Posted by Bonnie Forte on November 5, 2007 at 8:14 PM
Hi,
As a very new photographer, I would like to purchase a decent starter camera and maybe join a club. I live in Oregon and have tried to look up photography clubs but have not had much luck. I have no idea what type of camera to buy, but since I am a beginner, don't want to spend tons of money...until later. Also thinking about taking a class at the local community college. Any suggestions as to what type of camera (doesn't need to be fancy, actually simple to start would probably be better, but I would like to be able to zoom in and change lenses etc.) would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
Bonnie ><>
Posted by Toni Lankerd on November 5, 2007 at 8:38 PM
Bonnie...welcome to NPN!
I started out with film cameras, as most of us did and in switching to digital cameras two years ago, needed something simple to use, but wanted to stay with a SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera. There are many choices out there, as you will find out. I bought a Pentax *ist-DS, which was perfect for a beginner digital, as far as I was concerned. It's easy to use without a huge learning curve.
Steves Digicams web site ( http://www.steves-digicams.com/cameras_digpro.html) is one I would recommend that you check out to see what's available. He also gives all the detailed information you would need to make your decision about all the digital SLR's that are available.
Good luck!
Posted by Bonnie Forte on November 5, 2007 at 8:47 PM
Awsome! Thanks Toni for the super quick response!
Posted by Dan Borzynski on November 5, 2007 at 8:57 PM
Actually, this is a fairly tough question to answer, since you could go in almost any direction. A lot of it depends on budget, your interests, and your goals. It sounds like what you are looking for is an SLR (single lens reflex) camera, probably based on 35 mm.
Here's what I started with:
When I was first buying a camera, film was still the main format, with digital just beginning to show up at a price the semirich could afford.
I decided on the Canon Elan 7E and the Canon 28-135 mm IS lens. Part of my logic came down to this. It was a midrange camera, with some a few more features that then Rebel. The focal lengths were also midrange. A good wide angle lens at the bottom, and a short telephoto lens and the longer end. Basically, both were a compromise between function, quality and cost. I could have spent more, but I didn't know if I was buying a camera or a paperweight.
Move forward to today. Unless you really want (or need) film, I'd stick with a digital camera of some sort. Since as you said you are new to photography, digital's learning curve is quite user friendly. The immediate feedback is helpful for learning. But having said that, film bodies are extremely cheap now, even the higher end pro bodies.
So what exactly to buy? Budget is a huge issue. NEW: For starting, I'd stick with one of Canon or Nikon's lower end bodies. For Canon, this would be the Digital Rebel or the 40D. I don't know the Nikon line very well, but I think the equivalent is the D40 (yeah these are horribly named ) For a lens, look for a short zoom lens. The kit lenses sold with these cameras are decent, with a good wide angle and a short telephoto at the longest end. As you gain experience, you have a better idea of your shooting interests and can make future purchases accordingly.
Minolta (now Sony) and Pentax also have good digital bodies, but these are less popular and there are fewer users (read: knowledgeable users) out there to turn to for manufacturer specific questions.
Used: There is a significant savings in buying digital bodies which aren't quite the latest technologies. I own the Canon 20D, which overall I really like. It is not quite up to the standards of the pro film bodies I have shot, but I could afford it. The 30D will also work well for your purposes.
Places to buy: KEH, B&H, Midwest Photo, your local shop.
Places NOT to buy: I'd avoid the New York City camera market, especially a lot of the places that advertise heavily in the magazines, unless someone here specifically recommends the store. The prices look good, but there are a lot of less than reputable dealers out there.
(If you are not in the US, ignore the above)
Try to avoid the superzooms, like an 18-200 mm lens. They are trying to do too much and generally don't do anything well.
As a general rule of thumb, staying with your camera's manufacturer is the best route for future compatibility and quality. But having said that, there are three major third party manufacturers out there: Sigma, Tamron and Tokina. Overall, Sigma is probably the strongest of the three, although individual models from Tamron and Tokina may outperform their Sigma counterparts. As a generic recommendation, Sigma.
There are a few other brands out there for lenses. Unless you absolutely have no more money, I'd stay far away from any brand I haven't already mentioned.
Hmmm, you are in Oregon. There is a Pacific Northwest user forum here on this site. I'd ask over there about specific camera store recommendations.
A couple of questions for you:
What are you interested in shooting? I know that is a vague question which you may be able to answer know. Maybe a better question would be to ask what are you doing when you think "I wish I had a decent camera". What is your budget? The exact details are not necessary to disclose on the internet, but a ballpark figure of $400, $1000, or $10,000. We can spend as much of your money as you let us Do you want to do all your printing at home, or are willing to let the local shop print your best? This could mean bugeting for a printer as well.
