How to start in photography??
Discussion
So after viewing all of your photos over various threads I would really like to get myself a camera and learning about taking photos like all of your's ( I realise most of you have been doing this for years and could teach the art of photography, so I know there's lots to learn)
I know the questions and answers could be massive so here are the main few I can think off.
What camera is a good starter camera? or is it all about the software you use on your computer?
Are there better books to read and learn from or on-line resources
I know the questions and answers could be massive so here are the main few I can think off.
What camera is a good starter camera? or is it all about the software you use on your computer?
Are there better books to read and learn from or on-line resources
dave0010 said:
So after viewing all of your photos over various threads I would really like to get myself a camera and learning about taking photos like all of your's ( I realise most of you have been doing this for years and could teach the art of photography, so I know there's lots to learn)
I know the questions and answers could be massive so here are the main few I can think off.
What camera is a good starter camera? or is it all about the software you use on your computer?
Are there better books to read and learn from or on-line resources
If you are serious about getting into photography as a hobby (rather than just as a casual snapper) then you probably want an Digital SLR. Most people get either Nikon on Canon but there are plenty of other choices. Biggest factor is budget - roughly how much do you want to spend ?I know the questions and answers could be massive so here are the main few I can think off.
What camera is a good starter camera? or is it all about the software you use on your computer?
Are there better books to read and learn from or on-line resources
Software is not that big a part of it so I wouldn't worry to much about that to begin with
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/cat1.html is a good place to start if you want to buy new - the obvious choice would be a Canon 550D with 18-55 kit lens coming in at just over £500 (I'm a Canon man - started on a 450D which was excellent). There will be a Nikon equivalent (D3100 ?) - probably best to try and handle both before you buy.
If you want to go second hand best bet is eBay - tons of choice and should be ok if you are suitably cautious who you deal with.
There are a multitude of other bits of kit you might need depending on what you want to shoot - any ideas ?
If you want to go second hand best bet is eBay - tons of choice and should be ok if you are suitably cautious who you deal with.
There are a multitude of other bits of kit you might need depending on what you want to shoot - any ideas ?
For £400-500 you'll get an entry level SLR. This will be more than capable, the only real reasons to upgrade the body would be: ultimate image quality (full frame, £1500+ for the body), better focus system/higher FPS rate for sports (probably high end crop, £1000+ for the body) or GAS (gear acquisition syndrome)
Where an entry level SLR will be limiting will be the lens - most are "good" quality but are limited on range (typically 18-55mm). They are perfectly good lenses to start with but typically you end up getting another lens to complement it or replace it. Lenses are definitely where to spend the money (see the other thread - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... )
What you could do is get a secondhand camera, it'll be cheaper but might be an older model - this would leave you to spend more on lenses.
Look at CPB for prices - http://camerapricebuster.co.uk/
For your budget you're looking at
Canon 550D with 18-55 kit lens £505
Nikon D3100 with 18-55 kit lens £400
If you push the budget a little you could get a Canon 600D or the Nikon D3100 with 18-55 & 55-300 lenses or the D5100 with the 18-55 lens.
Where an entry level SLR will be limiting will be the lens - most are "good" quality but are limited on range (typically 18-55mm). They are perfectly good lenses to start with but typically you end up getting another lens to complement it or replace it. Lenses are definitely where to spend the money (see the other thread - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... )
What you could do is get a secondhand camera, it'll be cheaper but might be an older model - this would leave you to spend more on lenses.
Look at CPB for prices - http://camerapricebuster.co.uk/
For your budget you're looking at
Canon 550D with 18-55 kit lens £505
Nikon D3100 with 18-55 kit lens £400
If you push the budget a little you could get a Canon 600D or the Nikon D3100 with 18-55 & 55-300 lenses or the D5100 with the 18-55 lens.
dave0010 said:
What camera is a good starter camera? or is it all about the software you use on your computer?
If you've got a budget of £500, I'd take the step of sticking half of that in the bank for your second purchase in a year or eighteen months time.You need to go on a bit of a learning curve as to what you might want to take pictures of first.
I am convinced that you'll want a nice dSLR soon. But to start with you won't know what you're looking for. Yes, either a Canon or Nikon is the way to go.
But first, how about trying what is commonly called a "bridge" camera. It'll be a bit slower to turn on and there'll be a bit of shutter lag, but you won't be gaffing about worrying about lenses, or dust, yet will have all the settings you need to play with.
For about £200 you could get a new, refurbished or nearly new camera in, say, the Panasonic range. Everyone I know who has touched one has been complimentary about them - with an exception of someone who over tested the build quality. Ebay - with a well rated seller - if it's in you to take reasonable risk, or Amazon would probably be my starting points. Something like This
Just use free software to start with.
dave0010 said:
Are there better books to read and learn from or on-line resources
Tons of on-line resources (including here). People will recommend books - personally I like the Photoshop Guys: Scott Kelby and the like, but there are plenty of others. Magazines can be quite good for starters but eventually you'll probably decide that they are repetitive and a waste of moneyI used to find http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/ very informative.
