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Newbie Intro / Camera Suggestions??
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Sep 19, 2019 08:16:38   #
Silverrails
 
Junebugg71 wrote:
Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from Eastern North Carolina, and just joined UH today. 

I am a "reborn novice", LOL. By that I mean, I took photography classes in college and at the time did very well, but that was 30 years ago and with a manual Pentax K1000. Needless to say, I have forgotten everything I learned in college, and cameras are quite a bit more advanced than what I learned with. 

I want to venture back into photography, and would primarily be taking "everyday" photos of my family. However, I am also extremely interested in macro photography of our beautiful oceans, wildlife, and bugs/insects. 

My max budget is between $600-700.
I would like a camera that is easy to use for a beginner, but also one that I can eventually grow with. Looking at bundles on Amazon, and see some with the 4 pc macro close up kit with +1, +2, +4, and +10 magnification and am wondering if they would work for what I'm wanting to do. Also, in reading from UH, have seen several posts stating that the bundle lenses are no good, and suggest using a STM lens instead of what's included in the bundle. I have NO CLUE what a STM lens is, or what the differences between those and the bundle ones are. Basically, I am LOST, and need input on what camera would meet my needs. 

One last thing....I am a paraplegic and have very weak wrists and shoulders, so a camera that isn't super heavy would also be ideal. 

Any suggestions within my budget range would be MUCH appreciated. 

Thanks!! 😊
Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from East... (show quote)


I myself know "0" about Canon Cameras, I am a Nikon guy.
My first DSLR camera was and is the Nikon D3300, as a suggested "Beginner" Camera.
Easy to learn and Operate.
I bought mine "Used" approximately 3 years ago, it has performed very well and this D3300 model has a very good reputation.
Now saying all that, I would like to move up to the Nikon D5600 for the added "bells" & "Whisles" it has to offer, check it out too
Bought my used camera on eBay with no negative issues. Many other sites online to purchase your new or used Camera.
Look forward to following your Photography progress here at UHH
Do your diligent research before you buy.
UTube has many helpful videos on cameras and Lens, and equipment.

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Sep 19, 2019 08:23:42   #
Leo_B Loc: Houston suburb
 
Welcome and good luck with your renewed journey. Before you make any final decision take a look at the Olympus E-M10-II. It has been updated to a -III but many feel the -II is a bit better camera. You can get it from Olympus refurbished with the 14-42 R lens which is the better 14-42 lens for $375 right now. It is quite good and also is smaller and much lighter than most DSLRs. It may not be the one for you but with the weight consideration you should at least look into Olympus options. Good luck. Keep us posted on how it's going for you.

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Sep 19, 2019 08:46:32   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
Junebugg71 wrote:
Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from Eastern North Carolina, and just joined UH today. 

I am a "reborn novice", LOL. By that I mean, I took photography classes in college and at the time did very well, but that was 30 years ago and with a manual Pentax K1000. Needless to say, I have forgotten everything I learned in college, and cameras are quite a bit more advanced than what I learned with. 

I want to venture back into photography, and would primarily be taking "everyday" photos of my family. However, I am also extremely interested in macro photography of our beautiful oceans, wildlife, and bugs/insects. 

My max budget is between $600-700.
I would like a camera that is easy to use for a beginner, but also one that I can eventually grow with. Looking at bundles on Amazon, and see some with the 4 pc macro close up kit with +1, +2, +4, and +10 magnification and am wondering if they would work for what I'm wanting to do. Also, in reading from UH, have seen several posts stating that the bundle lenses are no good, and suggest using a STM lens instead of what's included in the bundle. I have NO CLUE what a STM lens is, or what the differences between those and the bundle ones are. Basically, I am LOST, and need input on what camera would meet my needs. 

One last thing....I am a paraplegic and have very weak wrists and shoulders, so a camera that isn't super heavy would also be ideal. 

Any suggestions within my budget range would be MUCH appreciated. 

Thanks!! 😊
Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from East... (show quote)


Welcome on board!

I agree with CHG_CANON. Given your comments about your wrists, you need to hold some cameras in your hands. Given your budget, (which is really not bad for a starter kit) renting is also not a good route since it would eat into your available funds.
Don't worry about the classes you took being out of date. The basics of aperture, shutter speed and ISO have not changed much (except ISO is a little less important.) Well auto focus is WAY better than 30 years ago. That is a big change. And you do not need to worry about buying or developing film. Everything else is just refinements within the basics.
The other issue is what you might want to photograph. Some systems are better for different subjects. So knowing a little more about what you would like to do would help narrow down choices.

