Totally new to cameras...my smartphone takes great pictures.
Jan 2, 2018 14:59:15 #
Hi, I am Stephanie. Happy New Year to everyone. I am starting 2018 doing my homework first with regard to which camera to purchase. My teenage granddaughter and I will be sharing the camera. She wants to do DIY videos. I have just published my husband's memoirs which he wrote during the last two months of his life. I am writing a sequel to his book, plus I have six more books ready to publish...all on Amazon.com The camera comes into the picture because I will be doing videos to help promote my books and to stage "jojo's reading corner", and to promote fundraisers for both ALS and Cystic Fibrosis.
I want to be able to edit our videos myself. I know absolutely nothing about cameras, photography or editing. I am ready to learn.
Ugly Hedgehog came up when I googled "how to choose the best digital camera and accessories"... I am not sure what questions to ask, so I will begin by looking at all the forums that are on this site. AND if those reading this have a suggestion with regard to the forums that will be most helpful, please speak up. I am excited about this next stage in my life.
May 9, 2017, two weeks before my husband died, I was sitting on his lap and we were both laughing and crying. He said to me "Stephanie, you know that I know you are going to be and do just fine." I plan to prove him RIGHT.
I want to be able to edit our videos myself. I know absolutely nothing about cameras, photography or editing. I am ready to learn.
Ugly Hedgehog came up when I googled "how to choose the best digital camera and accessories"... I am not sure what questions to ask, so I will begin by looking at all the forums that are on this site. AND if those reading this have a suggestion with regard to the forums that will be most helpful, please speak up. I am excited about this next stage in my life.
May 9, 2017, two weeks before my husband died, I was sitting on his lap and we were both laughing and crying. He said to me "Stephanie, you know that I know you are going to be and do just fine." I plan to prove him RIGHT.
Jan 2, 2018 15:17:51 #
Jan 2, 2018 15:18:13 #
Jan 2, 2018 15:23:26 #
If you want to get some photos to accent a book, etc then most cell phones do have a good camera already. You can still get good video on them. The bonus being that you usually have your phone with you.
Then there are a lot of "Point and Shoot" cameras that also take decent pictures and are video capable. "PAS" are small, usually fit into your pocket, and have few controls to confuse or slow you down. They range from a couple hundred to $500. They require little photographic knowledge.
Then we get into the DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex). These allow the most control over the photo and most cameras are video capable. DSLRs run from a few hundred dollars for older amateur models to $5,000 plus for top of the line but any DSLR can give you a great photo. Lenses are extra but kit lenses usually are very satisfactory. Because the lenses are interchangeable, they are also the most versatile. They also require some degree of photography knowledge to operate.
If you are doing video a tripod is a requirement. For most DSLRs, a bag is handy but the good news is many kits (camera and lens) come with a bag. Most indoor and night photography requires a flash. Amateur cameras usually have an on-board flash but expensive cameras don't.
Most cameras come with editing software. as well, there are some very well known editing programs that cost big bucks and some very good free programs available over the internet.
So, how much are you willing to spend and how much do you want to learn?
Then there are a lot of "Point and Shoot" cameras that also take decent pictures and are video capable. "PAS" are small, usually fit into your pocket, and have few controls to confuse or slow you down. They range from a couple hundred to $500. They require little photographic knowledge.
Then we get into the DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex). These allow the most control over the photo and most cameras are video capable. DSLRs run from a few hundred dollars for older amateur models to $5,000 plus for top of the line but any DSLR can give you a great photo. Lenses are extra but kit lenses usually are very satisfactory. Because the lenses are interchangeable, they are also the most versatile. They also require some degree of photography knowledge to operate.
If you are doing video a tripod is a requirement. For most DSLRs, a bag is handy but the good news is many kits (camera and lens) come with a bag. Most indoor and night photography requires a flash. Amateur cameras usually have an on-board flash but expensive cameras don't.
Most cameras come with editing software. as well, there are some very well known editing programs that cost big bucks and some very good free programs available over the internet.
So, how much are you willing to spend and how much do you want to learn?
Jan 2, 2018 15:33:39 #
charleybrowndog wrote:
Hi, I am Stephanie. Happy New Year to everyone. I am starting 2018 doing my homework first with regard to which camera to purchase.
I am pretty new here too. Welcome. In regards to your question, do you really want a DSLR camera or a video camera?
As your and your granddaughters interest is in video, you may want to zero in on a video setup. The DSLR cameras can do video, and a Cinema type DSLR camera that you can change lenses with gives you more options and sharper video than a hand held video cam.
I suppose you might want to decide what your budget is, what your primary purpose is and to what quality you want your end product. Then the pros that give advice here can help zero in on the best equipment for you.
Jan 2, 2018 15:39:41 #
I would like to spend less than $1,000 for everything that I might need. I want to learn everything possible with regard to what camera to purchase and how to use it. I would like to be guided to forum topics that will address what others are doing so I can go through all of the presented information and make an educated decision. I do have a tri-pod.
Jan 2, 2018 15:42:47 #
Thank you for the responses. I know that my granddaughter will also want good still shots. What does DSLR mean?
Jan 2, 2018 16:26:34 #
charleybrowndog wrote:
Thank you for the responses. I know that my granddaughter will also want good still shots. What does DSLR mean?
This is a quote from Joe Blows answer above.
Then we get into the DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex). These allow the most control over the photo and most cameras are video capable. DSLRs run from a few hundred dollars for older amateur models to $5,000 plus for top of the line but any DSLR can give you a great photo. Lenses are extra but kit lenses usually are very satisfactory. Because the lenses are interchangeable, they are also the most versatile. They also require some degree of photography knowledge to operate. End quote.
Here is a link to bhphoto, there you can peruse the equipment and get some reviews of how the equipment performs. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/
They have the latest video cameras there too. Amazon is a place for deals as is eBay, but know what is is that you want first.
Also take into account the need for post processing software and its cost. As always, research is your best friend.
Jan 2, 2018 16:28:27 #
Jan 2, 2018 16:30:58 #
Jan 2, 2018 17:31:24 #
Welcome! Looking forward to your posts and pictures. Happy shooting!
Jan 3, 2018 05:21:05 #
Jan 3, 2018 06:50:48 #
Jan 3, 2018 07:26:33 #
Welcome to the Hog. Great as the Hog is for those of us with lots of experience in photography, I would advise joining a local camera club before making any purchasing decisions. Every community has at least one club.
Jan 3, 2018 07:56:35 #
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