As you get ideas, and begin to narrow down your search let us know. We'll be really happy to help you. After all, we started as beginners as well.
Good luck!
(edit: immediately below this, there is a thread on the Canon 40D kits which has some good information for you, depending on budget)
Posted by Crystin Slade on November 6, 2007 at 2:19 AM
Hi Bonnie
I started digital with a Minolta Dynax 5D, classed as an "Entry Level" camera. I now have a Sony A100, slightly better than the 5D. Although there may be fewer users of the "Alpha" mount, there are still plenty for advice with dedicated sites and very knowledgeable people. Whatever camera you buy, enjoy it. Make sure you handle any camera you are considering, you are considering to ensure it feels comfortable to use.
DPreview and Dyxum are another 2 good review and forum sites
One thing to keep in mind is that you're not just buying a camera, you're buying into a system. In the future you will likely want to have upgrade options for camera and lenses, and you will want your previous purchases to remain compatible. Canon and Nikon are the leading players in the market - they have the most diverse systems (in terms of lens and accessory choices) and thriving used equipment markets. For this reason alone I would stay with one of these rather than other players where your options may be more limited.
The Canon Rebel XTi or the Nikon D40 are both excellent entry-level models from these manufacturers and both can be purchased as a starter kit with a general-purpose zoom lens.
Make sure to set some money aside for a good tripod and head. In most situations, even the best camera will need some kind of support to produce sharp images.
Guy
Posted by Bonnie Forte on November 6, 2007 at 1:29 PM
Thanks so much to everyone who has been so kind and helpful in response to my questions of what type of camera to buy. In answer to some of your questions...what would I want to shoot? Well, every time I wish I had a decent camera it is always when I see a beautiful nature scene, like a sky scene or a bird (usually some type of hawk, or falcon, that is always so amazing to me..here in Oregon that there are so many just perched on light posts or in the median of the highway! Just this past weekend I must have seen like 10 or 15 in an afternoon of driving alone! They are so awsome!) or just my back yard animals that come and go from our feeders/baths. Or when I am out walking in the nature areas and an animal is far off, the digital camera I currently have just doesn't reach that far out..the subject ends up being a little blob, even with the zoom in capability. As for price? Well, I am on a budget (this will be my Christmas gift from my husband) and of course something costing less is always best as far as I am concerned (kids come first), but $400 or under would be ok. We currently have a decent printer and have printed out photos before that come out quite nicely, but I am not opposed to having someone else print out my photos. Also, I have learned that film cameras may have a better quality picture? There is so much info. I think digital is a good way to go, since I can print the pics. myself, and we are not always on the ball to get film into the shop to be developed, plus I don't like to wait for them. I was considering a used camera, as I thought that maybe I could get more for the dollar, but then again, I don't want someone else to rip me off either. Also, with my current digital the time from clicking a photo to the time it actually takes the picture is too long for me, buy the time it takes the picture, the subject has changed and the shot is gone...I am still trying to figre it all out, this was last years Christmas gift and came with it's own little printer set up. It is very frustrating, I learn best by seeing/doing, not reading the instruction manuel, which is a thick little book, and a borig read for me! Any further advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks again!!
Bonnie ><>
Bonnie, your response helped narrow things a bit. You're already shooting a digital, right, a point-n-shoot? You mention the time delay before the shutter clicks, and yes, you've hit on one of the reasons people go with DSLRs.
You don't mention what your curent camera is, but you ought to try and go to a store and play with the DSLRs mentioned above. Actually work through focusing, changing the settings, and taking a picture. Maybe one of them will feel better toyou,and make more sense. Canon and NIkon and Pentax (and others) do things a little differently.
Lenses are oh so important, and you may not be able to afford a big zoom right now, but just get a good decent lens at first. You can also get a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter to help zoom things in.
You are right, I think, in saying you learn best by doing, not reading their manuals. Play with it, and when you have a question about what's this, then get out the book!!!
Posted by Bonnie Forte on November 8, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Hi Genny K. from Alaska!
Wow! Alaska huh?! My husband says it is gorgeous there, he used to live in Fairbanks and loved it!
Thanks for the tips. I was checking out some cameras this past weekend, but in stores like Target, they are not easy to check out, they are never on and so you can't see how it all works. I am not sure if you have to ask the clerks to turn them on or what..but they are all always so busy. I suppose I will just keep checking around. So thanks again for your response, I really appreciate you and everyone who was kind to respond with so much great info.!
