Good cheap cameras for beginners
Mar 21, 2019 10:46:46 #
jdub82 wrote:
Really?!? As mentioned above, an entry level, used bridge camera can be purchased within the described budget. Why not start there? There is no reason the OP should have to start with a DSLR.
Exactly.
Mar 21, 2019 10:55:14 #
What is the camera's intended use? To teach photography basics or just the enjoyment of snapshots...?
Once a person learn the basics of exposure and composition using film photography, it can be carried on to the digital format. Film provides examples that can be reviewed and built on so the student and teacher's
project will be, "well worth the effort". For the price a Pentax K1000 would be fantastic. If the interest is developed then go into the Digital world. For that, any of the Lumix offerings are excellent in quality and price range. Start out with good used equipment. If the interest fades, then there is the resale market. Good luck. David C.
Once a person learn the basics of exposure and composition using film photography, it can be carried on to the digital format. Film provides examples that can be reviewed and built on so the student and teacher's
project will be, "well worth the effort". For the price a Pentax K1000 would be fantastic. If the interest is developed then go into the Digital world. For that, any of the Lumix offerings are excellent in quality and price range. Start out with good used equipment. If the interest fades, then there is the resale market. Good luck. David C.
Mar 21, 2019 11:00:30 #
Jaackil
Loc: Massachusetts
Silverman wrote:
Sorry, for $130.00 you WILL NOT get a very good quality "Beginner" Camera, at least NOT a DSLR Camera. You might find a low end "Point & Shoot" camera. Save your money until you have enough to buy a quality "Beginner" DSLR camera, ex. Nikon D3500, D5600, or possibly a D7200
Don’t listen to this nonsense! I started with 2 different canon bridge cameras which the Nikon P500 is. That is a very good camera to get started with. It will allow you to control aperture shutter speed and ISO which is critical to learn how to do as you progress in learning about exposure. It also has a good zoom and will allow you to shoot wide and close without having to learn about lenses just yet. I would also recommend you purchase a copy of Bryan Peterson’s understanding exposure. Great book to help you learn how to use your Shutter Speed Aperture and ISO to control exposure. Take lots of pictures and self critique each as you go along.
Good Luck! And happy shooting.
Mar 21, 2019 11:05:14 #
alliebess
Loc: suburban Philadelphia
dpullum wrote:
A simple camera for a beginner is good in that it ... (show quote)
Amen! And thank you for expressing this.
Mar 21, 2019 11:08:14 #
David C. wrote:
What is the camera's intended use? To teach photog... (show quote)
One can learn the "basics of exposure and composition" using digital as well without the added step of development. Going down film alley would not greatly benefit a shooter starting in the modern era. Being able to quickly see the results of their efforts and the effect of a change in settings will.
Mar 21, 2019 11:30:36 #
megan.c1438 wrote:
So I'm interested in photography and I have been looking at used cameras. One used camera that I've seen seems good (Nikon Coolpix P500 Digital Camera) but I have no knowledge of what camera I should buy. What cheap cameras are recommended for beginners that are pretty easy to use? I'm trying to keep the price about $130 or less.
Megan … I have both the Nikon Coolpix P500 AND the follow-up Nikon CP P600. The earlier one has a wider short end - 22.5mm - and extends to 810mm (FF equiv.) whilst the newer model begins at 24mm and extends to 1440 (FF equiv.) … both are very fine bridge cameras. (The older one has a 12MP sensor, and the newer one has a 16MP sensor.) I also have a Pentax K-50 - a DSLR which has a 16MP sensor, and is a VERY easy camera to learn. I bought mine for $200 when they were about to be replaced by the K-70 - which has many significant advantages over the earlier model, but, to get that - you'd need pay 3x as much.
However, pretty sure you can still pick up a K-50, if you look around - the best low-price DSLR out there.
Mar 21, 2019 11:42:06 #
dpullum wrote:
A simple camera for a beginner is good in that it ... (show quote)
I got started with this exact setup that my friend gave me when he upgraded to a new camera.
