Their menu screens are also geared towards helping beginners use the camera.

And if you have a camera store near you you might want to look at the Pentax K-x. It's a very good camera that will be in your price range.

 

[Ashmanarion]

I have a D3000 currently. It is my first DSLR and I am loving it. I would probably say that the Canon cameras for newcomers are just as good as the Nikon and the the easiest way to figure out which you want is to get a feel for them and how easy you think each brand might be for you to use. Go to Best Buy or a photo shop and play around with them and ask questions. Good Luck!

 

[jetprincess]

The Canon Rebel series are always good as a beginner dslr.

 

[Master Mason]

You should look at all the major players, Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, and Sony, go play with them and see which one feels better to you, both in the way it feels in your hand and the intuitiveness of the controls. The one that feels the best is the one you should get.

 

[The Princess]

I have felt the same way....always lurking here on these boards and have feeling the same way...blown away by all these wonderful photos!! So we finally "took the plunge" and bought the Nikon 5000 today~hopefully soon I'll post my photos here.

 

[HeatherFeather]

Hi all,

You've prob been asked this a lot but I figured since new stuff is coming out all the time I will ask again. My mother's day gift this year is to be a digital SLR camera. I have never had one before...just the compact point and shoot type cameras. I am ready to move up to something that is better with action shots, low light photography, and better zoom capability.

I would like something that is high quality but fairly simple to use as I don't know much about photography. Can anyone recommend something? Price is not really an issue.

Oh, and a shout out to Mark B. I have looked/lurked at your photos for a few years and think you do brilliant work. Thank you for sharing!

TIA!

 

[ukcatfan]

Price is not really an issue.

You cannot say that around here! They will get you spending over $5K!!! In all seriousness, you are probably best off with an entry level model. Check out the Pentax K-x, Nikon D5000, Canon T1i and T2i. There are also Sony and Olympus to consider, but I do not know their current models. I recommend the K-x because it has one of the best feature sets and also one of the best prices. Really only the T2i can say it is a better camera, but it costs significantly more. Also, the K-x comes in different colors! I got red.

Remember that all are capable of getting great shots. Try to go to a local camera store (not a Best Buy or other big box store) and try to go handle the different options.

 

[Frantasmic]

See if you can go to a store that has each of the above 4 mentioned models and hold them in your hand and see what features fit for what types of photography you want.

Meanwhile, you can check out general photography books at the library and start reading them. The standards of understanding aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance apply to dslrs just as the did to film cameras.

Once you decide on a camera, google that camera's name and "short course" and you will be led to a site that offers a $20.00 interactable PDF with specific learning exercises for your new camera.

Then, practice, practice, practice.

With Mother's Day, Father's Day, and graduation around, several of the stores will probably be offering decent kits with a camera body, a standard lens and a zoom lens for about $100-$200 savings.

And don't be upset if your first picture isn't a neat as Mark's or the other really good photographers here. They have had experience and in some cases (Kramberries comes to mind) Zen alien photographic masters teaching them in their sleep.

 

[Golf4food]

Also purchase a Magic Lantern's Guide to whatever camera you get - full color, very easy to read and understand instruction manual on steroids, basically - much better than the manuals that come with the cameras, much easier to follow, are in color, etc. Can't recommend them enough.

I would also second the recommendation to look at the Pentax K-x. Great little camera.

 

[mom2rtk]

If I were you, I wouldn't mention "price is no object" and Mark's name in the same post...... he'll probably get you in trouble. Where did the link go to that $34.000 lens???????

I would suggest that whatever you get, get out and use it right away, and maybe take a class to get you started.

I would also suggest leaving some room in your budget for another lens or two down the road. Once you get into using it, you'll get a better idea of what lenses would be helpful with what you shoot.

I also suggest hanging around here. It's pretty inspirational, and you'll learn a lot as you go.

Have fun and Happy Mother's Day!

