Camera To Start Photography

I've recently just taken an interest in photography and want to pursue it as a hobby. I'm wondering what's a good starting Digital SLR camera? I know a friend whose into photography but his camera is like 1200$, and that's without adding all his lenses and accessories...

For Christmas 2007 my husband gave me the Nikon D40, and I really love it. I think he was even able to get a "kit" that included the camera body, basic lens and an additional lens (and even a camera case). I think he spent around $500 to $600 for everything, including the insurance plan from Ritz Camera. If you shop for the D40 on eBay, you could probably find a new one or one in very good condition for maybe $200 to $300.

The other one I would suggest is the Canon Digital Rebel XTi. It is a great camera for a beginner and very comparable to the D40. I've shot some photos with a friend's XTi, and the one difference I noticed between it and my camera is that on the "auto" setting the shutter seems to reset itself just a fraction of a second faster for the next shot.

Just a quick search on eBay returned the following:
Nikon D40: new from $390 and used from $199
Canon Digital Rebel XTi: new from $399 and used from $349

Hope this helps - and have fun with your new camera once you get it!

2009-01-25 18:13:15 by '][' h a t o n e g u y

LearnSeniorPhotography.com This eight minute video takes you through the steps for settings your Nikon SB800 to work as an off-camera slave flash ...

I'm quite good at it - but at the moment my camera isn't that great. Can you recommend any good digital ones, that come with a usb cable that i can use to upload pictures onto my laptop?
Thanks :)

One that does a lot of the work for you, leaving you to capture the shot, when you learn a bit more learn the trade and tinker about with settings etc... and if you still enjoy it then look at more features and expensive cameras. Personal choice would be sony with about 10M pixels and at least 3 times Zoom (optical)

2009-04-20 12:30:25 by Zapp

Price: $29.99

I am looking for a camera to begin a photography course. I don't want it to be too expensive though. I have always loved photography and think i would really make good use of the camera not just for a one off. Anyone know any decent makes? and their prices? Thanks x

I recommend to anyone seriously contemplating the purchase of a new digital SLR camera to consider these two primary questions:

1. How much money do you have to spend???? $500.? $800.? $1,500. ??

2. What level of photography do you aspire to "progress to" in the coming years ? (i.e. basic beginner, intermediate, or professional/business use).

For most beginners to intermediates I usually suggest one of these two manufacturers: Canon vs Nikon

1. Canon EOS Rebel model XSi. (Also known as the Canon 450D in Britain)
The "kit" package comes with an 18-55mm zoom lens. The camera has pop-up flash, 12.2 Megapixels, and shutter speeds up to 1/4000th, 100-1,600 ISO sensitivity, 7 autoexposure Scene modes, PLUS Shutter Priority, Aperature Priority and Programmed Exposure Modes and Manual. It also has a 3 inch LCD screen, 3.5 frames continous per second max., 9 point AF system, Live View Functioning and the ability to record photos in 3, 6 or 12 Megapixels PLUS numerous other great features found only on more expensive cameras. Wal-Mart is also selling them now for about $799. Sam's Club also has them for $729.

I bought one of these 6 months ago and use it as my "back up" camera. I absolutely love it. I have gotten some fantastic photos with it and cannot praise it enough. I routinely enlarge my photos to make 8x10's and 11x14 size enlargements with no noticeable distortion or loss of detail in the pictures.

2. Nikon D-90: If you prefer to use Nikon equipment I strongly recommend the Nikon D-90 which has 12.3 Megapixels, 3 inch monitor with Live View, 200-3,200 ISO sensitivity, 11 point AF system with Face Priority, 4.5 frames per second in continous mode, 5 advanced Scene modes for auto exposure plus Shutter Priority, Aperature Priority, Programmed Auto plus Manual. The D-90 sells for around $900-950. (Body ONLY. The 18-55mm lens cost an additional $150.-175.) Typically, Nikon equipment is slightly more expensive than Canon equipment, but (having owned both Nikon and Canon cameras), I have seldom noticed BETTER quality results using Nikon equipment.

You might also consider the Nikon D-40 ($499) kit that comes with the 18-55mm lens.
Another great choice is the Nikon D-60 kit ($649) which also comes with the 18-55mm lens.

These selections are probably the best choices for any beginner to intermediate skill level, offering the most lenses and other accessories, dealers and places to purchase.

I strongly recommend that ALL beginners buy a good book on digital photography AND take a class or two from a Vocational school or Community Education Center in your area.

You can learn more about the technical specifications of each of these two cameras at these websites:

www.usa.canon.com
www.nikonusa.com

Good Luck

2009-02-22 13:34:55 by squishbish-x

Price: $29.99

Okay, so i'm only in high school, but i'm trying to figure out what i want to do with my life. Photography has always been something i love, but i'm just now getting into it. So my question is, what's the best camera to start out with if you are really interested in Photography?

Probably an entry level dslr. They can be a little overwhelming if you have little or no experience in photography, but the learning curve is steep so you'll pick it up quick. With the full manual controls, you'll be able to adjust the white balance, shutter speed, aperture, focus, etc. and see exactly how everything works in relation to each other. Also, you'll eventually learn about using different kinds of lenses.

Although dslrs can be expensive (the lenses are the most expensive part), entry level dslrs are much cheaper than they use to be. Some to look at the Nikon D series (D40, D60), Canon Rebel (XTi), Olympus E series (E420, E510). Maybe look into Pentax or Sony as well. Look for a package that comes with a "kit" lens. Although the lens won't be professional quality, it will be cheaper and you'll be able to use it to learn with. After you learn a bit and figure out some stuff, you can start looking at better, more expensive lenses.

Stay away from compacts or point&shoots, they automate too much of the photography process. However, if that's all you can get your hands on, you can still learn something from it. Use as many manual functions as you can, and take lots and lots of photos to practice things like framing a scene, light sources, etc. After all, a good photographer can take a good picture with a bad camera, but a bad photographer can't do anything even with a good camera.

2008-04-19 09:22:32 by kmart153

Im looking to start my own photography studio one day and I'm looking to get started... What is a good "first timers" camera?

Well you're definitely going to want an SLR camera. Ideally it will be a high-end professional SLR. These start at about $2000 and you'll have to add on another few thousand for some good lenses.

Since you're just starting out and looking for a "first timer" camera, I suggest you go with something cheaper. Once you've learned how to use SLRs and go to set up your studio you can drop some coin on a better camera.

My suggestion is that you go with either Nikon or Canon cameras. They sell both consumer and professional SLRs as well as having a large range of lenses.

For beginner photography I suggest you look at the Nikon D40 or D60 or the Canon XTi/XSi or 20D/30D/40D. Research these different cameras on the internet and then go into a store and try them out. Then you can go with which one feels best in your hands.

If you go with one of these cameras you'll be able to upgrade to the Nikon D300 or the Canon 5D (or their replacements if they exist) when it comes time to set up a studio.

2008-08-02 12:38:10 by ksilva909