Are "beginner DSLRs" purely about the money?

[BuS_RiDeR]

I've been shooting film SLR cameras for years: Since the first Canon Rebel 35mm SLR; and I still consider myself to be a beginner...

My first (and current) dSLR was the Canon 50D. I like it very much and am quite satisfied with it's performance. My skills with the camera... well that's another question. But I am improving all the time. And to me, as long as I'm happy with the camera and am learning and improving... Well that's what is important.

Although it is not rated as a beginner camera (it's rated as semi-pro I think)... I AM A BEGINNER... Therefor, it IS a beginner dSLR...

My opinion: in most cases its about the build quality and features more than just the money...

 

[molested_cow]

You know what's a beginner's camera? A full manual 35mm SLR.

It depends on how he wants to learn the trade. Start with a steep slope and go up much faster, or gentle gradient but gets no where.

 

[n.hubb22]

It depends on how he wants to learn the trade. Start with a steep slope and go up much faster, or gentle gradient but gets no where.

^^ well put!

 

[katerolla]

the D7000 is a beginners camera but the D700 which is waht I think you are talking about is for pro

 

[rateeg]

get him a disposable camera. that's for beginners.

 

[molested_cow]

When I started, I never really thought about beginner or what not. In fact, I wasn't really thinking at all. My dad had a SLR and I just picked it up and started using it. Over time, I learn about the different features and settings and apply them as needed. Over time, I want to try new things. Over time, I start to understand what I want more than before, and over time, I become more and more specific about the result I am trying to achieve. After 8 years, I decided that I need something that allows me more control, and I got my second SLR.

When I got my second SLR (Nikon F4), D700 was already on the market for more than a year. I used the F4 for two years and I was sure that if I were to get a DSLR, the setting control has to be comparable to the F4. I also know my lens well, so I don't want to go to cropped bodies. D700 became the obvious choice. Am I an expert? Hell no, I am probably only tapping into 10% of what my camera allows me to do, but I've grown to know and expect the results I am looking for.

I think any camera can be a beginner's camera. It all depends on how you ride the journey. What's more important is learning to know what you want and create a situation that allows you to achieve it. I know a lot of photographers who have only started the hobby for a little more than a year, but have invested in thousands in lens alone, and constantly wanting to "upgrade". Most of them are unsatisfied because of what they hear about spec and image quality. When I started with film, there wasn't a whole lot about image quality to think about. It is what it is. I focused on composition and content, taking photos that were meaningful to me, that tell stories about my experiences. Image quality is only a matter of technique and technology, which is the easy part actually.

 

[enzodm]

Size and weight may scare the beginner.

 

[ghache]

if he got the money to buy a d3s and the trinity, why not.

 

[enzodm]

Plus a Canon S95, just in case.

 

[Groupcaptainbonzo]

When I picked up my first SLR they were all fully manual. you had to learn the lot from word GO. And to be honest it wasn't that hard. Once you know what everything does, you can control the bits you want, as much or as little as you like. To start get the best sensor and the best lens(s) you can afford. At the moment this would tend to point (IMO) to Canon or Nikon, Although I have a carry round leica, and would recommend that to anybody who is in the remotest way alergic to money.
If you buy a base level SLR, it will restrict you in terms of control, (ISO Depth of Field etc) and clarity (A kit lens which is valued at about 100pounds will not be as good as an "L" which costs 2000 or so), you will probably out grow it in a month or two, and go marching back to the dealer for another, in the hope that your shots will get better. In truth, the gear only records better. The photographer makes all the decisions that construct the image. And most of that process is learned by making images and looking at the result. The better the quality of the kit you use, the better the images will be recorded. Although the images themselves will probably be much the same whatever you use.

 

[usayit]

So after working everything out. His budget allows for him to get a brand new D3S. And as long as he gets two out of the three used, he can also afford the holy trinity. Rich bastard. Should I recommend that?

So instead of going straight to youporn dot com, I'll respond.

There's better sites out there....

 

[KmH]

Nikon's D7000 is the flagship of their entry-level lineup: D3000, D3100, D5000, D5100, D90, D7000.

Nikon only offers 2 prosumer cameras: D300s, D700, and they have 2 professional level cameras: D3s, D3x.
The D3s is primarily a sports shooting camera (ultra high ISO, 10 fps) while the D3x is primarily a studio camera (lots of megapixels).

 

[Village Idiot]

the D7000 is a beginners camera but the D700 which is waht I think you are talking about is for pro

Hmmmm....I know some people who own D700's and aren't pros. Should they sell it?

 

[Kerbouchard]

So after working everything out. His budget allows for him to get a brand new D3S. And as long as he gets two out of the three used, he can also afford the holy trinity. Rich bastard. Should I recommend that?

EDIT: Actually no, he would have to get all of the Nikon trinity used.

If he has those kind of funds, I would definitely tell him to go for it if I were you. That way you can borrow stuff.

In reality, if that is going to completely wipe out his budget, I would say no.

I would have him pick up a used D700, the used trinity, an SB900, a tripod and let him shoot with that for a while.

By then, he should have a good idea of what he wants to invest in next...maybe studio flash, maybe a macro lens, walk around lens, etc. I see no reason for him to blow his budget right out of the gate.

 

[nickzou]

That's probably a better idea. And yes I do want to borrow his lenses. But I think, and it is understandable, I won't be able to borrow them for at least a good four months. That's usually when the "my babies" feeling starts wearing off. But for gear that expensive, who knows, maybe it'll take longer.