The D70 helped me learn the basics of the exposure triangle, got me familiar with Nikon's control layout, and I learned more about what subjects I wanted to shoot.
I then figured out what lenses I should get in order to get better shots of the subjects I was interested in, and ultimately recognized what camera I should upgrade to once I could afford it.
If you're interested in really learning about photography, and not just taking pictures, then I think the suggestion of starting with this offer for the D70 + lens is a good start: and ultimately better than buying a compact camera that won't really push you to learn the fundamentals of photography.
Mar 21, 2019 11:42:35 #
TuG
Loc: Ventura California
dpullum wrote:
Regarding composition, there is a great free excel... (show quote)
Thank you for the link.
Mar 21, 2019 11:44:38 #
Carl Jon
Loc: Charlotte,N.C.
If entry to dslr I suggest KEH Nikon 40x,d3100 or d5100 used an used 18/55 vr kit lens....down the road a used 55/200 vr a great lens for 60 to 90 dollars
Mar 21, 2019 11:59:59 #
Mar 21, 2019 12:05:03 #
Dale Evans - Amaetur
Loc: Baton Rouge, La
You can always do more with a DSLR than a Point and Shoot will do, but remember that the best camera is the one you have with you. I used to carry a Canon Power Shot in my pocket and took many a good photo with it.
Go to Amazon and search Point and Shoot cameras to give you an idea of what is out there.
Buying a used DSLR is one way to go but remember, the real cost is in the glass The cost of my lens collection far exceeds the cost of my Cameras.
Go to Amazon and search Point and Shoot cameras to give you an idea of what is out there.
Buying a used DSLR is one way to go but remember, the real cost is in the glass The cost of my lens collection far exceeds the cost of my Cameras.
Mar 21, 2019 12:18:25 #
Silverman wrote:
Sorry, for $130.00 you WILL NOT get a very good quality "Beginner" Camera, at least NOT a DSLR Camera. You might find a low end "Point & Shoot" camera. Save your money until you have enough to buy a quality "Beginner" DSLR camera, ex. Nikon D3500, D5600, or possibly a D7200
I strongly disagree. DSLR cameras are easily obtainable at that price on the second hand market. So what if the model is a few years old. For a beginner, it will do just fine. If a camera was "good quality" five years ago, why should it be any different now? The camera hasn't changed. Does quality (whatever that is) change? Unless the camera no longer performs properly, I can't imagine why it should. For people on a limited budget, purchasing used camera equipment is always a smart option worth considering, especially for someone at beginner level.
Mar 21, 2019 12:21:53 #
Whew
I opened this topic hoping that there wouldn’t be a mass of purists that would bash her budget.
And there was only one!!
Yay!!
Tons of used equipment out there to get started with in your budget.
Welcome!!!
I opened this topic hoping that there wouldn’t be a mass of purists that would bash her budget.
And there was only one!!
Yay!!
Tons of used equipment out there to get started with in your budget.
Welcome!!!
Mar 21, 2019 12:22:14 #
catchlight..
Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway
Get a DLSR or mirror-less, or you will be owned forever by the cell phone generation...
Ebay and Craig's list are great places to find deals on affordable used gear.
You most likely already know about composition... for the next step, you will be surprised how fast you pick up on the basics with the right camera.
I personally started with the Canon 7D and now after 5 years, am an editor, journalist and photographer for several magazines. It was had work but it pays off.
To get beyond the flower pictures and bird feeder shots and free wedding albums, you need to get serious and learn from a DLSR, or mirror-less, that has all of the needed functions.
Ebay and Craig's list are great places to find deals on affordable used gear.
You most likely already know about composition... for the next step, you will be surprised how fast you pick up on the basics with the right camera.
I personally started with the Canon 7D and now after 5 years, am an editor, journalist and photographer for several magazines. It was had work but it pays off.
To get beyond the flower pictures and bird feeder shots and free wedding albums, you need to get serious and learn from a DLSR, or mirror-less, that has all of the needed functions.
Mar 21, 2019 12:52:19 #
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