Hoping for help.

[amhenderson1979]

So, here's the deal. I love photography. Of course, this is stating the obvious since I just signed up for the forums, right? Right.

Anyway, I just signed up for classes to get my Bachelor's of said love, and it's.. Pretty intimidating.

I have a list of equipment that I need, and to be very frank, at this moment in time, I'm a stay at home mom, working with a very tiny budget.

So, does anyone know where I can find used equipment, that is not Ebay, with no guarantee on whether it does or doesn't work. I would much rather buy used, until I get a firm grasp on what I'm doing, how best to care for my equipment, and if my kids trash it [which could happen, they're kids, things always happen], it's not a huge loss.

 

[r31ncarnat3d]

So, here's the deal. I love photography. Of course, this is stating the obvious since I just signed up for the forums, right? Right.

Anyway, I just signed up for classes to get my Bachelor's of said love, and it's.. Pretty intimidating.

I have a list of equipment that I need, and to be very frank, at this moment in time, I'm a stay at home mom, working with a very tiny budget.

So, does anyone know where I can find used equipment, that is not Ebay, with no guarantee on whether it does or doesn't work. I would much rather buy used, until I get a firm grasp on what I'm doing, how best to care for my equipment, and if my kids trash it [which could happen, they're kids, things always happen], it's not a huge loss.

The forum market here seems to have pretty great deals, but if you'd rather stick to a store I usually buy from B&H or Adorama, both of which are online and ship anywhere in the US.

 

[Goontz]

Adorama and B&H carry used as well as refurbished gear, and are both great places. Your local Craigslist might also be worth looking through, just take necessary precautions, as usual.

 

[amhenderson1979]

Thanks so much. Now if I can figure out what this jargon all means, I'll be good to go. Definitions, here I come..

 

[r31ncarnat3d]

Problem solved. I'm four months into my photography hobby myself, and I still am learning. It's a bit daunting at first realizing just how much you have to learn, but I think it's worth it :thumbup:

 

[gsgary]

What is on your list ?

 

[manicmike]

you might also try amazon.com.

Here's a link to a thread with a lot of terms and whatnot.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...ery/167288-camera-terms-acronyms-dummies.html

 

[amhenderson1979]

lol, was already reading the camera terms for dummies!

My Equipment is as follows :

Equipment List
· Pro Series Digital SLR Camera - Must have an interchangeable lens system, 6 megapixel minimum, RAW file setting
o Memory Card
o Backup Batteries
o 18-55mm lens
o 55-200mm lens
o Camera Bag (Optional)
· Medium Sized Tripod - Must be able to firmly secure a SLR Camera + Flash
o Works for both 4x5 and SLR camera
o Monopod (Optional)
· Lighting
o 3 Light "Kit" - To include 3 Monolights, umbrellas/softboxes, radio slave set, cords and Stands
o Hot Lamps (3)
o Hot Shoe Cable (suggested)
o Reflector
o Gray Card
o Light Meter

 

[Goontz]

Wow. That's a daunting list for a complete beginner!

"Pro Series" -- What gives here? A Nikon D40 would fit the bill, but I don't think anyone here would consider it "Pro" level, and I can't imagine a class requiring a D300, D700, or above.

 

[amhenderson1979]

Very daunting, at least I'm not the only one that thinks so!

I was looking at the Nikon and one of the new Sony's. I haven't read too many reviews of the Sony's use yet, though.

 

[r31ncarnat3d]

lol, was already reading the camera terms for dummies!

My Equipment is as follows :

Equipment List
· Pro Series Digital SLR Camera - Must have an interchangeable lens system, 6 megapixel minimum, RAW file setting
o Memory Card
o Backup Batteries
o 18-55mm lens
o 55-200mm lens
o Camera Bag (Optional)
· Medium Sized Tripod - Must be able to firmly secure a SLR Camera + Flash
o Works for both 4x5 and SLR camera
o Monopod (Optional)
· Lighting
o 3 Light "Kit" - To include 3 Monolights, umbrellas/softboxes, radio slave set, cords and Stands
o Hot Lamps (3)
o Hot Shoe Cable (suggested)
o Reflector
o Gray Card
o Light Meter

That is quite a list, but I don't see why the camera must be a "pro" camera. An entry-level Canon Rebel or Nikon D40/D3000 more than suit your needs. If you do decide to go Rebel or D40/D3000, I'd worry less about the brand/features and more about the body itself. In my opinion, at that entry-level, the difference in features is moot and the physical comfort of holding the different body shapes is much more important.

I personally would go for a Rebel XSi (I am more comfortable with Canon bodies) with kit lens and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens.

 

[amhenderson1979]

I wish there was a place around here that had one for me to hold, to get a feel for. Thank you so much for all the advice.

 

[r31ncarnat3d]

I wish there was a place around here that had one for me to hold, to get a feel for. Thank you so much for all the advice.

Not sure if this place is close to you or if they even do DSLRs, but I found this camera store near Cheyenne.

If all else fails, try asking your friends to try out their cameras, or ask your local community college's photo department

 

[amhenderson1979]

It's all online classes. The local college doesn't offer photography at all. Saddening, isn't it?

And that photoshop is about two hours away! >.<! That's in Colorado.

 

[Stamp]

You may want to check individual camera owners' forums in their used sections.... I just picked up a Sony Alpha A100k in GREAT condition (even had all the original boxes and packaging) for $200. Not that I needed it, but it was too great of a deal to pass up, so I got it for the wife.

If you know you want a canon, check canon forums. Nikon, check Nikon forums. Sony, check Dyxum.com or other Sony forums. Etc...