I need advice on "the best" for a beginner
Sep 8, 2013 17:24:53 #
I am new to the forum. Excited to begin by buying "the best" camera for a beginner, like me. Any ideas? I am looking for something comfortable to hold on too, if that is possible. Thanks
Sep 8, 2013 17:26:59 #
what do you like to shoot ?? DSLR or point and shoot ??
please give us some more to go on.... budget, etc
please give us some more to go on.... budget, etc
Sep 8, 2013 17:27:07 #
jeanne vinson wrote:
I am new to the forum. Excited to begin by buying "the best" camera for a beginner, like me. Any ideas? I am looking for something comfortable to hold on too, if that is possible. Thanks
Welcome!
Do you have a budget limit?
What kinds of things do you think you want to shoot?
Sep 8, 2013 17:29:41 #
What is "the best" for me may not be "the best" for you. Go to a Best Buy, Wal Mart, Target, or if you are lucky enough to have a camera store in your town go try holding the cameras in your hands, feel how they feel and decide from that what you wish to buy.
Sep 8, 2013 17:39:20 #
missace
Loc: Southern Indiana, USA
I am a beginner also and purchased my first DSLR a year ago. I got a Nikon D3000 with the kit lens from B&H. It was all I could afford and it has been a great camera! I have learned so much and it is very comfortable to hold. Good luck!
Sep 8, 2013 18:06:28 #
Hi Jeanne, you will no doubt get many good suggestions here as there are may good options. Probably a better question for you to ask is "how do I determine what camera is best for me?" as mentioned above you'll have to set yourself down and list the things that interest you. Do you want to shoot bugs on flowers, majestic landscapes, or portraits. Of course budget comes into play. You should also consider the cost of accessories. Things like tripods, batteries, etc. The good news is that there are few bad cameras among the major players. Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sigma, etc are all decent products. As one of the others suggested find a place that sells cameras and talk to the staff, have them explain the differences in the models you are looking at. Hold them to make sure you can reach the buttons. Talk to other photographers if possible.
The main thing is to take your time and consider your options. The biggest mistake would be impatients. Good luck
The main thing is to take your time and consider your options. The biggest mistake would be impatients. Good luck
Sep 8, 2013 18:42:05 #
I always suggest finding a camera shop where you can get "hands-on" many choices, not only brands but also genre's. Someone who cannot get that experience will likely benefit more from a "Bridge" camera to start with as it offers most of the point & shoot cameras conveniences and many of the DSLR qualities that you will find helpful as well as educational as your skills and needs progress, if indeed they do. Pricing is also an issue to consider so that you don't bust whatever you may have for a budget.
Prepared to be hooked on photography though, and that always means to be prepared to spend more money advancing your art, sometimes LOTS more money!
Prepared to be hooked on photography though, and that always means to be prepared to spend more money advancing your art, sometimes LOTS more money!
Sep 8, 2013 19:22:31 #
jeanne vinson wrote:
I am new to the forum. Excited to begin by buying "the best" camera for a beginner, like me. Any ideas? I am looking for something comfortable to hold on too, if that is possible. Thanks
Just as first step, do you want a reasonably portable camera with one versatile lens or do you want a heavier one with exchangeable lenses even if it will be a considerable burden? To a degree, this division also creates a relatively cost division with the heavier ones being in the generally higher price category. After your choice of one of the categories, it will be easier to get some advice. From your "looking for something comfortable to hold on to" I think you will be inclined to the more portable category and will exclude most DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras)
Sep 8, 2013 19:27:59 #
MT Shooter wrote:
I always suggest finding a camera shop where you c... (show quote)
Fantastic suggestions here, may I add that many bridge camera's will give you manual, aperture, shutter, and auto modes etc... that will enable you to learn exposure economically till you determine what types of photos as well as brand type you are inclined to like.
Sep 9, 2013 07:05:17 #
jethro779 wrote:
What is "the best" for me may not be "the best" for you. Go to a Best Buy, Wal Mart, Target, or if you are lucky enough to have a camera store in your town go try holding the cameras in your hands, feel how they feel and decide from that what you wish to buy.