 

[HeatherFeather]

Thank you all for the advice so far. I guess I will backpedal a bit and say I would like to keep the camera itself under $1000. As I have said, I am a beginner and kind of a technological cavewoman. I need something that is relatively simple to use.

I am going to look at some of the reviews for models mentioned on cnet. Since I live in a pretty big metro area, I should be able to find an actual camera store. (I hope!)

And no, I am not going to freak out if my initial photos don't look like all you veterans stuff. I know that this probably takes years of practice to get really good. I am mainly looking for the equiptment to get me started down that road.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[disneymomoftwins]

I need a digital camera for under 400.00. I prefer at least 26 zoom and 10MP.
I will be using it for football games and dance team performances. I will also use the video a lot. All I have right now is a cheapy point and shoot and I have NOOOO idea where to start.
Thanks

 

[Princess_Au]

First, I have to say I really enjoy the pictures you all post here. You have inspired me to learn how to take better pictures.

I am a complete novice, who has a simple Sony Cybershot. I also have Photoshop Elements on my laptop. I know how to do a few simple edits and a bit with layers, but not much more. My main interest is taking great pictures of my young children and family. With this in mind, could you answer a few questions?

- What kind of camera should I think of upgrading to? Cannon, Nikon?
- Is buying a used Cannon on ebay a really bad idea?
- How did you learn what you know? A photography class? Self-taught? Any other way?
- Will Photoshop Elements provide me with the tools I need? If not, what software should I look into?
- Can I keep my Cybershot and create great pictures on the back end?
- Any other recommendations?

Thanks for any help you can provide!!

 

[zackiedawg]

- What kind of camera should I think of upgrading to? Cannon, Nikon?

If thinking of changing cameras, you should consider ALL cameras - Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic...no reason to just eliminate any from consideration until you have a valid personal reason to do so (one is too heavy, too big, too small, uncomfortable, missing a feature, etc). If looking to consider DSLRs or interchangeable lens cameras, you can't go wrong with any of the big brands, and all will be far more versatile and expandable, and capable, than a P&S camera.

- Is buying a used Cannon on ebay a really bad idea?

Well - like anything used or anything on eBay - it's up to you as to whether or not to take the chance. I'm not a big eBay fan, so I'd probably go elsewhere, but I'm not opposed to the idea of buying some things used. With a camera, I'd probably recommend sticking with new camera bodies, and buy used lenses.

- How did you learn what you know? A photography class? Self-taught? Any other way?

Self-taught, and input from other photographers over the years - but you can learn in many different ways - it's more about the committment to learn and grow than how you do it.

- Will Photoshop Elements provide me with the tools I need? If not, what software should I look into?

You should be fine with Elements.

- Can I keep my Cybershot and create great pictures on the back end?

It would be good to know which model of Cybershot you have - there are hundreds of models within the Cybershot line. But generally, most people that aren't yet very skilled with photography could improve their photography results many times over even with their current camera. Learning exposure, camera control, composition, and some post-processing techniques can deliver excellent photos even from the lowliest P&S. Better cameras provide more capabilities in more expanded situations, but don't create better photographs...just better opportunities and control for making better photographs. The photographer remains the big piece of the puzzle!

 

[TheGoofster]

I'll let the experts deal more with the specific questions, I just want to add a couple of things from another beginners point of view.

Without trying to sound mean about it, I think the way your asked your question might be setting yourself up for a bit of disappointment. I've been using my DSLR for about a year now, and I've been trying to learn as much as possible about it, but the fact is that I am no where near to taking shots like some of the people here on this board (and it's very possible I never will be). Many of the people here are experts who have dedicated years and years to learning and perfecting their skills. If I start using them as a comparison to myself, I find that I can get quite disappointed.
I say that simply to point out, that instead of trying to take pictures like many of the people here, make it a goal to start taking better pictures than perhaps you are now, and to advance from there. Thankfully I can say that in the past year, I have indeed seen quite a bit of improvement in both my understanding of, and actual taking of pictures.
There is still so much more to learn, and so much to work toward, but instead of continually comparing myself to the experts (which can be discouraging), I am comparing myself to where I was a year ago (which is actually quite encouraging).
I hope that doesn't sound mean or rude, but I just want to help you to avoid possibly setting yourself up for disappointment if you don't see the results that you might want to see after some time (basing it on how the experts do).

