Advice on a DSLR for beginner photographers (me)

[astrosdude91]

I want to get a DSLR. I have a point and shoot Sony Cybershot. But that's all it's good for, pointing and shooting, which is why I'm getting slammed in the Photography competitions. I want a camera that will get the best out taking pictures. But I'm not an expert in photography, quite the opposite actually. But I'm eager to learn. I don't want to spend too much; under $500 would be ideal. I'll only go above that if it's really worth it. I have been considering the Sony a290, but I could go for something else if it's good. There are plenty of really talented photographers here on GTPlanet, so I know I'm in the right place.

So please help!

 

[boiltheocean]

Get either a Canon or a Nikon, both brands will be excellent if you ever wish to expand in the future. The best advice I could give is get down to a camera shop and hold them, then go with whichever is more comfortable in your hands.

 

[Jondot]

To be honest, you're not really going to find a bad digital SLR, so it's really more a case of comparing features and prices. I pretty much guarantee that you'll be just as happy with a Sony as you would be with a Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus or whatever.

Having said that (and as a D40 owner), you can't go wrong with a Nikon - particularly from a beginner point of view. Though you'll probably find Sony give you a higher spec for the same cash - at least that's how it was when I bought mine a year or two ago.

 

[Speedster502]

One of my friends was recently in the same situation, I suggested the Canon 1000D, he seems reasonably pleased with it and while at the moment I think in terms of shooting my 350D out performs it, mega pixel wise his is better. I'd personally recommend you stick to either Nikon or Canon, I've heard far too many stories of people getting a Sony, Olympus etc and eventually finding themselves restricted by lenses and other equipment. That said people can still take fantastic images with the lesser brands and as a beginneer it shouldn't make too much of a difference what you use.

As Floats said, go to a shop and check them out, from all the companies. Think of the positive and negatives with going with each company as well. You tend to pay for what you get, spend less and you'll get lesser equipment.

But I'm sure you know that anyway.

 

[TB]

1) I agree with Floats - go down to Best Buy, or anywhere that has plenty of floor models, and see how they feel in your hands. If it's not comfortable, you'll likely not enjoy using it. Just remember that with you're $500 price limit, don't go anywhere near the $1000+ bodies. Everything else will feel inferior.

2) Don't be hung up on megapixels. You can print plenty large with an 8mp so anything more that is overkill for most people (says the guy who has a 15mp )

3) Understand that short of buying top-tier, there is always something better for just a little bit more cash. Figure out if that is something you truly need and if so if it's worth the upgrade price. Personally, I was tossing around the T1i and the T2i for a while and opted for the older, and therefore cheaper, T1i.

4) Just be warned that once you have a DSLR, regardless of brand, you'll still be looking at the next thing you need want need - speedlites, backdrops, remotes, and that's all before you even get to lenses...

5) A better camera won't make you a better photographer!

6) There's likely more but my kids are tearing apart my basement.

Happy shopping!

 

[Roo]

Having said that (and as a D40 owner), you can't go wrong with a Nikon - particularly from a beginner point of view.

This. I got my D40 when I was in your situation 3 years ago - the deciding factor was my dad saying I could have his old 70-210mm Nikon film lens - and have more or less taught myself, via occasional research and talking to others. Best purchase I ever made, but the D40 is the only DSLR I've ever used, so I can't vouch for Canon or the rest. I have tried using my dad's D3000, and got lost in a world of menus, but I'd probably work it out if I had time to spend a day with it; the D40 is somewhat simpler so I've been able to gradually learn, from the first baby steps out of fully auto to more or less full time manual.

 

[Scaff]

Glass is more important that the body, something that has always been true.

Back when I used 35mm film I had the same range of lenses, while I traded up and up with bodies.

Now that was true back in the day and is actually even more true today with DSLR's, so given that I would strongly recommend going for either a Nikon or Canon (I personally use a Fuji - but that takes Nikon lenses).