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Sep 19, 2019 09:11:56   #
Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho
 
Hi Angela,
A fellow UHH member has a camera for sale you might consider - a Fujifilm X100T (https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-611096-1.html). Take care & ...

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Sep 19, 2019 09:18:53   #
Imagemine Loc: St. Louis USA
 
I would suggest Nikon d7200 it is a nice crop sensor camera and will be good for wildlife and landscape panoramas, a 24-70mm Nikon lens or a Sigma 24-105mm Art , check them out see if it fits your budget , software I use Adobe's Light room subscription, the reason I suggest Nikon is because I'm a Nikon shooter and this is the brand I know about , things have changed in the digital world so watch YouTube videos and good luck 👍

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Sep 19, 2019 09:29:59   #
mymike Loc: Tucson, AZ
 
Hello Angela and welcome to the hog! Good luck in your search for the camera that’s right for you. Photography is like riding a bike... assuming you rode one growing up. The skills are still there, the tools are a little different. I look at photography as PPL, patience, practice and luck! My best!

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Sep 19, 2019 09:40:28   #
jdub82 Loc: Northern California
 
For a very capable lightweight camera, I would suggest looking at the Canon SL2 or SL3. These are the smallest and lightest DSLR cameras on the market. They also come packed with very good features. They are available within your price range with a kit lens. Including a great processor and a solid autofocus system. Another option for lightweight would be mirrorless. You might consider the Fuji X-T20 or X-T30. (The X-T30 might be pushing your price range up a bit). The Sony A6000 or A6300 would be another great mirrorless choice. I agree with those who have suggested going to a camera store and handling the various models, if this is possible. If you don't have a camera store nearby, consider going to Best Buy.

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Sep 19, 2019 10:05:15   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
Junebugg71 wrote:
Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from Eastern North Carolina, and just joined UH today. 

I am a "reborn novice", LOL. By that I mean, I took photography classes in college and at the time did very well, but that was 30 years ago and with a manual Pentax K1000. Needless to say, I have forgotten everything I learned in college, and cameras are quite a bit more advanced than what I learned with. 

I want to venture back into photography, and would primarily be taking "everyday" photos of my family. However, I am also extremely interested in macro photography of our beautiful oceans, wildlife, and bugs/insects. 

My max budget is between $600-700.
I would like a camera that is easy to use for a beginner, but also one that I can eventually grow with. Looking at bundles on Amazon, and see some with the 4 pc macro close up kit with +1, +2, +4, and +10 magnification and am wondering if they would work for what I'm wanting to do. Also, in reading from UH, have seen several posts stating that the bundle lenses are no good, and suggest using a STM lens instead of what's included in the bundle. I have NO CLUE what a STM lens is, or what the differences between those and the bundle ones are. Basically, I am LOST, and need input on what camera would meet my needs. 

One last thing....I am a paraplegic and have very weak wrists and shoulders, so a camera that isn't super heavy would also be ideal. 

Any suggestions within my budget range would be MUCH appreciated. 

Thanks!! 😊
Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from East... (show quote)


Welcome
Please look at the Canon SL2 kit.
The Canon kit lenses for this camera are very good and light.
Canon also makes a series of light but very good lenses including wide zoom 10-18mm which I use a lot and is inexpensive compared to other brands.
The package is one of the lightest available.
Runs 699.99.
It has unlimited growth.
It uses every EF, EFS lens ever made with no loss of function so there is no worry about will the lens work 100% like all the other makes.
Also all your lenses will work 100%and better with the new RF system so no growth worry there and again no other maker comes close to that kind of compatibility with older lenses on the new mirrorless cameras.
Give it a try.
Ps for 50.00 more you can get the SL3 which is the latest version with more features.

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Sep 19, 2019 10:30:59   #
Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb
 
Go to a store and find a camera that is comfortable in your hands. If it "ain't" you will put it down, and not stick with it.

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Sep 19, 2019 10:50:06   #
timcc Loc: Virginia
 
Welcome to the forum! If weight and size are key considerations, I suggest you look at mirrorless cameras: either micro 4/3 cameras (Olympus, Panasonic) or APS-C cameras (Sony a6000, Fuji X-T20). Both types can make great images, allow you to change lenses, have bodies and lenses that are smaller and lighter than DSLRs, and have models (new or used) that fit your budget. If you can, handle them in person in a camera store to see which feel most comfortable for you.

Whichever camera you end up buying, you may want to start in Auto or Program mode to get used to the mechanics of the camera first (menus, buttons, etc.), but any of these will also allow you to grow your photographic skills (and acquire new lenses) at your own pace. Good luck!

Reply
Sep 19, 2019 10:51:11   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Junebugg71 wrote:
Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from Eastern North Carolina, and just joined UH today. 

