New to Forum

[David Reed]

Good Afternoon

I am new to the forum its the only photograpgy forum i belong to. I been doing some point and shoot But would like a nicer camera thinking of getting one the SLR from Nikon. When shopping for my new camera what are some things to pay attention to? I would like to be able to take decent action shots but wont be doing that all the time. Will be doing more still photos.

Are these the only things i need to worry about when purchasing my camera shutter speed, aperture and sensitivity?

Also what is the best program to use to edit the photo's?

 

[JustJazzie]

Hey there! Welcome to the forum. I'll let the experts chime in on camera choices.

Lightroom seems to be the standard for image editing, but I know there are several free programs out there that would probably get you started. Sorry I am not much help, just the welcoming committee.

 

[KenC]

Welcome!

As for camera choice, since you don't seem to have a specific set of requirements, the best choice is probably the cheapest current model either Canon or Nikon sells. Either will be a very good camera that is likely to do everything you want, at least for a while. If, after a while, you find that it won't do something you want to do, then you can upgrade to exactly the camera you need and either sell the first camera or use it as a backup.

 

[David Reed]

Thanks my other questions is not answered so i will ask again. Are these the only things i need to worry about when purchasing my camera shutter speed, aperture and sensitivity?

 

[Designer]

Welcome!

I'm going to disagree with KenC about getting the "cheapest" unless your budget is strained.. I advocate stretching your budget for that initial purchase at least to get you into the mid-range of entry-level cameras or higher if you are bucks up.

So what is your budget for the starting kit?

As to what to be concerned about; pretty much any modern DSLR will have comparable values of shutter speed, aperture, and sensitivity.

The differences are; the body controls the shutter speeds and sensitivity while the lenses control the aperture. Typically the beginner lense will be the 18-55mm which has an average aperture, and to get a substantially wider aperture, you're going to have to purchase another lens. This is all good though, because just starting out you won't miss a wider aperture immediately anyway.

As to the sensitivity issue, some cameras handle electronic noise better than others, but to get substantially less noise at high sensitivities, (ISO) you're going to have to move up the line to a more expensive camera. Don't worry about noise just now either.

 

[dennybeall]

Welcome to the Forum. Your question "camera shutter speed, aperture and sensitivity" are the main things but also, do you want to shoot video occasionally, does it fit in your hand, can you reach the controls, is the color of the camera OK (they do come in Red..) You have to specify what you want to do with the camera to get specific answers.
It's important to lay hands on different cameras and get a feel for the camera in your hands and see about reaching the controls. Look at the D3100, D5300 and D7100 and compare features and price and you'll get an idea.

 

[David Reed]

My budget is about 700 maybe 800. For now i am just making sure i am doing the right research on the camera. I wont take a lot of video more still standin photo some action shot of the kids nothing to extreme just yet.