What equipment for a newb?

[Philly215]

Hey guys. I'm looking to get into photography. Just got done college and I have time to learn the basics and experiment. I'm starting from scratch and need a camera, lenses, and software. I have a 15" Macbook Pro with the newest Mac OS X, 2.66 Ghz i7 processor, and 8 GB of ram so that should be able to handle any software I would think. I want a good camera and lenses because I don't want to have to upgrade quickly. I was thinking a Canon Eos 7D or 5D Mark II. What about lenses and what version of Photoshop is good? I'm going to take some classes at the local community college to get a start.

 

[Dao]

*Personal preference*

I will take the 5D MKII instead of 7D based on what I like to take most.
Main reasons:
-Full Frame sensor.
-Better ISO performance (slightly)


It doesn't mean 5DMKII is better than 7D. It just that the above 2 factors are more important to me. And the Kit lens that shipped with the 5D is a pretty decent walk around lens.


In other words, 7D and 5D are gear towards different type of photography. If you like to take more actions and wild life type photos, 7D maybe better.

 

[reznap]

Neither of those cameras are "for a newb" as you put it. If you got the scratch though, the 5D2 is awesome.. why not look at Nikon though?

Lenses for 5d2.. hmm, 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8II IS are a good pair.

Good luck!

 

[fsquare]

Man, I wish I could afford those two beauties straight out of college or even 12 years after graduating!

 

[Philly215]

Neither of those cameras are "for a newb" as you put it. If you got the scratch though, the 5D2 is awesome.. why not look at Nikon though?

Lenses for 5d2.. hmm, 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8II IS are a good pair.

Good luck!

Nikon's a possibility. I'm just looking for suggestions for a good setup that will allow for growth as I get more advanced and make progress with classes. I'm a big motorsports fan so I would want to take pictures of car and motorcycle races. I also want to do urban photography too though and just spend a day walking around taking pics. Outdoor nature stuff as well. Just a wide range of things. I couldn't take photography classes at my school because they have a pretty strict photography program and they don't really let outsiders from other programs in. So I figured I might as well start now.

 

[DecadentDashes]

Others here are much more capable at recommending specific equipment, but I can give you a bit of food for thought on the whole experience of choosing a camera.

Though im not that new to photography I recently went through the motions of deciding on a DSLR body. The first thing I did was determine what my budget was so I could rule out any cameras that didn't fit within that. After that, I made a list of the features that were important to me, and a list of features that were 'extras', things I didn't think i'd really need, but would be nice to play with. Even though I was tempted to choose a higher end camera for "more more more" in the options/number game in the end I chose the d90 because it represented a happy medium. Enough camera to suit my style and needs, but also enough room to 'grow into'.

You may also want to consider how much of your budget you want to spend on 'extras', like other lenses, a flash, tripod, etc. These items can really eat into a budget fast, but will also expand on the capabilities of your camera. Once you work out the numbers it will narrow down the field of what is out there and you can compare a smaller number of cameras to find what is right for you.

The only other thing I can offer, is to remember that you can always purchase extra equipment later. You don't need to hock down a large amount of money on fast glass right away. If you are uncertain about what you'll need, there is nothing wrong with sticking to the standard kit to begin with, until you get a feel for your camera and your style of photography. Once you start shooting and work through the classes you want to take, you'll be better informed about what equipment will be best for you.

Hope this helps

 

[John Mc]

As much as i Love the 5D2, I'd Suggest if your looking to shoot motorsports, Get a 7D.
Your wanting a Fast Af and a high speed Fps, The 7D is capable of shooting at 8fps.

Lenses are different, you'll most likely want a Zoom,Possibly a 70-200/2.8 Is. Means you can zoom in on the Car coming down the bend and zoom out as it gets closer. and something that go's wide aswell,like the kit option thats offered with the 7D(i think you's in the States can get it),18-135/3.5-5.6.this will do you for Street photography aswell.

Whats your Budget,should be the Correct answer people should be asking to give you the correct answer

 

[Bram]

Yayyyyyy another what should I buy, decide for me thread.

How about we go to the store, yes an actualy camera store, not a best buy or future shop. Go there, hold the cameras, get the clerk to tell you some details about them. Yes this means research, should be used to that straight out of college. I agree with John you just threw out two great cameras, what is your budget? Another thing is, do you know what aperture is? ISO performance? shutter speed? All that jazz, if you don't ask here BUT GOOGLE IT FIRST! Cannot stress hat enough.
Go to the store hold the camera see what you like. Try both Canon and Nikon.

 

[John Mc]

Yayyyyyy another what should I buy, decide for me thread.

How about we go to the store, yes an actualy camera store, not a best buy or future shop. Go there, hold the cameras, get the clerk to tell you some details about them. Yes this means research, should be used to that straight out of college. I agree with John you just threw out two great cameras, what is your budget? Another thing is, do you know what aperture is? ISO performance? shutter speed? All that jazz, if you don't ask here BUT GOOGLE IT FIRST! Cannot stress hat enough.
Go to the store hold the camera see what you like. Try both Canon and Nikon.

You Said what im tired of saying , But i did mean to say try both, Im not soo smart when it comes to Nikon but.