wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

First I want to acknowledge that this is from a Nikon view point, but should apply to other camera makes.

Around 1998 I graduated from a P/S camera to a DSLR since I was tired of missing pictures due to the shutter lag that was common then. Ft. Worth is fortunate to have two good camera stores in our end of the Metroplex. Went to Ft. Worth Camera and tried out entry Canon and Nikon cameras. They felt good so my choice was based on the kit lens that was 18-135 mm verses the 18-70 mm. I enjoyed the D40xi and added a Nikor 70-300 for telephoto shots. After about 2 years my beloved D40 had an accident and I upgraded to a D5000 which was also a very good camera. Both of these camera have the one issue of not being able to alter shutter speed and aperature independently easily. This led to my using mainly the A setting and watching that the shutter didn't become too slow. I still don't make many changes to ISO thus speed and lens penning are my main concerns. In 2014 I purchased a D7100and immediately felt more freedom to experiment and grow. This came from being able to easily change either speed or opening using separate wheels while viewing the subject. I feel I would have grown more quickly if I had this capability earlier. So maybe the entry price point isn't the best photography entry point.

I hope the can of worms I am opening is not too big.


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Bill

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Changing the aperture and shutter speed independently is commonly referred to as Manual, all your cameras have this mode ....

Having used two entry level models (Rebel XTi and Nikon D3100) and helped many others with their equipment, an entry level DSLR is more than enough (both capability and complexity) for the vast majority of all photographers and their photography needs. Advanced cameras can be both more complex and well as more simplified where many times features buried in the menus of the entry-level models become external dials / buttons on the prosumer bodies.

My opinion on advanced bodies is that most people under appreciate the importance of good / great lenses on their photography vs the newest / latest body.

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

Thank you for your comment.

First I totally agree that having excellent quality lenses is very important.

I always knew that aperture and shutter speeds could be changed for A, S, and M modes. On my first two DSLR's you could set the wheel for either aperture or shutter then the other was accessed by pushing a button to change the wheel's function. I know that we should know the button layout well enough to press the correct one without looking up, but how many of us do?

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

IMO, there are no "beginner" cameras, but there are beginner photographers.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

"Starter cameras" are good for the manufacturers as it adds another step that will result in them selling another camera.
It kind of reminds me when I "saved" money by buying a cheap tripod only to upgrade later on.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

This is Uglyhedgehogs! It is almost always a big can of worms!

It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. With Olympus, most of the controls on the E-M10 mrIII, E-M5 mrII, and E-M1 mrII are basically in the same location and basically operate the same. The same can be said for the Pen series. It not a big step from beginner to top level.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I probably haven't handled another DSLR camera in so long, I've forgotten how they work on the controls for manual. The more advanced bodies, following the idea of a more 'simple to use' construct, are designed to be adjusted by finger movements without lowering the camera from your eye. I shot in aperture mode for years upon years. If you actively manage exposure compensation against the aperture setting, you are shooting manual, just with the camera helping calculate the shutter when you don't do it yourself via EC.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Bill, when you made your move to dslr, you understood what the aperture and shutter were, at least

Topics on UHH that ask, "What is best setting for shooting xxx?" or "Why is my image blurry?" are examples of how many folks don't take time to learn the most basic elements of photography: exposure, and the properties of aperture for depth of field and shutter speed for motion control. I saw similar when assisting adults (over 55) with computers years ago: not understanding the importance of a basic "how to" class. Usually classes have prerequisites for a reason

Your topic is interesting to ponder, but I submit the question is not so much whether a "beginner" camera is suitable for a beginner, but whether the beginner is totally new to photography, whether they are strictly a casual hobbyist, how interested they are in the technical side, are they willing to take the time to do a bit of reading/studying, and so forth.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

You worked up your skills to fully appreciate the Nikon D7100. I consider that camera an advanced intermediate level camera, rather than an entry-level such as the D3300/3400. However, all three cameras have 24 megapixels. That was not the case just nine years ago. You were lucky to get 12 megapixels then. I finally realized that, for me, having good lenses are more important than a new camera body. If your camera is sufficient to your needs, continue using it. If you feel you need new features, buy a new or refurbished camera. You would still have your lenses. Perhaps, I may buy another new crop sensor Nikon camera. I want two more lenses though. Good lenses are forever.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

My beginners camera was the Canon 5D Mark II, and it worked just fine!

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I have never owned a starter camera. My first DSLR back in 2003 was a Canon 10D followed by a 20D in 2005. I never saw a need for a starter camera. I prefer a camera I can learn and grow with. If it doesn't present a challenge then it's boring.

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

Thank you for your reply. I am often surprised at how small point can become a major issue.

Bill

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

With me it's all about Lenses & Format ---
My beginning serious photography camera was a Canon EOS SLR film -- AKA today as a -- Full Frame --- Purchased 5 of my 6 current lenses during this time period -- Due to this investment in lenses -- Held off going digital until the Canon 5DII came along -- Now use the Canon 5DS with the same lenses from the old film period

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

Thank you for your comments. In college I had a semester of photography that included doing our own b/w developing and printing. For many years I used a Minolta X-370 with two zoom lenses ans I had extension tubes to attempt macro shots. When digital came along I switched to lower end p/s cameras since I was still in college and short on funds. You're right that I had a fair knowledge of photography and exposure. I just found it harder to adjust speed and opening on my first dslr's than my film camera.

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

Thank you for your reply. As you see in my reply to Linda, I wasn't a "babe in the woods" when I bought the D40. The reason for the upgrade to the D5000 was the D40 breaking during an Alaskan cruise, the camera store in Juneau only had the D5000. I fell in love with the D7100 when I tried a D7100 in Costco and discovered the two control wheels. For at least a few years new purchases will most likely be lenses.

Bill