DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Well, I'm pretty far down the list in the replies, so if you read this far, thanks.

Since you're new to this hobby, the camera brand doesn't matter, so you can ignore the fact that I'm a HAPPY NIKON OWNER. Get an entry level camera and start using it. Pretty much any camera produced in the last 5 years is capable of taking good pictures.

My recommendation is that you get a camera that looks and feels good to you and start using it. You can start learning about exposure and composition. You can post pictures here and get advice on what you should have done. While you're doing this you can figure out what sort of photos you really want to take: family snapshots, landscapes, sports, kids, indoor, outdoor, low light, wildlife............

Once you get some experience under your hat you can start thinking about brands and what the options are. No matter what kind of camera you buy now you WILL want to upgrade it later assuming you maintain an interest in photography. With that in mind I'd advise you that (1) camera bodies are transient -- the various models are updated at two to four year intervals; (2) the lenses are the permanent part of the system -- lenses seem to be updated at 20 to 40 year intervals.

You can get into photography for something between $100 and $25000. The more you spend the more whistles and bells you will have to play with (and keep track of). $25000 might sound like a lot, but have you priced cars and boats recently? But then you might not really need a $25000 car.

Once you start spending real money on this hobby, that's the time to consider brands. Because if you have a few thousand dollars worth of lenses that will fit one brand, you will be reluctant to change to a different brand. But by that time you will have the experience to know in more detail what you need.

As far as upgrading, my rule of thumb is "If you NEED it, buy it now. If you only WANT it, then your wallet will make the decision".

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Yeah, I have read all the prior pages of advice and suggestions :)

Some very good advice.

I also did lots and lots of research and reading. Knew I wanted a good quality entry level camera that was within my budget. It could not be too heavy or too big. Knew I wanted to shoot primarily wildlife but also some landscapes and maybe architecture. So needed a camera and lenses that could do that well.

But, ease of use was also very important to me. You may not really care about that, but I did. I paid attention to the reviews regarding "ease of use". Some have "hidden menu systems". I did not want to have to spend time searching for those hidden setting options. ... Just one more thing to consider.

Nikonista Loc: England

It does not matter what brand of equipment you purchase or use. Nobody will be able to tell what camera you have from your pictures.

Just buy a camera, learn how to use it, take reams of shots, enjoy the pictures you take and share them with as many people as you can.

If you get to feel your equipment choice is limiting what you want to produce, then this is a good, and interesting, time to look at alternative hardware.

Never forget that you can still take cracking images with low-end equipment and if you are not committed to designer-label kit you can have a happy and satisfying hobby and still pay the mortgage!!!

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

You've probably figured out by now that too many Hogs immediately lose track of your question and rush into nervous prattle that focuses on trying to convince you to buy the brand of camera that they use. That's sad because that sort of information is not very useful to you. Ignore it. The "perfect camera" is the one that does what you want to do. Brand isn't important. I've been photographing for over 45 years, and if I were to buy a new camera tomorrow it wouldn't be the brand I'm using today because both cameras and I have changed in that time.

So here's my suggestion: First of all, don't rush. Go to a good brick-and-mortar camera store and look at what they have. Ask about DSLRs and about mirrorless cameras. Feel the goods. Bring a SD card and capture some images you can look at later.

Then go to a meeting of a local camera club--it's easy to find one either through PSA's website (Google PSA and you'll find what I'm talking about.), through that camera store, or through a web search. Introduce yourself to some of the people and tell them what you're trying to figure out. If someone listens and replies, "You should buy a (fill in any camera name)," smile and move on until you find someone who asks you "What do you want to photograph." Let that person direct you to others who shoot what you're interested in shooting. Find out what they use in the way of equipment. Then go back to that brick-and-mortar store and talk with them some more.

Like almost every interest area, there are lots of "experts" who feel it's their mission to clone themselves. Ignore them; they're usually well-meaning, but they don't walk in your shoes. Take a couple of months. A couple of months might seem like a long time when you have money burning a hole in your pocket, but you're entering a world that's deep and wonderful. The time you spend before your first purchase will yield a treasure trove of delight.

I envy you. Good luck.

Kuzano

Think of it this way. Take the pressure off yourself and just buy any good brand name ENTRY LEVEL DSLR or Mirrorless. Don't buy a bunch of lenses for the first year.

Do take the suggestion to try to find a place where you can hold a few for feel. It's pretty amazing what feels right when you run across it.

Then, start building photographic skills with the camera. Things like exposure and composition, which aren't necessarily a function of camera brand, because along with those you will need to spend time learning how to use the specific camera you buy... how controls and menus work... etc.

The reason I propose this is that specific brands make no big difference. All the manufacturers with names you know build good camera's. There is no BEST. And it is about marketing if you let it be, or leave it to advice from others. The reference responses you get here are not always objective. Some are biased and subjective, and are the first level of marketing. Some simply want you to make the same choice they did. That's selling (marketing) as much as any huge budget for advertising employed by the various camera manufacturers.

If you just buy a camera and get started, you will likely find this to be your experience.

