Not sure what to do exactly?

[OneLove87]

Very new to this, am interested in photography but no nothing about it. Should I take courses in photography or would reading up on books be a better and less expensive alternative. Also what type of camera would be best for a newbie like my self. Really interested in action photography and nature photography so didnt know if this would help with what type of camera would be best for me.

 

[The_Traveler]

We know nothing about you - and certainly couldn't learn enough on a forum to give you personal and career advice.

Go to a guidance counsellor
Start reading and take a basic course, then decide what kind of stuff you want to shoot - and if you have the level of interest and funds to do it.
Photography is not inexpensive.

And lastly, don't take advice from total strangers of unknown sense to make major life decisions without some local agreement from your family and friends and advisors.

 

[MiiLovely]

are you just looking into having photgraphy as a hobby or really wanting to look into it as a career?

 

[KmH]

At first, any camera is better than no camera.

What kind of budget do we have to work with?

Basic, entry-level DSLR's (interchangeable lenses) with an 18-55 mm kit zoom lens start at about $500 new. Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Entry-level then ranges up to about $1200 for a top of the category entry-level DSLR with no lens (body only) - Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)

Photography can be self-taught if the person doing the learning is able to put together their own curriculum.

 

[TheBiles]

Everything you could ever want to know can be found online for free or in books. I wouldn't recommend anyone ever take an actual class on photography. Not only will you be limited to your professor's biases, but you could use that money on gear or real courses.

 

[OneLove87]

Sorry if i was not clear, this would only be a hobby of mine not a career outlet for myself. I would like to have a reasonable budget to purchase a camera but I do want a really nice product that i will want to keep for a long time.

 

[TheBiles]

So what's your budget?

 

[Designer]

OneLove87; how do you know you are interested in photography? Do you have a camera now? If not, why not start slowly, get a simple, inexpensive camera and join a local club. Sometimes classes are cheap, such as through the local high school adult education program.

 

[MiiLovely]

If it is just something you want to do for a hobby I wouldnt put money into classes. Honestly, anything/most of the photo techniques youll want to learn you can learn online through forums like this or youtube tutorials. Also what is your budget? If its under 600$ I would go for the Canon T3 (1100D) Its a nice dslr, not to many buttons to confuse you and its also a lower price(same with the Nikon D3100). If you want something with abit more manual (so you can play around with more technical settings) I would go for the Canon T3i or Nikon D5100. (Both around 700-800$). I would go for the Canon T3i if you are also looking into doing a lot of videoing too Or the Nikon D5100 if you will be doing strictly photography.

Hope this helps a bit

 

[KmH]

I cannot recommend the Canon T3 because it lacks spot metering mode. Canon U.S.A. : Consumer & Home Office : EOS Rebel T3 18-55mm IS II Kit

 

[MiiLovely]

I didnt know that hmm!
I only recommended it because it was a cheaper dslr and if Onelover87 is a complete beginner then they may not need/use spot metering while they are begging their photography journey But OneLove87 if spot metering IS something you will want then no the T3 wont be for you lol

 

[OneLove87]

my budget right now would be around 650 to 750 bucks. i feel this would be enough to start out with a fairly nice camera. i am not quite sure what spot metering mode is so i am not sure if i would want it or not.

 

[MiiLovely]

Spot Metering


Here is a little artical on what spot metering does. honestly I dont think most people who dont get into the technical side of photography will use it to much. If your budget is between there then I would recommend doing a bit of research on the Nikon D3100 It is a very nice dslr camera and Ive seen some really nice shots from it also it is around 500-600$ so not to bad and it gives you a bit of extra money to put towards some lenses.

 

[EDL]

Nikon 5100 or Canon T3i would be perfectly fine to start with. Just be aware, if action and wildlife are you interests then be prepared to drop some serious $$$ on good quality zoom lenses at some point.

As for spot metering, here's a site that explains metering: Understanding Camera Metering and Exposure

 

[MiiLovely]

^ that artical is better then the one I posted! lol read that one