The reason is that these two brands have not just the widest range of lenses on offer currently, but also a huge range of older lenses and will often still fit and work with modern cameras. Also they tend to offer a better range of fixed focal length lenses, which at first will not be of much interest, but trust me as time goes on and you see just how sharp a 50mm fixed for a Nikon or Canon is (and how damn cheap they are) you will be glad you opted for one of them.

Also keep in mind how long these two brands have been around and that they have for well over half a century made everything from entry level SLR's right upto some of the best pro gear around.

Go Nikon or Canon.


Regards

Scaff

 

[NISM0_SKYLINE]

I'd say start off with the Canon Rebel or Nikon equivalent depending on which way you go. I got my Rebel about this time last year and it has to be one of the best things I've ever bought. It was pretty cheap, ~$500 for a DSLR and I haven't had one problem yet, other then me not figuring everything out yet. I'm just outting in my two cents, the others above me are the ones to listen to, they know what's up.

By the way, I've won the Photography Competitions twice with a Point and Shoot, it doesn't depend on the camera as much, but more on the photograph.

 

[GPR]

Don't really have much to add that the others have not said already, but definitely agree go with either a Canon or Nikon. It'll be far better in the long run.

Also agree with everyone on the fact that the glass (lens) is the most important part really.

Bodies will come and go a lot sooner but good lenses can last you a lifetime.

 

[Omnis]

If you want to be a good photographer, you need to go in one of two directions.

Get something really light and small that you can take everywhere. I ditched my DSLR for my iPhone for this purpose.

Otherwise, get something cheap with really good glass and lights. I still don't have any strobes besides my 580ex2, and I don't have any way to use it off camera, so that sucks. Be prepared to spend money to get yourself to a point where you can actually control the light if you're going to go in this direction. The problem with this is that you have to have your subjects come to you, because bringing all your crap everywhere is a pain in the ass and a huge time eater. And, again, if you didn't fork out for all the equipment you needed, it's pretty much impossible. Most of my DSLR stuff has petered off into just pictures for ebay and portraits of people at family get-togethers and things.

 

[Neal]

I'd say the same and stick to Canon or Nikon but get your hands on them in a shop before choosing, which ever you go for will likely be a choice for life. If you're only interested in taking stills and not video it may be worth getting an older second hand body if you find a better but slightly dated camera you can afford. The year on year improvements for the models aren't as significant as the increase in quality you would get from a camera in a higher range. It's also worth considering getting a non-kit lens as the equivalent from the likes of Sigma may be better quality at a similar price.

I'd also agree that you can get good results from a compact camera and a DSLR won't necessarily improve your photos. Regardless of getting a new camera it's always good to learn new techniques and get new ideas. I've got a photography video podcast that's pretty good (can't remember what it's called) and there are loads of websites with photography tips (e.g. Digital Photography School, Lightstaking, National Geographic Photo Tips). Actually has anyone else got recommendations for good websites to improve your photography?

 

[Pupik]

I've been a Canon junkie since I inherited an the AE-1 back in 1990. Moved up to an EOS Rebel, where I bought a few telephoto lenses. The EOS lenses are interchangeable with the Canon DSLRs, so you're really buying into the lenses, since the technology in the actual camera bodies are ever-changing with new updates every six months or so.

Still, my 300D is going strong without a hitch, as long as you take basic care of them (no drops, no hits, always hold on tightly and/or carefully), clean out the sensor every so often. The DSLR Nikons use the same principle as the Canon; the lenses can be 20+ years old, and they still work with most of the latest equipment. Of course, the newest lenses always have a few more tricks like image stabilization and the like.

Basically, once you go DSLR, you find it hard to go back to point-and-shoot, although when you have a kid or two, it's nice to have a tiny camera ready on the fly instead of a bulky DSLR, when you have tons of other stuff to carry as a parent. That, and places where an innocuous camera is preferred...

Also, do not run out and buy one of these cameras the day before a big event; they can take a few weeks to really sort out the finer points and neat little gadgets each beholds to do things right. Get a good illustrated book or two on how to use the camera (there's still things I discover how to perfect many years after initial ownership), and one on tips and tricks for composition, ideas, concepts, the "nuts and bolts" of a camera, and the science of light and color. You'll also want photo-editing software and a good image browser that doesn't suck (unlike the ones that come with your operating system). And a spare battery!

