Getting into photography

[Truder]

I'm not really sure where to put this thread but I'll post in here since this is where the monthly photo comp is, if it's not in the correct thread, feel free to move it.

Well, it's time I got a decent camera however budget will be the thing to hold me back but I would like to be able to toy around with photography in a much more expansive manner and this is where I started thinking about D-SLRs.

So I'm just wondering, would it be possible if anyone could give me some direction as to which cameras to really invest in? Of course, I'd look into getting superior lenses at a later date but for now I'd like something that will get me started, that'd allow me to achieve a good foundation first where I'd be able to take a good standard of photography with the ability to learn and begin to use more advanced features later on when I'd become confident of the camera's abilities (as well as my own).

Thanks.

[Dio]

I'm sure xstreme or RiK will be around with real advice but the first thing to think about is you're not just buying a camera - you're buying into a lens system, if you plan to buy anything past the kit lens.

[Truder]

Yeah thats my intention, get a reasonable camera and at a later date upgrade the lens. At least that way it'll be more affordable for me.

[RiK]

If you think you're going to develop a real interest in photography then I'd say the most important thing you could do is stick with one of the big two, Canon or Nikon. They both make excellent cameras, but most importantly they're the most prevalent brands so your options for additional lenses are better.

Personally, I shoot Canon, as do the majority of my friends (hence my decision to go that way in the first place) but I'm genuinely not biased. I see a roughly 50/50 split with my photographic students and I've used equivalent-level cameras from both manufacturers and you'd be happy with either. (Stats wise, about 90% of my students have either Canon or Nikon, the remaining 10% some other brand).

What's your budget for getting started?

[Truder]

Really not sure what price range to look at, but we're probably going to be looking at the £200 mark (2nd hand no doubt). :/

[adam]

might be worth delaying for a bit and saving up some more, not that i'm abreast of camera prices... edit, or maybe not, just had a quick look on amazon, canon eos 1100 is £254 new with a lens, nikon d3100 £275 - no idea if either of those are any good, going up a model or two might get a much better camera for not too much more money - 2nd hand prices on there don't seem low enough to warrant getting one over a new.

edit - also keep in mind that camera prices on amazon tend to tick down steadily - so you might not have too long to wait if you start saving

[RiK]

might be worth delaying for a bit and saving up some more, not that i'm abreast of camera prices... edit, or maybe not, just had a quick look on amazon, canon eos 1100 is £254 new with a lens, nikon d3100 £275 - no idea if either of those are any good, going up a model or two might get a much better camera for not too much more money - 2nd hand prices on there don't seem low enough to warrant getting one over a new.

edit - also keep in mind that camera prices on amazon tend to tick down steadily - so you might not have too long to wait if you start saving

If for no other reason than build quality and durability I'd definitely suggest that in the entry-level price range you're probably better looking for a second hand model one tier up from entry level, i.e. a 2nd hand Canon 550D would be a better bet than a new 1000 or 1100, likewise a used Nikon D5100 would be better than a new 3100 really.

Ongoing your real investment is going to be in the glass more than the body, but if you are looking to get your own skills down you'll do fine starting out at that kind of level with a kit lens.

I've not got the original files, but here are a couple of processed examples taken by students I've taken out for a training day. These are taken with entry level cameras and kit lenses.
Obviously these have been post-processed as that's also part of what I do with my students, but they've been given similar treatment so there's still a reasonable comparison.

(For clarity, these were taken on their very first day out with a new camera so be kind..)

Nikon D3100


clientphotos-0202 by Richard Olpin LRPS, on Flickr


clientphotos- by Richard Olpin LRPS, on Flickr


clientphotos- by Richard Olpin LRPS, on Flickr

Nikon D5000

clientphotos- by Richard Olpin LRPS, on Flickr

[adam]

new nikon 5100 body £309 or £375 with a lens (or £319 used)

[(o)(o)]

Had some brilliant advice on what to go for earlier in the year but ultimately, finances dictate, and I've only just today picked up the basic D3100 package ... it's £279 with the 18-55 lens (Curry's reserve and collect) and you get £20 cashback from Nikon at the moment (plus 2 years warranty) so £260 in total + £10 for a memory card.

[Portland]

Pentax represents crazy good value as it doesn't have the chachet it once did, and there's some good glass out there if you're on a budget...

[(o)(o)]

Loving the Nikon so far. Couple of gripes - rubber cover is crap. Can see that getting torn off soon. LCD screen should extinguish when looking through viewfinder - it's distracting in low light. The Canon's have this feature built in. This Nikon you have to manually switch it off - thankfully the button layout is wicked throughout.

Feel this is a decent re-starting point (I'm an erstwhile Canon A1 film photographer).. can always upgrade later.. I'm really enjoying the results I'm getting and the Nikon is easy to handle and the kit lens is pretty good.. 'getting into photography' again.

[Portland]

Thing that gets me is the different focussing direction and aperture ring movement when going manual (with old lenses etc)

Glad you're enjoying it...

[(o)(o)]

Thing that gets me is the different focussing direction and aperture ring movement when going manual (with old lenses etc)

Glad you're enjoying it...

Yeah it's refreshing.. already taken a few hundred pics. The camera is great.. don't understand why they omitted the depth of field preview.. that's a bit stupid.. otherwise I'm really chuffed considering the price.

I think I've got a couple of old Pentax lenses.. I'll dig them out you can have them if compatible

Here's a sandwich I took (and ate) ealrlier. I've post processed it a little bit.. does the vignetting look cheesy or classy?? Thinking in terms of the photograph as part of an article.

[pogo]

Just a note that if you're still looking for a DSLR Amazon have some excellent deals on SLRs, available as part of their Black Friday promotion

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=gb1h_tit_ ... =449603627

(sorry for the long link: if it doesn't work go to amazon.co.uk and click on BLACK FRIDAY then 'Up to 45% Off Selected Cameras, Optics & Accesories').

Some offers end soon, even within the hour, so don't hesitate.

[Cloudane]

Depending on what you're going to be doing, don't rule out a GOOD creative compact. I keep being amazed by my Panasonic LX7 and the SLR is mostly gathering dust (literally, that's what annoys me with it, sensor dust is a pain)

http://www.itproportal.com/2012/12/28/p ... -canon-7d/ (not my article, but agreeable)

I could undoubtedly do better with a high end SLR, but having this in my pocket has given me a passion for it and got me taking more which is probably more effective for me in the long run. YMMV