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What's a good starting camera?
- Thread starter shingi70
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All the entry level cameras from Canon, Nikon and Pentax are comparable pieces of equipment. Canon may have a wider selection of lavish lens choices (read expensive) but all of the consumer grade lenses are good. Nikon and Pentax offer pro level lenses as well. Tamron and Sigma are the most well-known third party lens suppliers. Pick a price bracket and start looking. I use a Canon XSi with lenses from Canon, Tamron, Sigma and Tokina.
If you have a camera shop locally, go in and handle stuff. How the camera fits your hands is important.
Dale
If you have a camera shop locally, go in and handle stuff. How the camera fits your hands is important.
Dale
My wife started photography with a Nikon D700, and she is very happy with it. And the pictures she takes are excellent. But it very much depends on how serious you want to be. If you just want to play around a bot, get an entry model from Nikon or Canon. Otherwise spend some money and get a camera which is suitable for serious work.
I want to do serious work but having a cheaper entry level would be more financially sound.
I think any of the Canon T series camera (T1i, T2i or T3i) are great choices. The T1i would be the cheapest however the Xs or XSi bodies are pretty good as well. You're going to have to factor in lenses with whatever body you get as that plays a serious bit in what you can achieve with your camera.
Perhaps you could also look at some of the "Pro" point and shoots like the Canon S100/S95/S90 or the G12 as well. While they're not quite a DSLR, they're more than capable of producing excellent images with some DSLR features.
When starting out, I looked Canon (primarily) and wound up with the T3i specifically because of the swivel screen which does come in handy quite a bit for me. Fast forward 6 months and $1500 in lenses, I'm pretty happy with my choice. Not financially of course but you get the idea.
Perhaps you could also look at some of the "Pro" point and shoots like the Canon S100/S95/S90 or the G12 as well. While they're not quite a DSLR, they're more than capable of producing excellent images with some DSLR features.
When starting out, I looked Canon (primarily) and wound up with the T3i specifically because of the swivel screen which does come in handy quite a bit for me. Fast forward 6 months and $1500 in lenses, I'm pretty happy with my choice. Not financially of course but you get the idea.
Do you have much photography experience? If not, I humbly suggest you look at a Sony Alpha. I am FAR from being professional (not even close to semi-pro), but I can say that in my usage, I have found Sony's menu system to be far easier to use, navigate, and make changes to camera settings. I've shot some with Nikon (D40, several occasions) and a couple Canons (not much, though) and I vastly prefer the Alpha's on-screen layout.
And if you are an experienced photographer, keep in mind that a good portion of the tech in today's Sony Alpha came directly from Sony's purchase of Konica-Minolta; that's the primary reason I bought the Alpha myself - to be able to shoot with good old Minolta AF lenses!
And if you are an experienced photographer, keep in mind that a good portion of the tech in today's Sony Alpha came directly from Sony's purchase of Konica-Minolta; that's the primary reason I bought the Alpha myself - to be able to shoot with good old Minolta AF lenses!
Have you looked into used cameras? I picked up my Nikon D60 with a 18-70mm lens for under 500 dollars from my local camera shop. I bought this as it was a nice camera for the price. It takes excellent photos. I also agree that you should go and try out the cameras and see what feels best in your hand.
I also recommend you have a look at the various micro-4/3 cameras, e. g. Panasonic's GF-series or GX-series.
A good starting Camera
I reckon a good starting camera is the best you can afford, irrespective of the fact that you may not know a lot about it, I know it may be daunting, but it seems like false economy to me to get a 'Starter Camera' or a 'Learner Camera', you will soon enough be at the 'Upgrade' stage and your money disappears at an alarming rate, why not learn on a good camera and delay the onset of upgrade costs. of course this includes glass as well.
I reckon a good starting camera is the best you can afford, irrespective of the fact that you may not know a lot about it, I know it may be daunting, but it seems like false economy to me to get a 'Starter Camera' or a 'Learner Camera', you will soon enough be at the 'Upgrade' stage and your money disappears at an alarming rate, why not learn on a good camera and delay the onset of upgrade costs. of course this includes glass as well.
I have to agree with all here. Start with what your budget can afford and what you will able to live with for a few years. I did it backwards. I started with a Nikon D3S, and the "trinity lenses, i.e. 14-24mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm, all f2.8". Took some classes online and am now fairly competent and can hold my own. There are some great online courses that will get you up to speed as well. Take your time and go with what is right for you.
The best Canon DSLR you can afford. If you can afford a 7D, get it. If you can
afford a 60D do that. Or if you can afford a Rebel, get one of them. Or if you need to get a used 30D, like I did, do that. Just get the best camera you can afford!
afford a 60D do that. Or if you can afford a Rebel, get one of them. Or if you need to get a used 30D, like I did, do that. Just get the best camera you can afford!
The one you use.
I'm always telling people to take more pictures. With digital you don't have to pay for developing the film.
That said I use Nikon myself. Any modern cameras will do well. Find a system that you like (controls are different between Nikon and Canon) and get a camera at a price point you are comfortable with. If you add lenses you can always take them along if you decide you need a better body in a few years.
There isn't a whole lot to choose between Canon and Nikon save for some of the more exotic specialist lenses. I'd go with whatever you can get a great deal on with the current series of cameras.
I think the D7000 is a stand-out in the Nikon range at the moment, and highly recommended if your budget can stretch that far.
I think the D7000 is a stand-out in the Nikon range at the moment, and highly recommended if your budget can stretch that far.
Have a look at www.photo.net for resources. Lots of helpful people there who are eager to give advice to beginners. There are lots of forums there including one for beginners.
I'd avoid courses (online or not) because there really isn't much point to them IMO.
I'd also repeat the two commandments of photography which all photographers can benefit from:
1. Look at lots of photos.
2. Take lots of photos.
I'd avoid courses (online or not) because there really isn't much point to them IMO.
I'd also repeat the two commandments of photography which all photographers can benefit from:
1. Look at lots of photos.
2. Take lots of photos.
Cheers mate. Have to disagree with you about one thing. Online courses for beginners can be of great value if one does not have access to facilities offering courses, such as a university or local city center. Getting some basic instruction is much better than just shooting. Having a basic understanding of digital photography as well as how to use the camera are of great value and completes your "take lots of photos" statement. You are correct in saying this but everyone needs a basis where to start.