Bonnie ><>
Posted by Kris Kennedy on November 9, 2007 at 7:51 AM
Bonnie, I suggest you look at the Panasonic FZ8, FZ18, FZ30, or FZ50. They are all very good cameras, with excellent lenses that go from wide angle to long zoom. Thay all have manual or auto functions. An FZ8 can be bought for around $200.00 and it's a great deal. All these cameras will take great photos in the right hands. Thay also all have optical image stabilization built in.
A dslr can be very nice to have but they require a large investment in lenses and other accessories and are a lot more trouble to use. The cameras I mentioned above are about as close to a dslr as you can get.
I have a Canon 5D dslr but I find that I use my FZ8 or FZ50 a lot more. With those I don't have to worry about changiing lenses, dust getting in the camera, heavy gear to carry around, etc.
No matter how much you spend and no matter how exotic a camera you buy, the equipment won't make you a good photographer. It takes a good eye, and lots and lots of learning and practice to be good. Post processing is also a very important part of good photography. Being somewhat proficient with Photoshop or another good program is vital to producing good photos, no matter which camera you use.
At dpreview.com or stevesdigicams.com or fredmiranda.com and many other sites you can read reviews and users opinions on many cameras. Doing that would be a good idea before deciding on what you want. In Portland, Circuit City, Kits Camera, Camera World, and other stores have working cameras on display that you can check out.
Good luck with your choice. :)
Posted by Bonnie Forte on November 10, 2007 at 10:35 PM
Hey thanks for the info. Kris! I will check out those shops in Portland. I don't know much about photshop, but I am willing to learn. I never thought about lens changing, dust and extra equipment to carry around. Maybe something simple would be better. There are so many choices! I love nature and want to be able to take good nature shots and frame them, not to sell at this point, but to just have for my home. I just love to look at beautiful scenery.
Bonnie ><>
Posted by Don George on November 11, 2007 at 10:38 AM
When making your choice make sure that you buy the best you can afford. I say this because if you buy a camera that you will grow out of quickly you will be reinvesting in a short time. Also you have to consider the lens as the glass is very important. A good camera body and poor glass will defeat your purpose of obtaining great images.
I recently bought a back up camera a Canon 30D. It has worked great for me and the price has come down considerably since the introduction of the 40D. If you do find what your looking for at a local store check out the price on B&H or the internet before purchasing.
Good Hunting
Discussion
11 repliesAs a very new photographer, I would like to purchase a decent starter camera and maybe join a club. I live in Oregon and have tried to look up photography clubs but have not had much luck. I have no idea what type of camera to buy, but since I am a beginner, don't want to spend tons of money...until later. Also thinking about taking a class at the local community college. Any suggestions as to what type of camera (doesn't need to be fancy, actually simple to start would probably be better, but I would like to be able to zoom in and change lenses etc.) would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
Bonnie ><>
I started out with film cameras, as most of us did and in switching to digital cameras two years ago, needed something simple to use, but wanted to stay with a SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera. There are many choices out there, as you will find out. I bought a Pentax *ist-DS, which was perfect for a beginner digital, as far as I was concerned. It's easy to use without a huge learning curve.
Steves Digicams web site ( http://www.steves-digicams.com/cameras_digpro.html) is one I would recommend that you check out to see what's available. He also gives all the detailed information you would need to make your decision about all the digital SLR's that are available.
Good luck!
Here's what I started with:
When I was first buying a camera, film was still the main format, with digital just beginning to show up at a price the semirich could afford.
I decided on the Canon Elan 7E and the Canon 28-135 mm IS lens. Part of my logic came down to this. It was a midrange camera, with some a few more features that then Rebel. The focal lengths were also midrange. A good wide angle lens at the bottom, and a short telephoto lens and the longer end. Basically, both were a compromise between function, quality and cost. I could have spent more, but I didn't know if I was buying a camera or a paperweight.
Move forward to today. Unless you really want (or need) film, I'd stick with a digital camera of some sort. Since as you said you are new to photography, digital's learning curve is quite user friendly. The immediate feedback is helpful for learning. But having said that, film bodies are extremely cheap now, even the higher end pro bodies.
So what exactly to buy? Budget is a huge issue. NEW: For starting, I'd stick with one of Canon or Nikon's lower end bodies. For Canon, this would be the Digital Rebel or the 40D. I don't know the Nikon line very well, but I think the equivalent is the D40 (yeah these are horribly named
Minolta (now Sony) and Pentax also have good digital bodies, but these are less popular and there are fewer users (read: knowledgeable users) out there to turn to for manufacturer specific questions.
Used: There is a significant savings in buying digital bodies which aren't quite the latest technologies. I own the Canon 20D, which overall I really like. It is not quite up to the standards of the pro film bodies I have shot, but I could afford it. The 30D will also work well for your purposes.
