Newbie SLR Question...

[*TheWigs*]

OK...TOATL NEWBIE ALERT!! We are going to try our hand at "real" picture taking and planning on taking the plunge on a SLR... What are your suggestions?? We want specifically...easy to use, great in low light, several shots per second, AND EASY TO USE! We have always had your standard "point and shoot" camera and have had many a Disney vacation moment lost due to camera vs user error. We are ready to get a "grown up" camera and learn how to use it...my husband has actually taken an entry level class to learn the basics of an SLR, so I guess he has a thin knowledge base We have gotten SOOOO much help with other DIS discussions and hope that you photographer gurus will be just as welcoming and FULL of helpful knowledge! Thanks in advance!!!
The Wigs

 

[photo_chick]

It sounds like from your post that you're aware that you won't just pull a DSLR out of the box and automatically take great shots every time, which is really good. By understanding that you will have to learn some you're one step ahead of a lot of people already. After all, 90% of getting a great image is the photographer.

Now, with that said... You can't really go wrong with any of the DSLR's out right now. But that doesn't mean they're all going to be the right cameras for you. Write down your budget and list what features you want. Narrow down your search with that. Then go to the store and play with those cameras and see how the controls and weight feel to you. Some may feel awkward and you want to rule those out. Also, you may want to plan in your budget for a fast prime lens, like the 50mm f/1.8 (or similar lens). You're going to want that type of fast lens if you really want to work a lot in low light.

 

[YesDear]

I agree with Danielle. Figure out your budget. Go to a real camera store if you have one. Play with the different one you chose to select from. See how they feel in your hand. Look at the controls and see if they make sense to you and they feel natural.

If you can get a kit, they can be a good deal for an extra lens. My belief is do not worry too much about the lens as you are learning, but remember the glass you use will probably give you more control over your image than the camera itself. I also agree that if low light is important a fast prime lens is important. A 35 mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.8 is a good first choice.

While you can get a lot of brand recommendations, for an entry level to second level DSLR they all are good. Nikon and Canon control the overall DSLR marketplace sales wise, but you will find good cameras in the rest of the pack. If you plan to spend 15 to 20k, however, I do have very specific recommendations for you!

When I was learning film photography back in the day, I was taught that cameras needed to be fed film regularly to get better. The same applies today but with digital to be able to see your image right away and erase what you do not like, it so much of an advantage. But keep taking pictures and pay attention to the settings you use.

Also what Danielle said is also true. 90% of the image is you and 10% is the camera. A trained good photographer can take amazing pictures with a P&S because they know what they are doing.

Welcome to the world of DSLR's! Do not be afraid and enjoy the journey!

 

[zackiedawg]

Full agreement with the above - hunt for the offerings from Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Pentax - all have some fine DSLRs available that would far exceed all your needs...shop based on feel, price, and features you deem important. And it's worth also considering some of the 'hybrids' for what they offer - Sony's SLTs, which are essentially DSLRs with a different mirror design for better video capabilities, and the Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, and Olympus mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, which can offer sensors as large as those in DSLRs with excellent low light capability in very compact, light bodies, though without all of the performance and speed specs of full DSLRs.

There's really a tremendous selection out there of very fine choices, so start a list of needed features, not-needed features, cool stuff, disadvantages, etc...then try to handle some of these to see which feel good in your hands. That should get you started!

 

[*TheWigs*]

Thank you one and all for your suggestions and help! I LOVE the DisBoards!! We ended up purchasing a Sony A55 with an extra zoom lens...55mm-300mm (please forgive me...I'm NOT camera-savy! ). We got $100 off the lens while buying it with the camera and 20% off all of the accessories that we bought. We went to an actual camera store and sat and chatted with the associate for a long time. Included in our purchase are several classes to help us get started. I'm going to be lurking about and probably harassing you all with my newbie questions so....Thanks in advance!!

 

[zackiedawg]

Congratulations on the camera purchase! Now, you can start learning and practicing - you've got a very capable camera and it should be able to do anything you want to do - start playing with settings and pushing buttons and have fun!