Aspiring Photographer Looking For a Start.

dawnofallure · Mar 3, 2015

Hello TPF, I have been thinking of buying a camera for years and getting into photography. I know nearly nothing about it, except that I have tried it with cheaper cameras and the shot always comes out horrible. This is partially due to me being a noob, and partially due to cheap cameras.

Why am I here?

I am here to get my foot in the door. I am looking to get advice on which camera I should buy in the $500-$600 range, tips etc.

Gary A. · Mar 3, 2015

I really haven't any knowledge or suggestions about particular cameras in that range ... but ... I suggest you also look at used and refurbished for value.

tecboy · Mar 3, 2015

Canon Rebel series is a good price range. Nikon entry level dslrs are on sales. Check out their websites.

gsgary · Mar 4, 2015

A good photographer can make a good shot from any camera

W.Y.Photo · Mar 4, 2015

gsgary said:
A good photographer can make a good shot from any camera

True. But he's a new photographer looking for a camera that he can use in order to learn how to take good shots in the first place. That takes some technical know how and therefore a camera that you can learn those technical things from by shooting in Manual mode. A person who doesn't understand exposure settings isn't going to be able to figure out how to change the Depth of Field on their cell phone camera or even understand what Depth of Field is.

dawnofallure said:
I am here to get my foot in the door. I am looking to get advice on which camera I should buy in the $500-$600 range, tips etc.

check these out:

D5200 Nikon Digital Camera Digital SLR Camera from Nikon

D3200 Nikon HDSLR Camera Digital SLR Camera from Nikon

smalltowngirl13 · Mar 4, 2015

Welcome aboard and good luck in your research...

ronlane · Mar 4, 2015

Welcome to the site. While the camera will help, so will educating yourself with the "rules" of photography. This site has plenty of threads to help you learn these things as well as photos as examples. Spend time reading and studying all types of images while you do this.

With that being said, what type of photography interests you the most? This would help determine a suggestion for what type of camera and lens(es) that would be better/best for you.

We all understand and most of us have financial constraints when it comes to buying gear. But one thing that I will say is you generally get what you pay for. Be willing to spend money on good lenses (glass), because it will help you with no matter what camera body you get.

Good luck with your journey.

vvcarpio · Mar 4, 2015

The Sony A5000 actually falls below your price range. It contains the same APS-C sensor found in most DSLRs and takes the same quality shots. It can also be "tethered" to your computer if you like studio-type shooting or wirelessly controlled by your NFC-equipped smartphone if you like stolen shots for example. I bought mine used at B&H with a kit lens for $250. I replaced the kit lens with my Sigma lens which is pictured below. The picture also shows "The Green Pod", a bean bag approach to eliminating the use of the bulky tripod.

HDR from my A5000:

Stolen HDR street shot. My back was facing the subject who probably thought I was texting on my smartphone.

shadowlands · Mar 4, 2015

Save a ton of money and buy used/refurbished, both with warranty, from keh.com, adorama.com, etc.....

IronMaskDuval · Mar 4, 2015

Welcome to TPF! I have a really nice D90 for sale in Buy and Sell that will fit your budget after buying a nice lens.

When it comes to cameras and taking good photos, the body will only take you so far. It's the glass that counts.

fjrabon · Mar 4, 2015

Tell me a bit about what you want to do with your photography. Why photography is important to you and maybe post some of your work (don't worry about technical issues, pick what you think your best content is).

shadowlands · Mar 4, 2015

The mentioned D90 above would be a great place to start. It's still a great camera.

Derrel · Mar 4, 2015

Nikon D5200, for the flippy screen, so you can experiment with lower angles of view, and for value/price. Whatever you get, you need to WORK at learning a bunch of new skills. Working hard and studying and practicing are probably more important than the camera.

Dave442 · Mar 4, 2015

I agree that the Nikon D5200 is a good choice. You certainly cannot blame that camera if you don't like what the results are. My brother is still using his D5100 on the rare occasions he does not use his iPhone. When you have the camera it will be a lot easier to learn as a part of it is practice.

fjrabon · Mar 5, 2015

Derrel said:
Nikon D5200, for the flippy screen, so you can experiment with lower angles of view, and for value/price. Whatever you get, you need to WORK at learning a bunch of new skills. Working hard and studying and practicing are probably more important than the camera.

I'd take a D90/used D7x00 over a D5X00 if I had aspirations as getting deep into photography. D5100 makes manual shooting irritating, I think the D90 (and any multi control wheel camera) better facilitates taking full control of the camera when needed.