Places to buy: KEH, B&H, Midwest Photo, your local shop.
Places NOT to buy: I'd avoid the New York City camera market, especially a lot of the places that advertise heavily in the magazines, unless someone here specifically recommends the store. The prices look good, but there are a lot of less than reputable dealers out there.
(If you are not in the US, ignore the above)
Try to avoid the superzooms, like an 18-200 mm lens. They are trying to do too much and generally don't do anything well.
As a general rule of thumb, staying with your camera's manufacturer is the best route for future compatibility and quality. But having said that, there are three major third party manufacturers out there: Sigma, Tamron and Tokina. Overall, Sigma is probably the strongest of the three, although individual models from Tamron and Tokina may outperform their Sigma counterparts. As a generic recommendation, Sigma.
There are a few other brands out there for lenses. Unless you absolutely have no more money, I'd stay far away from any brand I haven't already mentioned.
Hmmm, you are in Oregon. There is a Pacific Northwest user forum here on this site. I'd ask over there about specific camera store recommendations.
A couple of questions for you:
What are you interested in shooting? I know that is a vague question which you may be able to answer know. Maybe a better question would be to ask what are you doing when you think "I wish I had a decent camera". What is your budget? The exact details are not necessary to disclose on the internet, but a ballpark figure of $400, $1000, or $10,000. We can spend as much of your money as you let us
As you get ideas, and begin to narrow down your search let us know. We'll be really happy to help you. After all, we started as beginners as well.
Good luck!
(edit: immediately below this, there is a thread on the Canon 40D kits which has some good information for you, depending on budget)
I started digital with a Minolta Dynax 5D, classed as an "Entry Level" camera. I now have a Sony A100, slightly better than the 5D. Although there may be fewer users of the "Alpha" mount, there are still plenty for advice with dedicated sites and very knowledgeable people. Whatever camera you buy, enjoy it. Make sure you handle any camera you are considering, you are considering to ensure it feels comfortable to use.
DPreview and Dyxum are another 2 good review and forum sites
Bestest wihses
Crystin
The Canon Rebel XTi or the Nikon D40 are both excellent entry-level models from these manufacturers and both can be purchased as a starter kit with a general-purpose zoom lens.
Make sure to set some money aside for a good tripod and head. In most situations, even the best camera will need some kind of support to produce sharp images.
Guy
Bonnie ><>
You don't mention what your curent camera is, but you ought to try and go to a store and play with the DSLRs mentioned above. Actually work through focusing, changing the settings, and taking a picture. Maybe one of them will feel better toyou,and make more sense. Canon and NIkon and Pentax (and others) do things a little differently.
Lenses are oh so important, and you may not be able to afford a big zoom right now, but just get a good decent lens at first. You can also get a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter to help zoom things in.
You are right, I think, in saying you learn best by doing, not reading their manuals. Play with it, and when you have a question about what's this, then get out the book!!!
Wow! Alaska huh?! My husband says it is gorgeous there, he used to live in Fairbanks and loved it!
Thanks for the tips. I was checking out some cameras this past weekend, but in stores like Target, they are not easy to check out, they are never on and so you can't see how it all works. I am not sure if you have to ask the clerks to turn them on or what..but they are all always so busy. I suppose I will just keep checking around. So thanks again for your response, I really appreciate you and everyone who was kind to respond with so much great info.!
Bonnie ><>
A dslr can be very nice to have but they require a large investment in lenses and other accessories and are a lot more trouble to use. The cameras I mentioned above are about as close to a dslr as you can get.
I have a Canon 5D dslr but I find that I use my FZ8 or FZ50 a lot more. With those I don't have to worry about changiing lenses, dust getting in the camera, heavy gear to carry around, etc.
No matter how much you spend and no matter how exotic a camera you buy, the equipment won't make you a good photographer. It takes a good eye, and lots and lots of learning and practice to be good. Post processing is also a very important part of good photography. Being somewhat proficient with Photoshop or another good program is vital to producing good photos, no matter which camera you use.
At dpreview.com or stevesdigicams.com or fredmiranda.com and many other sites you can read reviews and users opinions on many cameras. Doing that would be a good idea before deciding on what you want. In Portland, Circuit City, Kits Camera, Camera World, and other stores have working cameras on display that you can check out.
Good luck with your choice. :)
Bonnie ><>
I recently bought a back up camera a Canon 30D. It has worked great for me and the price has come down considerably since the introduction of the 40D. If you do find what your looking for at a local store check out the price on B&H or the internet before purchasing.
Good Hunting