Agree about bridge cameras - something like this Fuji bridge camera might be a good place to start.
It allows sufficient manual control for you to experiment to your heart's content and you'll probably use it more than a SLR because you won't be put off taking it anywhere by the size or price of it.
Don't worry about growing out of it too much, either - I bought a similar Fuji to this on a whim several years ago and still use it from time to time even though I've got several 'better' cameras.
It allows sufficient manual control for you to experiment to your heart's content and you'll probably use it more than a SLR because you won't be put off taking it anywhere by the size or price of it.
Don't worry about growing out of it too much, either - I bought a similar Fuji to this on a whim several years ago and still use it from time to time even though I've got several 'better' cameras.
Eggman said:
Agree about bridge cameras - something like this Fuji bridge camera might be a good place to start.
It allows sufficient manual control for you to experiment to your heart's content and you'll probably use it more than a SLR because you won't be put off taking it anywhere by the size or price of it.
Don't worry about growing out of it too much, either - I bought a similar Fuji to this on a whim several years ago and still use it from time to time even though I've got several 'better' cameras.
+ another 1, provided it offers enough manual control. Without wanting to put you off, you will be the limiting factor for some time (not your camera), so wait until you know why you need an SLR then you will really benefit from taking the leap.It allows sufficient manual control for you to experiment to your heart's content and you'll probably use it more than a SLR because you won't be put off taking it anywhere by the size or price of it.
Don't worry about growing out of it too much, either - I bought a similar Fuji to this on a whim several years ago and still use it from time to time even though I've got several 'better' cameras.
With regards to reading material, when I started out I picked up a couple of old books (like the "Kodak guide to photography") from a second-hand bookshop for less than a fiver. Despite being written long before digital hit the market, they are just as useful for understanding how a camera works and how to handle the settings to achieve the effect you want. Just substitute 'film' for 'sensor' when you read it, and know that you can change the ISO number at the touch of a button instead of changing the film roll and you'll be fine!
I've never had a bridge camera and I'm sure they're very good but how many serious photographers (ie any of the regular posters on here for instance) have a bridge camera as their regular tool ?
Not many I would say! Still think the OP would be better with an SLR - stick it on auto and it's a scoosh to get started, then plenty of scope to develop technique and add lenses, filters etc. He has stated that he wants to get serious so why waste time and money on an intermediate step ?
All in my humble (and relatively uninformed) opinion of course
Not many I would say! Still think the OP would be better with an SLR - stick it on auto and it's a scoosh to get started, then plenty of scope to develop technique and add lenses, filters etc. He has stated that he wants to get serious so why waste time and money on an intermediate step ?
All in my humble (and relatively uninformed) opinion of course
And mine. If he discovers that he's not really that interested, it will be too bulky so he'll leave it at home. If he discovers that he really is interested, he'll want/need an SLR anyway.
I would think that coming from a position of '0', a decent compact would be enough to get started, because there is plenty to learn before you start worrying about different lenses.
I would think that coming from a position of '0', a decent compact would be enough to get started, because there is plenty to learn before you start worrying about different lenses.
I used a bridge (fuji s5600 or something) for 2 years before I got the D90 and tbh it never really left auto mode.
Would I buy the bridge again as an intro to SLR ownership? No.
Would imagine if you hate the SLR after trying it for a while the resale value will be better than trying to shift on a bridge.
Would I buy the bridge again as an intro to SLR ownership? No.
Would imagine if you hate the SLR after trying it for a while the resale value will be better than trying to shift on a bridge.
My advice is to go to a camera shop and leave your wallet at home. See what you like the feel of.
Bridge camera's are one starting place, but not necessarily the best.
The Canon 1100D is selling like hot cakes at the moment as it often comes in an attractive bundle. It's a reasonable starting point but I much prefer the 3numberD range instead like the 500d-600d. I got a 500d for my first dSLR 2 years ago and found the limit relatively quickly (needed more lenses).
I've migrated over to mirrorless compact system cameras now (Sony NEX-5n, Olympus and Panasonic are good too) as I do travel photography so benefit more from the lower weight. But it helps to learn on a SLR to know what you want. A big heavy magnesium body dSLR with an L len's is not what I wanted in reality (well I do want, but I won't use anyway near as much and it would mostly be a waste of money).
I want to sell my Canon 500d at the moment if you're interested. It had a damaged hot shoe where an ex knocked it off a small table, but otherwise is good £300 sounds reasonable for that. Also have a Tamron 18-270mm lens which is great (focus is slow compared to Canon lenses but it's a lot cheaper). Which is in great condition but has the lens hood missing as I lost it poking my camera through a zoo cage (an animal didn't take it, the cage did).
