Starting into the world of photography; need advice

[ThePope43]

I'm going to buy a camera today. I've thought about it for a good 6 months now and I'm still interested, even without owning one, so I am sure of myself. I feel I've pretty much mastered my other hobbies so I need something new. I am buying from a local shop, not online, I'm trying to do better at supporting my community. I'm 20 years old and I live in Lexington, Kentucky and work and go to school here.

They're going to give me the following camera for $1,000.00 plus tax: Product no longer available - Murphy's Camera[name]=Canon-EOS-Digital-Rebel-T3i-with-EF-S-18-135mm-f%2F3.5-5.6-IS-Lens-Digital-Cameras&catalog[product_guids][0]=88c0eec2-f5f9-4f1f-9285-af5b06a9318c

I am curious to know what opinions/advice anyone might be able to give on "purchasing your first ever camera"? Ask me any questions you might need to as well and I'd be glad to answer

 

[pen]

That would be a great camera to get started with. Remember that once you start buying equipment for it you are kinda stuck with the brand you pick. I don't think that you can go wrong with Canon or Nikon and I don't really know about the others. I had the 60D before I traded it for the D7000 and I also had that same kit lens that you are being offered. It was really good and I had no complaints for a starter kit.

 

[ThePope43]

Thank's for helping to reassure my decision! I am still open to anyone else that might have some advice or information to give!

 

[pen]

Please note, I am not a pro!

 

[KmH]

At this point, any camera is better than no camera. With today's quite capable DSLR cameras you really cannot make a purchase mistake.

The camera and lens is a tool. The photographer has more to do with making nice photos than the camera does.

You are a beginner so you don't yet need specialized tools. The T3i, and all other entry-level DSLR cameras and lenses, is kind of like a Swiss army knife and has a variety of automatic, semi-automatic, and manual tools available for you.

Read the T3i user's manual carefully so you are aware of all the optios your swiss army knife camera has available for you to use.

At the same time you would want to undertake a study of the exposure triad and howthe exposure triad of shutter speed, lens aperture, and ISO influence the look of your photos. You also need to pay attention to the metering modes, focus modes, and white balance options your camera offers.

Here is a fairly comprehensive list of tutorials that will help: Digital Photography Tutorials

 

[DiskoJoe]

T3i is a okay camera but for a $1000 you could get this kit on ebay that has the 28-135 plus a 55-200 for the same price.

Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18.0 MP Digital SLR Camera - Black Kit w 18-55mm and 55-250mm Lenses | eBay

 

[photo guy]

Canon makes some very good cameras. I know some people who own some and they love them. A bit pricier than my pocket book allows. You should have some nice photos to come with that. I use Fuji and Kodak and have had no issues except lighting at night when I am shooting at a fire scene in a dark area. That was taken care of recently. Good luck.