beginner camera (Page 7): You need to start by defining your budget. All other decisions will be based on that.

tkvaughn Loc: Merrick, NY

one_eyed_pete wrote:

You need to start by defining your wants/expectati... (show quote)

You need to start by defining your budget. All other decisions will be based on that.

tkvaughn Loc: Merrick, NY

BebuLamar wrote:

Perhaps you shouldn't buy the camera for the reason it makes you look more professional.

Very true

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

xposure wrote:

There are tons of great beginner cameras but the most popular seems to be the Canon Rebel T7 if you want a DSLR for under $400. Canon has a refurbished new camera dept and has a T7 2 lens kit for $400. They also have a new mirrorless smaller lighter EOS M100 2 lens kit for $384.99.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-interchangeable-lens-cameras

Canon has a "refurbished new?" Is that an oxymoron?

dick ranez

You'll quickly find that which camera doesn't matter. Check your local craigslist.com and find one that fits your budget, is close enough to pick up and handle before you buy, and forge forward. You'll either hate it and return to your phone, find it acceptable but not "thrilling" and lead to other solutions, or find that it is a great solution at this point in your exploration. Whether it's a $20 point and shoot or a $400 DSLR solution, it will get you started on a great adventure in photography if you're willing to learn and invest your time.

cochese

BebuLamar wrote:

Perhaps you shouldn't buy the camera for the reason it makes you look more professional.

I'll second this. To look more professional is not a reason I wojld recommend buying a camera. Do you want better images? Better how? Are you prepared to learn all the settings and how to use them? If all you want is a camera you can whip out and grab a shot you will not get much better than a cell phone gives. Moving to a DSLR or MILC will require time and practice.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

cochese wrote:

I'll second this. To look more professional is not a reason I wojld recommend buying a camera. Do you want better images? Better how? Are you prepared to learn all the settings and how to use them? If all you want is a camera you can whip out and grab a shot you will not get much better than a cell phone gives. Moving to a DSLR or MILC will require time and practice.

Time and practice WILL make you look more professional.

Harry13

schaner_130 wrote:

Hi guys, I was wondering what is the best brand out there for a beginner camera? I have never had my own camera I usually use my friends or the camera from my phone.

When I started I was in Korea and I bought a 35mm Nikon. When I switched to digital I got a Rebel with that 18-55 lens. Now, a few generations later I shoot a 5Dc with a 35mm lens. I have a drawer full of lens in my home office but I use the 35mm almost exclusively. If I need more range, I use a 70-300 mostly or sometimes a 70-200 f4. I started in the '60s shooting theatre and dance with an 85mm Nikon, now most anything outdoors with Canon digital. I'm also a field trialer so lots of dogs, pointing breeds and spaniels. Pointing breeds I do on horseback so I use a 35-135 almost exclusively so I don't have to change lens. Not a great lens but adequate for my purpose! Harry

dick ranez

If you want to "look more professional" remember that the "look" has nothing to do with which camera you're carrying. Start with comfortable shoes, pants or a vest with large pockets - better looking unpressed and with food stains - and some sort of sun protection hat. Don't forget a water bottle, some energy bars and a ratty bag of some sort on your shoulder. Attitude has a lot to do with it, so man up, push to the front and don't forget to stand in front of someone who was there first, even if you have to squeeze in. Always remember that there are two "z's" in paparazzi.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

ggab wrote:

All versions of the Canon EF 75-300mm lens are terrible.

The EF-70-300 f4-5.6 IS II USM is a really good lens, and it is cheap.
It focuses as fast as an L lens and has really good IQ.
It is lightweight as well.
Canon has it refurb for $398.00

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

PHRubin wrote:

He was referring to the new 70-300, not 75-300. But don't fret, the 75 may be slower, but it usually gets there. It may not have the IQ, but it is not terrible.

It is not terrible for static non moving subjects. Most people use longer lenses for moving objects requiring fast accurate AF. The 75-300's I have used are just too slow to focus.

BebuLamar

cochese wrote:

I'll second this. To look more professional is not a reason I wojld recommend buying a camera. Do you want better images? Better how? Are you prepared to learn all the settings and how to use them? If all you want is a camera you can whip out and grab a shot you will not get much better than a cell phone gives. Moving to a DSLR or MILC will require time and practice.

I said it then I think about it again. Perhaps having a camera that makes you look professional may get you the job you wouldn't get otherwise. So in this case the money is well invested.

ggab Loc: ?

JanSIrons wrote:

Second buying used! Try Roberts Camera/Used Photo Pro. They have a Canon Rebel EOS T3i 18 mp body for $155 and a Canon 70-200 lens for $69. Well within your budget, older but that's the camera I started with years ago, and my favorite "walk around" everyday lens. There are lots of Nikons & other brands as well, I just don't personally have any experience with them... be sure to check Used Photo Pro by Roberts Camera - google it for the URL. ENJOY!!!

Someone may have already corrected this, however the lens for $69.00 is the EF75-300 ugh!

Looking at Kaydence's intro post, "Hi guys, just want to introduce myself, I'm Kaydence and this is my first forum that I have ever used. I am energized to be on here and learn more about photography. I got into photography a couple years ago and ever since I've tested out new stuff like take pictures of animals, people and plants. Most of my pictures are portrait".

The T3i was my first ILC and I loved it.

The EF75-300 is not really the best choice. Infact, IMHO, the EF75-300 is not the best choice for anyone.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

tonyantony wrote:

looks are not everything, i am proud of my point and shoot...it does everything my friends $3,000 outfit does and better. and it fits in my pocket. a good eye helps, it"s not the camera.!

No, it doesn't, unless they paid $200 for the camera and $2,800 for the accessories.

jmtp

I've had really good luck with various versions of the Nikon CoolPix. They're not much heavier than a phone and -- although they don't necessarily professional -- they take beautiful photos with basically no learning curve. I'm not sure how you'll use it, but I paid attention to the number of X you can zoom for my purposes: a good, small travel camera to capture interesting details. I personally recommend looking at how sturdy the camera is (I've dropped and ruined small cameras before, and with my last CoolPix purchase, I decided to give up some zooming ability in order to gain more shock resistance. You can also get some models that are good for underwater.

ggab Loc: ?

tkvaughn wrote:

You need to start by defining your budget. All other decisions will be based on that.

"I would like a camera that is less than $400".
From her second post in this thread.