Best starter camera?
Jan 9, 2017 23:33:40 #
Okay, so here's my basic situation:
I have a friend that I will mentor and teach photography to. I am not overly familiar with all of the DSLR cameras on the market. (I jumped from a Nikon FE to a D5300.) I think the 5300 would be overwhelming for her b/c it's just too much information. Her basic skill set is comprised of pointing and shooting a cellphone. My daughter bought a Canon EOS T5, which I really like. I think it is a great starter. However, my friend seems to be leaning towards Nikon (God bless her!). I would like some input on what cameras you might think would be great starting cameras for a person who has no experience either with SLR or composition. She's got a lot to learn, so I think too many options might be discouraging. For her, money is not too plentiful, so an older model is completely within reason. It doesn't have to be the latest and greatest, just a good, solid camera. Please, give your input and WHY you think that camera is a good choice. Responses need not be long... Thanks, in advance.
I have a friend that I will mentor and teach photography to. I am not overly familiar with all of the DSLR cameras on the market. (I jumped from a Nikon FE to a D5300.) I think the 5300 would be overwhelming for her b/c it's just too much information. Her basic skill set is comprised of pointing and shooting a cellphone. My daughter bought a Canon EOS T5, which I really like. I think it is a great starter. However, my friend seems to be leaning towards Nikon (God bless her!). I would like some input on what cameras you might think would be great starting cameras for a person who has no experience either with SLR or composition. She's got a lot to learn, so I think too many options might be discouraging. For her, money is not too plentiful, so an older model is completely within reason. It doesn't have to be the latest and greatest, just a good, solid camera. Please, give your input and WHY you think that camera is a good choice. Responses need not be long... Thanks, in advance.
Jan 9, 2017 23:38:22 #
I do not see the problem from starting with a D5300 or similar.
I started that way after jumping from a Fuji superzoom bridge camera.
She could just also check older versions of the same series. As the only change on them is "wireless" and other silly additions than actual sensor updates.
Like a Nikon D3200 or a D5200.
I started that way after jumping from a Fuji superzoom bridge camera.
She could just also check older versions of the same series. As the only change on them is "wireless" and other silly additions than actual sensor updates.
Like a Nikon D3200 or a D5200.
Jan 9, 2017 23:52:41 #
tamalero wrote:
I do not see the problem from starting with a D5300 or similar.
I started that way after jumping from a Fuji superzoom bridge camera.
She could just also check older versions of the same series. As the only change on them is "wireless" and other silly additions than actual sensor updates.
Like a Nikon D3200 or a D5200.
I started that way after jumping from a Fuji superzoom bridge camera.
She could just also check older versions of the same series. As the only change on them is "wireless" and other silly additions than actual sensor updates.
Like a Nikon D3200 or a D5200.
Interesting... I was also thinking about a D3200. Thanks.
Jan 9, 2017 23:55:53 #
Buy what you want to wind up with.
Utube university will explain everything.
https://www.google.com/search?q=d5300+tutorial+youtube&client=ms-android-verizon&prmd=vsin&source=lnms&tbm=vid&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjdnMWv5LbRAhXL6oMKHTLTDxoQ_AUIBygB&biw=360&bih=512&dpr=3
Utube university will explain everything.
https://www.google.com/search?q=d5300+tutorial+youtube&client=ms-android-verizon&prmd=vsin&source=lnms&tbm=vid&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjdnMWv5LbRAhXL6oMKHTLTDxoQ_AUIBygB&biw=360&bih=512&dpr=3
Jan 9, 2017 23:59:23 #
If you are using a D5000 series and she is comfortable with the controls, start with the
best D5000 series she can afford.
Start her in auto/program mode and show her the rest as she learns.
I went from a Minolta x700 to a D100 and now to a D7200. My biggest problem
is learning the post software
best D5000 series she can afford.
Start her in auto/program mode and show her the rest as she learns.
I went from a Minolta x700 to a D100 and now to a D7200. My biggest problem
is learning the post software
Jan 10, 2017 01:11:45 #
Jan 10, 2017 02:18:07 #
When one of my daughters expressed interest in graduating from her point and shoot, I lent her a Canon 70D along with a couple lenses, a speedlight, tripod and a couple really good books plus the 70D's manual. For Christmas I got her some Scott Kelby books and Brian Peterson's latest book on exposure. She loves the books. Since she is a little strapped for cash for frivolous expenditures, what with a 4 year old and a 4 month old, last week I helped her buy a refurbished 80D from Canon. She absolutely loves the camera and is learning as much about it as quickly as she can.
When she first began her camera quest, I let her try out my Nikon D7200 and D500 and my Canon 70D and 6D. After some basic instructions, she played with all 4 cameras for a couple hours. That night she went home with the 70D. She said she chose that one because to her it was easier to use than the Nikon's and she liked how it felt in her hands.
When she first began her camera quest, I let her try out my Nikon D7200 and D500 and my Canon 70D and 6D. After some basic instructions, she played with all 4 cameras for a couple hours. That night she went home with the 70D. She said she chose that one because to her it was easier to use than the Nikon's and she liked how it felt in her hands.
Jan 10, 2017 07:17:00 #
Dan Mc
Loc: NM
Spudwheat wrote:
Okay, so here's my basic situation: br br I have ... (show quote)
If money is tight, a D90 is an excellent choice and because it has the focusing motor it will work with any Nikon lens (unlike the 5XXX and 3XXX series.) For that matter, a D40 is still a killer camera and a kit with an 18-55 and 55-200 can be had for less than two Benjamins!
Jan 10, 2017 08:24:01 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
It's a budget matter. You never know the true interest level a youngster will aspire to. I gave a grandson a D7100, who had taken photography in school and I am happy he works at developing skill. Recently, I bought a D3400 for a granddaughter and I am in hopes that she has more enthusiasm than I suspect. It's a crap shoot.
Jan 10, 2017 08:54:12 #
Spudwheat wrote:
Okay, so here's my basic situation: br br I have ... (show quote)
I would not concern yourself with the learning curve and her basic skill level. The d5300 or even the d7200 have auto which she could use while learning the camera. It would basically work the same as her point and shoot, just larger in her hands. you may find either model used or refurbished for a decent price at reputable online stores such as B&H Photo or Adorama or KEH.
Jan 10, 2017 09:10:19 #
The higher end models are actually easier to start with but of course the budget may not allow.
Jan 10, 2017 09:43:52 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
A pocket camera, fixed lens with moderate zoom to assist composition, capable of the big three priority modes - Manual, Shutter, and Aperture. Look for used or refurbished at KEH or B&H. Start with simple simple and move up when ready.
Jan 10, 2017 09:50:00 #
Jan 10, 2017 09:54:19 #
BebuLamar wrote:
The higher end models are actually easier to start with but of course the budget may not allow.
Jan 10, 2017 10:04:13 #
One that you will use. If you are not looking at doing an exhibition of your work, I would recommend one of the higher end, point and shoots like the Panasonic FZ 300 or 80, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji all make similar models. Something with a big zoom giving you more framing options. They are simple to use and with the big zooms, you will never want for a lens. If you are comfortable with out a view finder and just a screen for framing, there are some very pocketable (more apt to use if you have it with you) cameras with big zooms.
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