Camera for a beginner

BeT · Nov 24, 2011

Hello! A complete newbie here. Actually that's not true. I've used point and shoot cameras my whole life and have used video cameras for my broadcast journalism production classes, so I'm aware of how most things work (aperture, focus, etc.). I know it's slightly different for cameras, but I'm assuming not too too much.

Anyway, so I'm wondering what sort of camera would be best for a hobbyist who may later need these skills for a career. I want a camera to learn from, but I'm a college student and can't afford much of anything. Right now I'm looking at the Canon EOS Rebel T3, because of the price and the reviews off Amazon. I plan to mostly use the kit lens, but I later plan to get the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens when I graduate (which is next May). I think between the two lenses, I can learn a lot about how DSLRs work and using the manual controls. Not much for telephoto pictures, but I'll get to those later.

So is this a good starter camera, or do you have any better suggestions? I want a good camera to start off with that is helpful in teaching.

BJF · Nov 24, 2011

Canon EOS Rebel T3 is good enough for a beginner. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 will be a perfect add-on lens. Recommend an article that may help: know digital slr in 5 minutes

MLeeK · Nov 24, 2011

It's a great choice for a beginner camera! You already are aware of the limits of the kit lens for the most part and are planning on adding a good second lens... You've covered the very minimum basics. You may want to think about how you are going to add in a decent speedlite too.

EchoingWhisper · Nov 24, 2011

Nikon D3100? It's a good camera.

BeT · Nov 24, 2011

I didn't even think about flash! I'm a fan of natural lighting, but I'm probably going to need one of those. Thanks! The Nikon d3100 is a little out of my price range unfortunately.

AlanKlein · Nov 25, 2011

How about a used camera? That way you can buy more features, better quality at lower cost. I'd go to a reputable dealer who gives a warranty, even for 90 days. Good luck. Alan

Futurelight · Nov 25, 2011

Even in natural light it is sometimes worth firing off the flash just to give the extra high-lights (mainly with outdoor portraits etc) The canon will be a great starter for you and will DEFINITELY help you to further your knowledge.

KmH · Nov 25, 2011

It's to bad the T3 does not have Spot metering mode. That's a deal breaker in my book.

Canon U.S.A. : Consumer & Home Office : EOS Rebel T3 18-55mm IS II Kit

Metering Modes
63-zone SPC TTL metering with selectable modes

Evaluative metering (linkable to all AF point)

Partial metering (approx. 10% of viewfinder at center)

Center-weighted average metering

awdSTi · Nov 26, 2011

I would say any of the lower end Canons are great, I personally started out on a Canon Rebel XT for my first DSLR, also check out a Pentax X-R (from what i have read and heard there pretty sick with cheap lenses!