jgarciaj81 wrote:
I'm just starting to get into taking pictures. To be honest the only camera I use is my phone, to take pictures. I would like to buy a nice used or new camera with a good lens, just to take my own pictures. What do you guys think would be a good camera to start with? I've be able to find some good deals on craigslist, but I'm not sure where to start.
Just a few suggestions for starting out with little to no experience. DSLR's--Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras- are wonderful tools for photography but for someone just starting out, a DSLR may be quite daunting and discouraging, as they aren't simple cameras and require a bit of a learning curve. And I don't know what your budget can afford. DSLR's can be expensive, even the entry level ones if one has limited funds to invest.
Certain cameras are good at landscape photography, some are great for action photography, like sports, races, etc. Carefully consider what it is that you are interested in photographing, then look for a camera that meets those needs. I'd suggest starting out fairly simply and avoid a complicated camera like a DSLR or advanced mirrorless camera, until you get the hang of photography and even decide if that is what you want to do. There are a number of compact cameras that can be used in a fully automatic mode where all you have to do is point and shoot--hence the name point and shoot cameras. Yet these cameras, or at least most of them, offer most of the controls that allow you to make your own settings instead of letting the camera do your thinking for you. There are also what are referred to as "bridge" cameras, which resemble DSLR cameras, but have fixed zoom lenses on them so you don't have to buy lenses to go with the camera as you would with a DSLR or advanced mirrorless cameras.
Starting out with a point and shoot camera that also allows you full control of the camera lets you get into photography for less money, and allows you to develop and improve your skills as a photographer without breaking the bank. And if, after awhile you decide that this was a good idea at the time but turned out to not be for you, then you haven't lost a lot of money, and you can either sell the camera or pass it on to someone who will appreciate and use it.
Just a bit of advice, when you ask such a question as you did, be sure to provide some specific details, such as your budget limits, type of photography you are interested in, your experience, if any. That way we can be better equipped to help you.