As for the best way to improve, I would suggest once you decide on a camera, slowly go through the instruction manual, and work on each and every aspect of the camera. Even if it's something that you already feel comfortable with, work your way through the manual. After that there are a ton of great books that expand on each of these concepts (the one that gets the most recommendation here is Understanding Exposure by Brian Peterson) These books can help you advance leaps and bounds in your shooting. Also, be sure to use the camera until your family gets sick of the site of it

Good luck in whatever camera you finally decide on, and enjoy your journey of learning how to best use it. Even though I'm still a beginner, I love taking pictures, and look forward to every chance I get to practice and learn something new - I know you will too.

 

[SrisonS]

As far as getting better skills-wise; just shoot and shoot... Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but know why you made them... Be terribly critical of yourself (which will eventually just come naturally), and be aware of the constructive criticism from others.... Ask tons of questions.... And just be a fan of the work of others. Constantly being inspired from various photographs and techniques will help you to think out the box a little, and will always push you to do better. Think of it as healthy competition, where you always want to kick other people's butt in the photo world.

I'd also say that it won't take too too long to get a skill level you're really happy with (although you'll always try to be the best thing ever). But as time goes on, and you start looking at your older pictures, you'll really notice that you've made quite a bit of improvement.

So good luck out there!!!!!!

 

[photo_chick]

I agree with zackiedawg on the camera. If you feel like you want to go DSLR you really can't go wrong with any of them. It's finding the features you want, that fits in your hands at a price you can afford.

If you want to go used I'd look at someplace like KEH, Adorama or B&H before I hit Ebay. Though I'm not a big fan of used digital cameras. Lenses absolutely. Bodies, no.

How did I learn... Self taught, until I took a photography class in college and changed my major. I've learned the most just from interacting with other photographers.

On software.. keep Elements until you run into something you can't do that you want to do with it. When that happens on a regular basis, it's time to move up.

I'm a firm believer that great pictures start in camera. No amount of photoshop can make a bad image good. It can make a bad image into some nice digital art, but that's a different thing altogether. And I don't believe your camera will stop you from taking great pictures because it's the photographer and not the camera that matters. Sure, fancy equipment makes it easier, but you can pull off some pretty impressive stuff with point and shoots if you know how.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

You don't need a camera like ours. Although, some shots I can get because of my camera and lens, with a few good lessons, you can easily shoot the majority of the shots we get. Especially for outside shots. High end cameras will make the shots a bit sharper and can be blown up more, but realistically, it's not the camera


Learn about perspective, composure and make sure to always look at both your subject and background.


You can task alot of pictures, but without ideas of what I mentioned above, you wont' really get anywhere.

 

[Princess_Au]

I have to say a big thank you to all who responded to my post! I hope I didn't offend anyone by sounding like I think I can take pictures like you do easily. I understand you have gotten to your level by much time spent, even years perfecting your craft. I just meant that you all have inspired me to take better pictures, not perfect pictures.

It will take me a while to save up for a nice camera, so I am glad to hear that I can learn to take really good pictures on my current camera (Sony Cybershot DSC-H10). I am now searching for good photography books for beginners. I heard that "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson is a good one. Anyone know of any others to look into?

Thanks again for your input, I really appreciate it!

 

[mom2rtk]

My best piece of advice: Hang out here! read the threads posted daily by others. When you have questions, post your own thread. Everyone here is friendly, helpful, and very patient and encouraging to novices.