what camera to get????

drave199 · Dec 24, 2012

I am new to this forum and thought i'd try it because i like to get other people input.

i currently only use my phone to take pictures. i have an interest in taking pictures and want to get an actual camera to do so, as a hobby. i really dont for see a future in (at least not now). while my phone doesnt take horrible pictures its just not the same with what i'v seen can be done with a good camera.

my experience is very limited. i did take a beginners photography course in high school about 5 years ago so i do know a LITTLE but not much. although it was with older SLR cameras with film and we had to develop the pictures in a dark room, which was a good experience, but dont thinks its the same with these DSLR's.

with all that said, my question is, what would be a good camera for me to get. i thought about the canon t3i, because there's lots you can do with it and doesn't break the bank, but do i even need this much? i am willing to lean as i go maybe even take a simple online course or something. but is it what i need for just a hobby? i do like to take pictures of all things like nature/landscape and just everyday life things. i live in a very beautiful area.

Please give me any and all suggestions/comments. thanks

Derrel · Dec 24, 2012

Canon T3i. Yes. Nice camera, very popular. Affordable, small, decent. Millions sold.

brunerww · Dec 25, 2012

Hi drave - welcome to the world of digital photography. Really nice that you had the experience of film and darkrooms. I bought my first SLR in high school many years ago and remember the smell of film processing well. Sadly, in a few years, no one will know what a darkroom was

Assuming that your price point is around $600 (the price of a T3i with the starter lens), I have a few thoughts. The T3i is a great camera - I had a T2i and loved it. But there are a couple of challenges with it. First, it's big. After using your iPhone as a camera, you will be surprised at how big and heavy DSLRs are. You may want to look at a new technology mirrorless camera like the $595 Panasonic G5. It will focus as fast as the Canon and will give you high quality images like these in a much smaller package.

I notice that you're in northern NV. I'm in northern CA and sometimes drive up to Tahoe to ski. If you spend any time in the snow, you may want to think about a waterproof camera body. The $674 Pentax K-30 is the winner in this category and is a great still camera as well. It can produce images like these.

There will be plenty of folks arguing the nuances of Canon/Nikon/Sony features and ergonomics in this class - but, in my view, the big discriminators at this price point are size, weight and weather-resistance.

Hope this is helpful and best of the holy-days to you and yours,

Bill

SamiJoSchwirtz · Dec 25, 2012

nathfromslg · Dec 25, 2012

Get the T3i,have one took nearly 4000 pics in 4 days!

gw2424 · Dec 25, 2012

I am working with a t3i. It does the job great! I would try to learn a little bit more about what you like to shoot before making a purchase. I would look at a t3i and 50 1.8. It is great for a starter's kit and a prime lens will make you a better photographer.