Help Needed...
Jan 15, 2019 11:51:47 #
Contrary to all of the above, I would spend time using my phone camera to practice composition and content.
There are a number of forums regarding phone cameras and you will see amazing results. You can do a lot with your phone.
Once you feel you are ready to get larger prints of your shots, then look into DSLR cameras.
There are a number of forums regarding phone cameras and you will see amazing results. You can do a lot with your phone.
Once you feel you are ready to get larger prints of your shots, then look into DSLR cameras.
Jan 15, 2019 12:41:00 #
timcc
Loc: Virginia
Welcome to UHH! You'll find that many of us tend to recommend the cameras we ourselves bought, but that's OK because they are the ones we are most familiar with. Reviewers on YouTube and elsewhere on the web can give you comparison opinions.
If you think that you will want to grow your photography skills beyond snapshots at some point, I suggest getting a mirrorless camera. I have a Sony a6000 and love it for its size, fantastic image quality, and endless learning potential. You can certainly find one used with at least one decent lens for less than $500. Fuji and Olympus also make fine mirrorless cameras, with used models within your budget.
As some have already stated, you can start with full Automatic to get used to the camera and composing photos. You can then graduate to taking more control of your shots as your knowledge/skills increase.
If you have a camera store nearby, you could handle the various choices to see which feel the best ergonomically. Good luck!
If you think that you will want to grow your photography skills beyond snapshots at some point, I suggest getting a mirrorless camera. I have a Sony a6000 and love it for its size, fantastic image quality, and endless learning potential. You can certainly find one used with at least one decent lens for less than $500. Fuji and Olympus also make fine mirrorless cameras, with used models within your budget.
As some have already stated, you can start with full Automatic to get used to the camera and composing photos. You can then graduate to taking more control of your shots as your knowledge/skills increase.
If you have a camera store nearby, you could handle the various choices to see which feel the best ergonomically. Good luck!
Jan 15, 2019 12:53:29 #
I strongly recommend that you get a camera with a viewfinder. Using the screen when outside in bright daylight can be a problem. One camera in your price range that has one is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. I don't have one so I can't comment from experience, but, if you are interested, post a new request on user comments on it .
Jan 15, 2019 13:11:01 #
PHRubin wrote:
I strongly recommend that you get a camera with a viewfinder. Using the screen when outside in bright daylight can be a problem. One camera in your price range that has one is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. I don't have one so I can't comment from experience, but, if you are interested, post a new request on user comments on it .
The Rebel has a real viewfinder.
Also as the OP grows ALL lenses are 100% compatible with the Canon mirrorless R and M series cameras so there is no worry about any loss of features or operation if they decide to grow which again is unique to the Canon Rebel and other Canon bodies if moving to mirrorless.
Your full investment in lenses is safe from obsolescence.
Jan 15, 2019 13:39:22 #
I just happened to notice the Panasonic FZ1000. It has a larger (better than 1/2.3) 1" sensor, articulated screen, 24-400mm f/2.8-4 zoom lens, electronic and viewfinder. It makes RAW as well as JPG files and is on sale until Mar 31 for $497.99
Yes. The T6 is a DSLR, although a bare bones entry level one. It has an APS-C sensor which is much larger and better than the other choices. I know someone who has one and does quite well with it.
Yes. The T6 is a DSLR, although a bare bones entry level one. It has an APS-C sensor which is much larger and better than the other choices. I know someone who has one and does quite well with it.
Jan 15, 2019 14:38:18 #
svrehoboth wrote:
Hi Everybody, br My name is Steve and my wife and... (show quote)
Trying to decide what camera to buy is sort of a chicken or egg thing — which came first into your life? Photographic knowledge or photographic gear? The answer is, "sort of yes?"
$500 will get you a new, entry level dSLR kit with a body, maybe two lenses, and a case. Nikon and Canon sell them.
Just so you know, potentially, what you are getting into, here is what it takes to build a decent system for digital photography.
Camera and lens
Flash, strobes, and other auxiliary lighting gear
Reflectors and light modifiers
Camera memory cards
Carrying case
Tripod and/or monopod
Computer with 16GB RAM, Core i5 or better processor, fast graphics, SSD drive
Post production software of some sort (Affinity Photo, or Photoshop Elements, or Lightroom Classic CC or Lightroom CC, or Photoshop CC, or On1, or Capture One, or Paintshop Pro, etc.)
Decent DESKTOP computer monitor capable of displaying the full sRGB color gamut
Computer monitor calibration kit from X-Rite or Datacolor (if you adjust images for printing)
Various cords, cables, connectors
Education, instruction, demonstration, training, experience... (*Understanding Exposure* by Bryan Peterson, and *Stunning Digital Photography* by Tony Northrup, are good books to start reading.)
PHOTO QUALITY inkjet printer, inks, and photo papers
Decent relationship with a professional lab, and perhaps a cheaper alternative (Costco?)
