Help for a complete novice...

[Butterfly123]

Hi! I'm not new to the dis boards, but new to the photography boards. This place seems like a safe place to ask my very beginner questions, because you all seem so kind and helpful.

Okay, so I'm a 48 year old mom of three teenagers. I have a Panasonic Lumix zs1 that takes some great point and shoot pictures. However, I'd really like to get a dslr, and learn a little more about photography. I have done some reading online, and have a couple of photography books, including Understanding Exposure.

Like many people, I'm on a limited budget, and will need to acquire things over time. I was looking at the Nikon D3100. Good choice? With the 18-55mm lens that comes with it, how much better are the pictures it takes on auto while I'm learning use the manuel settings, than with a point and shoot? My current point and shoot has a 12x zoom. How does the 18-55mm lens compare in zoom capabilities to this? The type of pictures I take are family shots at holidays (indoors), outdoors nature shots when camping at Tahoe or Yosemite, and family vacation shots (like Disneyland!). Will this lens be good enough for these kind of shots, or will I need another lens right away?

I appreciate any advice you can give me. Thanks!

 

[photo_chick]

The pictures will only be as good as the photographer. If you're reading your books (especially Understanding Exposure) and put that into practice your photography will improve with any camera you use.

Your 12x zoom is equal to 300mm. You'd need more than one lens to cover the focal length range your point and shoot has.

As far as the camera, if you want a DSLR I really don't think you can go wrong with any that are out on the market right now. Just find what has the features you want, for the price you can afford and make sure it fits in your hands well.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I agree with photo chick that you can't go wrong with any of the brands today. They all are very good cameras. We all are invested in our systems so we favor our brands. I would definitely find a good camera store and try to handle as many of the cameras as possible. I want to preface what I'm about to write because I do shoot Pentax. The Pentax Kr is one of the best values for an entry level camera. The Pentax cameras all have in-body stabilization so every lens is stabilized which does save money as you expand your lens collection. Currently at B & H, the Kr with the 18-55 is $584, with the two lens kit 18-55 and 50-200 $650, with the two lens kit 18-55 and 55-300 $710. For the entry level cameras, the Kr has the best range of ISO and burst speed amongst other things. Pentax has also made all their cameras backwards compatible with all their k-mount lenses. That can save some money.

As you further your research, you may want to do a comparison and a good tool for that is on www.dpreview.com. Under 'Cameras' they have a side-by-side tool that is very good.

 

[theduck619]

We looked at both the Nikkon and the Canon entry level SLR. The Canon came with an additional lens so we went that route. This board has been an awesome resource for me. Someone had given me the advice o here to shootno less then 50-100 pics a day as practice with the new camera. Also, learned that it is sometimes better to zoom with your feet, as in moving closer, then having the lens do the work. Good luck, and welcome

 

[Butterfly123]

Thanks, everyone. Do you think the basic 18-55mm lens will work for the type of shots I want for a while? I'd like to be able to learn something about picture taking before I decide on what other lenses would be best. Lenses are pricey, and I don't want to make a mistake, and later wish I had gone with a different lens.

 

[theduck619]

Thanks, everyone. Do you think the basic 18-55mm lens will work for the type of shots I want for a while? I'd like to be able to learn something about picture taking before I decide on what other lenses would be best. Lenses are pricey, and I don't want to make a mistake, and later wish I had gone with a different lens.

It is the lens we use the most. It is a great one to learn with, at least in the opinion of a fellow newbie.