After about one year, you will discover the suitability, or lack there of in your first camera.

I'm suggesting that, as so many here have found, your first camera will very likely NOT BE your last camera, and you may find that out at about the end of one year.

If you minimize your spending for the first year... entry level and the kit lens, you'll know more about what you want than any of us can tell you. By minimizing the amount spent, you won't be married to a platform, ie. lots of expensive glass holding you to a camera platform you may not wish for a year from now.

I expect to be flamed out of the park on this. Some may suggest buy the biggest and the best and you will progress faster.

That could be the case for some. But these camera's and equipment are truly a real "money pit" if you think throwing big bucks at the equipment will make you a better photographer.

Think of it this way. Buy a camera, use it for a year, and you will know more than we can tell you about your own progression into photography.

Get photography, the craft, under your belt first. Then worry about the best equipment.

Most of the best NASCAR drivers started out with Destruction Derby cars, and did the work necessary to move up to the cars that, as a tool, help them win the races.

In the history of photography, most of the best images came from a dark box, with a simple lens on the front, and a surface on the back to hold the capture media on the back. Other than that it was the photographers eye, and creative vision, combined with the processes afterward to massage the media to the final image.

I will close by saying the market position of every camera manufacturer WAS a function of marketing, more than anything else. The popularity of any product is "bought and paid for" through mass media advertising.

So to finalize my opinion on this, go feel a few, buy one, get a good nights sleep, and start shooting at first light tomorrow.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

The Canon SX50 was available as a factory refurbished unit from Canon for $200. The deal of the year.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

OK Reeves I am going to clear it all up for you.
Buy this kit here and you will be VERY HAPPY. PERIOD!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Don.
http://www.cameta.com/Nikon-D3300-Digital-SLR-Camera-18-55mm-G-VR-DX-II-AF-S-Zoom-Lens-Black-80640.cfm

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Here is my two cents worth. You mention "new to this hobby". "This hobby" can get expensive very quickly if you do not spend some time thinking about what are your needs and/or wants. If you are thinking of eventually becoming a true full time professional, you will want to chose something from the full frame or medium format cameras depending on what market you are planning to get into. If it will be truly a hobby and money is no matter, then feel free to chose any camera system from 4/3rds to medium or large format. If money does matter and you are not sure how far you want to go with this "hobby", I would suggest reading as much as you can about the cameras from 4/3rds up to full frame cameras and then spend some time at a local cameras store checking out all of the cameras you think you will like. Since you are just starting, stick as close to your budget as you can. If you spend the time, you will probably never regret the choice you make.

reevescm011552 Loc: Cincinnati, OH

Many thanks - I'm still processing other responses. I appreciate the willingness of everyone to share their experience with me. I think I will like this hobby - I have a lot to learn and from all indications, I can go so many different directions. Again, I appreciate your help and guidance.

reevescm011552 Loc: Cincinnati, OH

Thank you for your help - I've got a lot to read about and review. I already have a Nikon S9050 digital camera but want to upgrade to DSLR. I had considered staying with Nikon, but at the same time didn't want to rule out other brands. I guess I will just have to wade into the water and begin developing some experience for a while. I appreciate your thoughts. I'll stay in touch.

reevescm011552 Loc: Cincinnati, OH

Many thanks - I've received several responses - lots of good advice and suggestions. I have some reading and review ahead. I've connected with some local people also. I appreciate your thoughts.

reevescm011552 Loc: Cincinnati, OH

I assure you I've found out how expensive this hobby can become. Thank you for your thoughts - I have a lot of reading to do and will check with a local Photography shop and discuss some options with them as well. I don't have to make a decision in a week or two - just need some directions. Thanks again.

reevescm011552 Loc: Cincinnati, OH

Very simple - I appreciate the vote of confidence. I will check it out.

reevescm011552 Loc: Cincinnati, OH

Sounds very practical - and wise. Develop some experience in the field and then fine tune my search. I appreciate your help.

Denisedancer Loc: Sydney Australia

So many replies here and I'm sorry but I haven't read them all.

Never mind the brand. As suggested go into a store and handle different cameras.

Make sure you get a camera that has a view finder as you can't rely on the LCD screen in bright sunlight.

Also one that has most of the features you want to use on the outside of the camera - Aperture, Speed, ISO, Exposure Compensation. Nothing worse than having to scroll through hidden menus.

Watch the weight of the camera. If it's too heavy you will get sick of carting it around.

I started with a compact Canon G10 (it's now up to G16) and it is a great little camera with zoom lens but couldn't change lenses. Next I borrowed my son's Nikon DSLR. When I was more confident I upgraded to a DSLR Canon 600D which I love but find too heavy. As a result I'm now saving for a smaller lighter camera, am looking at Olympus OM-D EM1 which is mirrorless 4/3rds, or a Sony A7ii which is also mirrorless and full frame. The mirrorless tend to be smaller and lighter.

As others have said, if you are a complete beginner don't get too fancy as you will eventually want to upgrade in the future anyway.

Good luck with your choice and you will love your new hobby. Lots to learn.