It all sounds mind-boggling, but the important part is that you have fun with it, and not expect every shot to look perfect each time. You learn and learn and learn some more with each shot. Take notes, find others that are interested, and share ideas. Heck, some of my best and most interesting (in my opinion) shots were total experiments without regard to the suggestions the little microchip the camera suggests for settings...that's how you really move forward with it as a hobby.

 

[Omnis]

strobist.com. Can't think of any others.

 

[astrosdude91]

Ok, the past few days I've been looking around different places. Today, I went over to Wolf Camera and looked at what they had. The guy working there recommended the Nikon D3000. I looked at it, and quite liked it. But it doesn't have live view, which may take some getting used to coming from a world of point and shoots. They didn't sell Canon's, so obviously I didn't look at any.

So, here are my choices:
Nikon D3000
Sony a290
Or there is this guy!

Does anyone have any other camera's they would like me to add to the list? Perhaps a Canon that I missed. Also, once I buy my camera, what else do I need to be set?

 

[boiltheocean]

Or there is this guy!

Does anyone have any other camera's they would like me to add to the list? Perhaps a Canon that I missed. Also, once I buy my camera, what else do I need to be set?

Pfffft.... 1Ds MkIII, old news. MkIV is were it's at now.

That last question can only be answered by yourself, you need to use the camera and discover what you'd like to be doing but can't due to current limitations, only then can we suggest other stuff.

 

[Radracing]

This Micro Four Thirds cameras by Olympus and Panasonic are as good as the entry level DSLR ones but more compact and affordable. More like the generic version of the Leica M8

 

[TB]

If your dead set on new, about the only Canon that fits your $500 price point is the Canon EOS Rebel XS. Your options open up a bit more if you don't mind referbs or used. The only problem with buying used, and in particular from craigslist, is, as a new DSLR user, you likely won't know what to look for - checking the lens(es), mirror, LCD, etc. for any issues. And you wouldn't be the only one. I'd likely see the shiny new toy and miss the fact that the mirror has a big crack in it.

As for the second question, you don't "need" anything besides the camera body, lens and storage device (likely an SD card). What you'll invariably end up wanting is a tripod, second card, second battery, additional lenses, and the list keeps going.

 

[Icarus25]

I can't help with the camera decision as it's going to come down to what fits you best, but once you do get one I would look into some sort of bag. You'll be more inclined to go out and use your new camera when you can comfortably carry it with you.

 

[Syntax error]

If your dead set on new, about the only Canon that fits your $500 price point is the Canon EOS Rebel XS. Your options open up a bit more if you don't mind referbs or used. The only problem with buying used, and in particular from craigslist, is, as a new DSLR user, you likely won't know what to look for - checking the lens(es), mirror, LCD, etc. for any issues. And you wouldn't be the only one. I'd likely see the shiny new toy and miss the fact that the mirror has a big crack in it.

I can't really offer any more advice than what was given here already by everyone else, but if you do decide to go down the referb/used road, the link TB posted that goes to Adorama is gold. They grade all the equipment so you know exactly what to expect and the prices are rock bottom on camera bodies. I've purchased used cameras from them before and have been very happy with what I got, especially since I paid peanuts for them.

 

[HelenOster]

...........if you do decide to go down the referb/used road, the link TB posted that goes to Adorama is gold. They grade all the equipment so you know exactly what to expect and the prices are rock bottom on camera bodies. I've purchased used cameras from them before and have been very happy with what I got.......

That's very good to hear - but if you ever have a query concerning an order from Adorama, eg you need after-sales support) you are most welcome to email me directly: HelenO@adorama.com

 

[balang_479]

I have a Sony and I would say you stick to Canon or Nikon.. the a350 i have is an excellent camera and excellent price, but i wish would have spent a little more on a Canon, they have a better design, easier to get hold of lenses and other auxillary equipment there are many other features which make them better.