Photography beyond snapshots is about as deep a subject as you can ever dive into. The photo industry is huge, and although most people have flocked to their smartphones and the Internet, serious hobbyists and professionals still tend to accumulate all of the above to do what they want.
Film photography is still a viable alternative, if digital systems intimidate you. If you go that route, you will also need a scanner and computer with calibrated monitor and software to share your images with all your digitally-enabled family and friends.
Jan 15, 2019 15:10:29 #
svrehoboth wrote:
Hi Everybody, br My name is Steve and my wife and... (show quote)
Hi Steve & wife! I won't try to tell you what camera to buy, but allow me to say that there are plenty
of pretty photos already. Try instead to let your interest in the real world prompt your clicking on the
shutter button. I mean that you might want to make photos that are different than any you've already
seen. I'm older than the both of you together. The photos I admire are the ones that show something
I don't know and which only you could make--there is no one like you or your wife either. What do you
see that could be so new to anyone else it would blow their mind. What do you think? With all respect
why not try to wreck my mind? Best wishes, Robert
Jan 15, 2019 15:21:50 #
And now for something completely different..................
Look around your area for a photo club.
If you haven't gotten a camera yet, you can get together with other people interested in photography. They will probably be happy to give advice and even let you handle their gear to see how it works for you. If you have gotten a camera by the time you get together many people will be able to give you tips on how to use it.
Photo clubs frequently have meetings at which someone gives a talk about some technical aspect of photography or just gives a nice shot of their photos. It's a good environment to learn in.
Look around your area for a photo club.
If you haven't gotten a camera yet, you can get together with other people interested in photography. They will probably be happy to give advice and even let you handle their gear to see how it works for you. If you have gotten a camera by the time you get together many people will be able to give you tips on how to use it.
Photo clubs frequently have meetings at which someone gives a talk about some technical aspect of photography or just gives a nice shot of their photos. It's a good environment to learn in.
Jan 15, 2019 16:45:49 #
Both the Coolpix and Powershot are bridge or mega-zoom cameras with a rather small (28mm²) sensor. The advantage is all-in-1 camera (no changing lenses) and great range of zoom.
The T6 is a DSLR (an basic entry level model) with a much bigger sensor (329mm²). This gives much better performance in low light (sensitivity) and adds much less noise (grainyness). However, to get the same zoom range in one lens is impractible, if not impossible.
The T6 is a DSLR (an basic entry level model) with a much bigger sensor (329mm²). This gives much better performance in low light (sensitivity) and adds much less noise (grainyness). However, to get the same zoom range in one lens is impractible, if not impossible.
Jan 15, 2019 17:43:16 #
sandiegosteve
Loc: San Diego, CA
Used is a great option.
For learning to take great pictures, unless you have a specific genre in mind, general composition is the best thing to learn. I'm hearing from photo teachers that phones with their big screen are a great way to teach. That could be the cheapest way to learn.
Getting the DSLR is great, but you'll want more lenses and better sensors... that is what kills my bank.
Used prime lenses are are high value and not too heavy.
For learning to take great pictures, unless you have a specific genre in mind, general composition is the best thing to learn. I'm hearing from photo teachers that phones with their big screen are a great way to teach. That could be the cheapest way to learn.
Getting the DSLR is great, but you'll want more lenses and better sensors... that is what kills my bank.
Used prime lenses are are high value and not too heavy.
Jan 15, 2019 18:13:51 #
Welcome to UHH Steve, glad you joined us. I see that you have received numerous suggestions, good luck with your decision. Don't overlook buying a refurbished model. Stick to reputable stores, Adorama, B&H, Cameta and Nikon USA. Have fun with your new hobby.
Have fun, learn and enjoy the forum.
Don
Have fun, learn and enjoy the forum.
Don
Jan 15, 2019 19:20:57 #
consider using what may be available until you can get a new camera. take pics w your smart phone and print them at a chain store for pennies (for 4x6) a piece. it would be great practice. new digi cameras can be overwhelming w all the buttons and bells available whereas you can use a smart phone like a point and shoot camera.
Jan 15, 2019 19:45:58 #
Look for a good camera club. A great way too get started. In the San Francisco area where I am there are lots of clubs. Northern California Council of Camera Clubs for example. A great source for learning and meeting people.
Jan 15, 2019 20:47:29 #
Paulco2 wrote:
Welcome to the forum. As for equipment, being a Ni... (show quote)
I agree with Paulco2. D3400 is a great camera to start and learn with. Great images, very enjoyable to use. Kit lenses are pretty good for starters. Same sensor and processor as the D7200 and real good with low light especially with FF lenses that I have acquired. Under $500. I also agree that you both should join a camera club. Enjoy this great hobby!!
Jan 15, 2019 21:21:49 #
Are you saying that Canon kit lenses aren't all that good? If that's the case, maybe a Nikon 3000 series may be the answer.
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