Bridge camera's are one starting place, but not necessarily the best.
The Canon 1100D is selling like hot cakes at the moment as it often comes in an attractive bundle. It's a reasonable starting point but I much prefer the 3numberD range instead like the 500d-600d. I got a 500d for my first dSLR 2 years ago and found the limit relatively quickly (needed more lenses).
I've migrated over to mirrorless compact system cameras now (Sony NEX-5n, Olympus and Panasonic are good too) as I do travel photography so benefit more from the lower weight. But it helps to learn on a SLR to know what you want. A big heavy magnesium body dSLR with an L len's is not what I wanted in reality (well I do want, but I won't use anyway near as much and it would mostly be a waste of money).
I want to sell my Canon 500d at the moment if you're interested. It had a damaged hot shoe where an ex knocked it off a small table, but otherwise is good £300 sounds reasonable for that. Also have a Tamron 18-270mm lens which is great (focus is slow compared to Canon lenses but it's a lot cheaper). Which is in great condition but has the lens hood missing as I lost it poking my camera through a zoo cage (an animal didn't take it, the cage did).
I've been in the same position as yourself, until last week when my new camera arrived.
It's something I have been contemplating since last summer and have spent quite a bit of time scouring the net for information on photography for beginners (there is quite a lot out there if you look for it), reviews of cameras etc..
Someone has already mentioned that if you intend to take it seriously then a SLR is the path to go down - having owned a point and shoot for the last 5 years, I agree. To me a bridge camera is a half-way house. If you progress, you will want to be using a SLR. Logically, why would you learn on something else? Your budget will get you a decent SLR, don't waste your money.
Do go into a camera shop and get a feel for various cameras. I went to Jessops and even though I had made it clear I wouldn't be spending money that day, an enthusiatic and knowledgeable assistant spent about 45 mins with me explaining much more than I would have ever picked up from the internet.
I eventually bought a Canon EOS 600D. It arrived last week and I have been having lots and lots of fun with it. The Canon EOS 550D is the model below and can be bought for around £500. The only difference as far as I know is the 600D shoots video in HD and the LCD screen flips out from the camera body.
I also bought this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/032177664X and read it in conjunction with the manual. Best thing about this book has been that it encouraged me to shoot in full manual mode from the word go. Because of this I have learnt a lot already. Otherwise I'd have probably just started in auto mode, learning not much. Whatever camera you do buy, try and find a beginners book that is specifically for that model. I feel it's the best thing I've done to get my new hobby off to a flying start.
As for software - maybe i'll get shot down for this - why? Surely the skill you want to learn just now is how to take photos. If you start editing photos, won't your photography skill develop a lot less if you know in the back of your mind, "it doesnt matter if the photo is s
t as I can edit it later". Get the photo right the first time so it will not need editing .... I'd have thought is the aim.
I will probably buy some software later on down the line and try to learn photo editng, but for the time being the software that comes with the camera is sufficient for my needs.
It's early and I hope this hasnt come across as inane ramblings
It's something I have been contemplating since last summer and have spent quite a bit of time scouring the net for information on photography for beginners (there is quite a lot out there if you look for it), reviews of cameras etc..
Someone has already mentioned that if you intend to take it seriously then a SLR is the path to go down - having owned a point and shoot for the last 5 years, I agree. To me a bridge camera is a half-way house. If you progress, you will want to be using a SLR. Logically, why would you learn on something else? Your budget will get you a decent SLR, don't waste your money.
Do go into a camera shop and get a feel for various cameras. I went to Jessops and even though I had made it clear I wouldn't be spending money that day, an enthusiatic and knowledgeable assistant spent about 45 mins with me explaining much more than I would have ever picked up from the internet.
I eventually bought a Canon EOS 600D. It arrived last week and I have been having lots and lots of fun with it. The Canon EOS 550D is the model below and can be bought for around £500. The only difference as far as I know is the 600D shoots video in HD and the LCD screen flips out from the camera body.
I also bought this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/032177664X and read it in conjunction with the manual. Best thing about this book has been that it encouraged me to shoot in full manual mode from the word go. Because of this I have learnt a lot already. Otherwise I'd have probably just started in auto mode, learning not much. Whatever camera you do buy, try and find a beginners book that is specifically for that model. I feel it's the best thing I've done to get my new hobby off to a flying start.
As for software - maybe i'll get shot down for this - why? Surely the skill you want to learn just now is how to take photos. If you start editing photos, won't your photography skill develop a lot less if you know in the back of your mind, "it doesnt matter if the photo is s
t as I can edit it later". Get the photo right the first time so it will not need editing .... I'd have thought is the aim. I will probably buy some software later on down the line and try to learn photo editng, but for the time being the software that comes with the camera is sufficient for my needs.
It's early and I hope this hasnt come across as inane ramblings
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