Oh you experienced ones, help a newb out, will you?

[blueberryicedcoffee]

Cannon. Nikon. Pentax. Olympus. It's confusing for a newb, isn't it?

I'm looking to get into photography. In the world of instagram selfies, pet pictures, and "foodography", I've been complimented on things that are different. Told that I "have an eye". I've always liked taking photos, and it's time for a DSLR to enhance and refine my skills.

What would you recommend for a newb? What about new vs used? Such as, say, a new Nikon D5200, Canon T5i vs a used, more professional model?

I'm mostly going to take photographs of people and things (totally not vague). To be more specific - artsy-ish, cool-backgrouned photos of things, and of my lovely friend that I'll force to model for me (she'll do great). Some of my favorite photos ever from my favorite photographer:










TPF Does not permit the posting of images to which the poster does not hold rights. You may post links.


I love these photos. I love the feeling I get when I look at them. Maybe you don't, but I do. I just get the feeling that there's something missing. Maybe not missing, but there's something there that you can't see. It's more than meets the eye. When I see these, I get the feeling that there's something going on, something intriguing, something otherworldly, something haunting these photos. There's a story behind them, and that story isn't the same for everyone.

You see a beautiful reflection in a lake, next thing you know, there's a sea monster.



So there's my "style" lmao. I guess I need a camera that's kind of a "jack of all trades" for the pictures I like? I don't know, I'm not a photographer (yet). So that's why I'm here! Because you all are!

I plan on taking quite a few long exposure pictures as well, so a camera that's great at that would be lovely.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

 

[tirediron]

What's your budget? Almost any entry-level body will do what you want. Check out a camera store (a real camera store, NOT a big-box store that also sells cameras) and get a feel for the way different brands and models work, their features, and ergonomics.

 

[robbins.photo]

Well given that your looking at mostly people pics and from the sounds of things not much in the way of telephoto, honestly any good DSLR would probably do the trick for you. I'm a Nikon shooter myself, and I hate touch screens - so I'm firmly sold on the D5200. if I were looking at canon I'd probably be looking more T3I or better yet maybe a used 50d or 60d - you can pick those up pretty cheap now that the 70d is out.

 

[Braineack]

I bought a $1500 camera and two $1500 lens to take better selfies, pet pictures, AND food pics.

True story.

 

[astroNikon]

I bought a $1500 camera and two $1500 lens to take better selfies, pet pictures, AND food pics.

True story.

You need more money

 

[ruifo]

Welcome to the forum.

These brands are great choices. You cannot go wrong with any of them.

Please read that:
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-camera-beginner-budget-subject-interest.html

I am sure you would get similar answers, so reading this link will save you time. Read it all. There are other similar threads, like those below as well.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photography-equipment-products/363684-entry-level-dslr.html
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/nikon/362345-d3200-d90.html
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photography-equipment-products/361790-dslr-should-i-buy.html

And many others...


Read that too:
Nikon vs Canon vs Sony

And watch thuis video:





Good luck. And let us know what is your final choice.

 

[Designer]

Welcome! I think I would hate blueberry iced coffee, but then, I haven't actually tried it, so who knows?

When you wish to show images that are not yours, you can post a link, using the "world link" tool.

If you wish to show us your own pictures, we are more than happy to view them and offer comment and criticism (C&C).

Whatever camera you start with, you're going to want some upgrade lenses at some point.