I am a "reborn novice", LOL. By that I mean, I took photography classes in college and at the time did very well, but that was 30 years ago and with a manual Pentax K1000. Needless to say, I have forgotten everything I learned in college, and cameras are quite a bit more advanced than what I learned with. 

I want to venture back into photography, and would primarily be taking "everyday" photos of my family. However, I am also extremely interested in macro photography of our beautiful oceans, wildlife, and bugs/insects. 

My max budget is between $600-700.
I would like a camera that is easy to use for a beginner, but also one that I can eventually grow with. Looking at bundles on Amazon, and see some with the 4 pc macro close up kit with +1, +2, +4, and +10 magnification and am wondering if they would work for what I'm wanting to do. Also, in reading from UH, have seen several posts stating that the bundle lenses are no good, and suggest using a STM lens instead of what's included in the bundle. I have NO CLUE what a STM lens is, or what the differences between those and the bundle ones are. Basically, I am LOST, and need input on what camera would meet my needs. 

One last thing....I am a paraplegic and have very weak wrists and shoulders, so a camera that isn't super heavy would also be ideal. 

Any suggestions within my budget range would be MUCH appreciated. 

Thanks!! 😊
Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from East... (show quote)


I would be recommending a light weight mirror less camera for you - Sony having the best selection (new and used) in the 6000 series.

If you MUST have a DSLR, the Canon SL3 I would recommend with 18-135mm.
.

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Sep 19, 2019 10:56:02   #
Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas
 
Welcome to the Hog, Angela, I hope you find what you want, enjoy the site.

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Sep 19, 2019 10:56:54   #
rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA
 
Junebugg71 wrote:
Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from Eastern North Carolina, and just joined UH today. 

I am a "reborn novice", LOL. By that I mean, I took photography classes in college and at the time did very well, but that was 30 years ago and with a manual Pentax K1000. Needless to say, I have forgotten everything I learned in college, and cameras are quite a bit more advanced than what I learned with. 

I want to venture back into photography, and would primarily be taking "everyday" photos of my family. However, I am also extremely interested in macro photography of our beautiful oceans, wildlife, and bugs/insects. 

My max budget is between $600-700.
I would like a camera that is easy to use for a beginner, but also one that I can eventually grow with. Looking at bundles on Amazon, and see some with the 4 pc macro close up kit with +1, +2, +4, and +10 magnification and am wondering if they would work for what I'm wanting to do. Also, in reading from UH, have seen several posts stating that the bundle lenses are no good, and suggest using a STM lens instead of what's included in the bundle. I have NO CLUE what a STM lens is, or what the differences between those and the bundle ones are. Basically, I am LOST, and need input on what camera would meet my needs. 

One last thing....I am a paraplegic and have very weak wrists and shoulders, so a camera that isn't super heavy would also be ideal. 

Any suggestions within my budget range would be MUCH appreciated. 

Thanks!! 😊
Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from East... (show quote)

Welcome!

I am a Pentax user myself, but in consideration of your upper body issues, I'd suggest you look at the Canon M50 - it appears to be a good camera - with the advantages of a DSLR but lighter - and within your price range.

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Sep 19, 2019 12:25:00   #
wetreed
 
timcc wrote:
Welcome to the forum! If weight and size are key considerations, I suggest you look at mirrorless cameras: either micro 4/3 cameras (Olympus, Panasonic) or APS-C cameras (Sony a6000, Fuji X-T20). Both types can make great images, allow you to change lenses, have bodies and lenses that are smaller and lighter than DSLRs, and have models (new or used) that fit your budget. If you can, handle them in person in a camera store to see which feel most comfortable for you.

Whichever camera you end up buying, you may want to start in Auto or Program mode to get used to the mechanics of the camera first (menus, buttons, etc.), but any of these will also allow you to grow your photographic skills (and acquire new lenses) at your own pace. Good luck!
Welcome to the forum! If weight and size are key ... (show quote)


I would wait at least five years before considering a mirrorless camera. By then a lot of the limitations that have not be worked out yet should be solved. Mirrorless cameras are still very much in the development stage.

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Sep 19, 2019 12:28:24   #
rangel28
 
I would also suggest the Nikon D3500. It's listed now for less than $500, with two lenses. It's a very small and light DSLR, and the AF-P lenses it comes with are also very light. The D3500 sensor produces great images and there are a number of automatic settings on the camera to get you started. If you find, down the line, you want a Nikon camera with more bells and whistles then I would suggest the D7200, which is also attractively priced right now. But the D3500 is a great starter camera and the price, with the two lenses, is outstanding.

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