Going to Walmart for a camera is kind of like going to a hardware store for groceries. I guess it would be ok if you wanted to get the physical feel for one but a rare thing to find a clerk with camera knowledge. Best Buy maybe a little better.
Sep 9, 2013 07:16:00 #
Pippasmum
Loc: Scotland, Uk
jeanne vinson wrote:
I am new to the forum. Excited to begin by buying "the best" camera for a beginner, like me. Any ideas? I am looking for something comfortable to hold on too, if that is possible. Thanks
I agree that a bridge camera could be great for a beginner. However, as I tended to find I just "pointed and shot" with the bridge camera's excellent zoom I ended up not learning anything. My own fault at not recognizing what else there was in a bridge camera! But when I decided I wanted to upgrade I was almost put off by the size and weight of a DSLR. I almost dropped it! So yes, please hold any prospective camera in your hand first! I compromised by buying a modern compact system camera, a Panasonic G3, which is smaller,lighter and equivalent to entry grade DSLRs apparently. Certainly I am having a lot to learn from it! As cameras seem to drop dramatically in price within 6 months when the newer version comes out, I would suggest buying an "older' modern camera which will still have all the technology,.. and what is even better it will by that time have had several reviews with answers to problems which you can look at online.
Sep 9, 2013 08:28:01 #
If you WAnt a DSLR go to lensprotogo or barrowlenes. Both on line rent a Nikon and canon see how they feel to you, I find Nikon controls are laid out better for me. And a Nikon fits my hands better.
I always rent first before investing, if even only for a couple of days.
Good luck and enjoy
I always rent first before investing, if even only for a couple of days.
Good luck and enjoy
Sep 9, 2013 09:04:02 #
ole sarg
Loc: south florida
Go to a camera store. Hold each type of camera
1. Point and shoot
2. Bridge camera - have sales person explain what that means
3. DSLR - have sales person explain what that means
When holding each camera have the sales person walk you through the menus.
The camera within your budget and with the most transparent menu system and which also fits your hand(s) is the one to get as a starter camera.
1. Point and shoot
2. Bridge camera - have sales person explain what that means
3. DSLR - have sales person explain what that means
When holding each camera have the sales person walk you through the menus.
The camera within your budget and with the most transparent menu system and which also fits your hand(s) is the one to get as a starter camera.
Sep 9, 2013 09:34:49 #
jeanne vinson wrote:
I am new to the forum. Excited to begin by buying "the best" camera for a beginner, like me. Any ideas? I am looking for something comfortable to hold on too, if that is possible. Thanks
Jeanne, I'm no longer a 'youngster'. I've used a good number of cameras over the years, but have recently 'cut back' to (almost) just ONE camera. Many on this site probably think I've regressed. Maybe I have, but I now own and use and very much enjoy the Canon SX-50. I believe it would be a great camera for a person to begin with, as you can use it in 'auto' as you gradually learn more of it's features and the important principals of photography. Check into its capabilities... I think you'll very much enjoy using it and the results it produces. My single lens reflex outfits are now gathering dust, as I continue to enjoy the SX-50. Just one person's opinion.
Sep 9, 2013 09:53:30 #
jeanne vinson wrote:
I am new to the forum. Excited to begin by buying "the best" camera for a beginner, like me. Any ideas? I am looking for something comfortable to hold on too, if that is possible. Thanks
I am a photography nut like lots of folks on this forum so I have over the past few years been called on to help select cameras for other family and friends just starting out. I try to select based on what the person's interest is, their willingness to invest learning time, and what they are likely to take pictures of. You'll get better help here if you give folks more info about your interests and needs.
Some of my better "fits" for beginners have been an Olympus EPM2 for my daughter in law to photograph kids and vacations and put stuff on Facebook, an Olympus EPL1 for my college age sister to dabble in interchangeable lens art photography- she travels overseas a lot & didn't want big or expensive gear, and a Nikon Coolpix 8200 for my young adult son who just wants to point & shoot sports and get-togethers with friends. Small size was a big priority for all 3 of them for different reasons.
My advice is not to invest a ton of money in equipment till you find a system you like and know what you want to do.
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