What's new

best camera for a beginner?

catheriinneeeee

TPF Noob!
Joined
Jan 13, 2013
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Can others edit my Photos
Photos OK to edit
so yeah... ive always loved taking pictures and playing around with cameras and ive decided to start looking into photography more professionally.
any advice as to what camera to get?
 
Welcome to the forum! Any question regarding equipment purchase needs to be accompanied by a budget. You can spend $100 or $100,000 on a camera system. Typical Canon's T3/4 and Nikons D3200 & 5200 are considered reasonable, entry-level cameras.
 
so yeah... ive always loved taking pictures and playing around with cameras and ive decided to start looking into photography more professionally.
any advice as to what camera to get?

Wow! Welcome to the forums. In addition to a prospective budget, it would help a lot if you have some idea of what type of photography you intend to do as well.

Are you any good at it?
 
All joking aside, your question is like saying:

"Hey, I've always liked riding around in cars and things, and now I want to get into driving. What kind of car do I get?"

Just like there are many different types of cars for different purposes, there are many different kinds of cameras for different purposes. Do you want digital or film? What do you take pictures of? Do you want interchangeable lenses? Do you want any sort of zoom capability? What type of experience do you have? Are you willing to learn HOW to take pictures, and how to use the camera to capture the image as you want it?

Most of the suggestions that you'll get are for some sort of entry level DSLR, but that might not be what you're really looking for, or what will suit your needs.

Too many people that are "getting into photography" believe that purchasing a "better" camera will somehow improve their shots. To some extent this may be true, as a DSLR will generally give you more control and will produce a better quality photo than a P&S. But a DSLR will not magically make your images look better. To produce good pictures, you need to learn and practice, then learn and practice some more.

Here's my suggestion, without knowing anything: Purchase a Canon 30D and a 50/1.8 USED from keh. Learn the basics, and you'll find in time what needs to be updated or added to your kit. I can't stress enough that you must avoid the thought that you need an expensive camera to produce good pictures.
 
As far as professional gear goes, Nikon and Canon are the 2 big names to look at and if you are thinking more professionally then you should consider an entry level dSLR from either of those companies. Like others have stated, Nikon D3200/D5100 or Canon T3/T4. Once a person starts with a particular brand of gear, they tend to stay with it.
 
I would advise first after you figure out which camera you want, like one from each model, go to your local store that carries them and "play" with it. I find the nikon menus easier to use than the cannon but that's my personal opinion. Good luck on your search!
 
One of the most important things to bear in mind when buying a DSLR is that you're buying into a system rather than just purchasing a camera. Given that DSLR bodies are updated on a regular basis, it makes sense to stick with one manufacturer, so you don't have to replace your whole collection of lenses and other accessories.
 
One of the reasons I recommended a 30D (or a 40 or 50D if you can afford them) over a Rebel series camera (the T3/T4 cameras) is because the 30d/40d/50d have more external controls that make manipulating the camera much easier. Dealing with menus on the LCD screen to adjust ISO or aperture or shutter speed is a pain in the butt.
 
Canon 60D or Nikon D7000. Both are middle of the road cameras that will give you plenty of room to grow.
 
Don't forget the bridge cameras if you want to have a camera that is easy to use with huge zoom etc for little money

Not really pro of course but great fun (I have 3 :mrgreen:)
 

Create an account or login to comment

You must be a member in order to leave a comment

Create account

Create an account on our community. It's easy!

Log in

Already have an account? Log in here.

New Topics

Back
Top Bottom