 Debra M. Watkins |
Beginner's Dilemma Photography has always been my dream, even though I have a GREAT deal to learn. But, of course, my life has always been too busy or it wasn't the right time, blah, blah, blah. You've heard it all before. Anyway, I now have the time. I will wait no longer. With all of that said, here is my dilemma: I would like to eventually break into the photography business. I'm still learning and cash flow is, of course, limited ($700 or less). What is a good beginner digital SLR camera for learning that won't become obsolete before you know it, and would give me the chance to experiment and learn about several features? I would really appreciate any feedback. Thanks. Deb
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Lewis Kemper |
Debra, Unfortunately, at this time there are no new digital SLRs available for under $700. You may consider buying a used Canon D-60. It is slightly older technology (but, then, any camera over a day old is older technology). But it would be a good camera to learn on - making the feedback instant and giving you files that you can work with. Or you may consider a film camera, but then you have the expense of processing, and if you are learning, you should be taking lots and lots of pictures! Sorry for the "bad" news.
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Shawn D. Spicer |
Its a little more than what you say you want to spend but I just purchased a Olympus Camedia 8080 for $800.00. It takes wonderful photos and its not to difficult to learn. Also the Nikon Coolpix 8700 has been on sale with rebates at a few places. Neither are SLR but very good digital cameras.
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Amy Duvall |
Debra, although its a little more (but coming down from when I bought it!) the Canon Powershot Pro1 is an awesome slr-like camera that takes superior shots and was very easy for me to learn being a beginner as well. Ive invested in a gig compact flash card (ebay!) and also got a telephoto lens and play with it all the time. I absolutely love it! Keep an eye as the price goes down...
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Samir Amberkar |
Hey Debra, I had similar requirements .. after going through net, I found Canon EOS 300D (in US it is known as Rebel) to be the best bet ... it costed me 838/- euros (near to $1000/-) ... a little more costly (but more SLR features) bargain would be Nikon D70 ... or otherwise you might consider Canon PowerShot G6 ...
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Scott Pedersen |
Hi Debra. We are kind of in the same boat. Im a hobbiest but there are low priced Digital slr bodies. That makes the film based slr the way to go. I don't see any reason why you couldn't use an older digital body. The computer industry would like us to belive that you need the newest and biggest equiptment just so they can make money. Thats bunk! The best plan would be to stick with your film camera for now and save up for a digital body. Scott
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Scott Pedersen |
Just took a spin through E-bay. There is an IST-D with an 18-35 mm lens currently running at $650 bucks. Pentax makes excellent cameras. I think if you want to do this as a buisness you would need to go with an slr body and lens of some kind. Scott
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Paul Illes |
I don't know why, as a beginner, you want to start with an SLR. It's true that a point and shoot has a parallax problem, but with the screen on the back you don't have that problem. There are half a dozen 3 meg cameras out there for 2 or 3 hundred dollars that will let you learn about digital and its problems like shutter lag, contrast, saturation, and so on. Read a lot. Go to Barnes and Noble or Borders and spend some time browsing through a stack of digital photo books like I did. I took a whole lot of good shots with an Olympus c3020 with a moderate zoom permanent lens before I knew enough to choose an SLR. Don't forget the software you will need to manipulate your pictures afterward. There are several under a hundred dollars but it all adds up and the software will still be good with a newer camera too.
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Clay Anderson |
Debra, I just bit the bullet and purchased a Canon Digital Rebel (300D), for the same reasons that you're expressing. I've long had an interest (and moderate talent) in photography, but haven't been able to develop my skills further, mostly because of the excessive costs of film development. Digital changes all that. My wife and I went to the zoo last weekend, and I shot 300 pictures, and it didn't cost me a cent. Maybe I'll print a dozen or two of the best, but that's a decision I can make later. With film, you have to justify the cost on the spot (at least for us poor amateurs), but with digital, you can shoot to your heart's content, and make your decisions later. Plus, there are the benefits of post-processing in Photoshop that can dramatically improve the quality of your photos. (Sure, you can scan in your film photos, but if you want acceptable quality, then you have to shell out for a good scanner, which can also cost several hundred.) And let me encourage you: DO NOT GET A POINT AND SHOOT digital. If you want to learn photography, you need the full control that only an SLR can offer. With the 300D in particular (still the least expensive DSLR on the market by $200 or so), the image quality outstrips every point-and-shoot on the market, and it is compatible with the entire line of Canon EF lenses. I purchased my Canon (including 18-55mm lens) at BuyDig.com for $860, and I've seen similar offers elsewhere on the web. The only additional thing you will need to buy is a CompactFlash card, which vary in price depending on size. I'd recommend at least 512MB if you can afford it. From one amateur to another: save up a couple hundred more, and take the jump -- you won't regret it!
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dennis w. mcclain |
hey man the digital rebel is a good camera. save up the extra couple of hundred and go with it. I love mine, and check out adorama for digital prints good price and wow they look like real film prints. look through the galleries they are full of pics made with the digital rebel, and all the other rebel film camera produsts work
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Karma Wilson |
Here's an idea... Get a film based SLR and a digital camera like mine (Fujifinepix S5000) which offers lots of capabilities. You should be able to get BOTH for around $700! My camera allows me to set white balance, bracket, manually set shutter speed, etc...It's an "slr feel" camera. I really like it and everybody I know that has it likes it. Then to practice the more involved aspects of photography you could use your film SLR until you can eventually afford a digital SLR. It's a thought. Karma
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Debra M. Watkins |
From Debra: Hey Guys! Thanks for all of the great ideas. Yesterday, I made my purchase. After weeks of going to the camera store and playing around with all of the potential cameras (and a few that were way above my budget), I fell in love. I got a Nikon D70. Yep! I took the plunge in a big way, but what an awesome camera. I don't think I will be disappointed even though I spent more than I wanted to at first. Hopefully this camera will be something that I can use to learn and grow with for some time. Anyway, thanks again for all of the info. I really appreciate it.
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Gonzalo De Orense |
Debra, if you are just starting, don't spend more than $250.oo in a good digital like Olympus c4000. You will learn plenty and lateer on, you can decide on a better camera after you gain experience.Many people over buy, and later realize that photography was not for them, and sell their equipment cheap, or worse end up in a closet gathering dust. Start low, and build up with the experience. G. De Orense
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John C. Schwentner |
These other guys are all correct , but go get a minolta dimage z2. It is ttl tech and 10x optical zoom and 38 wide angle. It shoots what you are seeing and has all the manual aperture, shutter, and program settings to keep you busy for months. The af cant be beat the built in flash is 39 gn (very powerful) and accepts maxxum flash as well for great distances. 350.00 and 4 mgpxl too. good for 11-14
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