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Best camera for a beginner
Jul 25, 2011 19:38:37   #
Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter
 
Hi,

What is the best camera to buy for a beginner?
I want a good one that I can grow with as I am learning
photography.

Thank you

Jeanette

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Aug 14, 2011 12:17:47   #
notnoBuddha
 
Seems to be one of the most asked questions. Depends on - price one can and cares to spend, previous experience if any, time willing to commit to photography, the uses the camera will be put to and so forth. There is no "Best" for everyone. I use a Canon T2 which works fine for me, but I also have a couple of point & shoots that also do what I want as long as I remember their limitations. Define your needs, know your budget, be aware of your commitment to better define your "best". I have two pictures that were taken with two different cameras that varied in price by over $800 - guessing that most could not tell which was taken by which. More importent then the camera. is the lens, more vital then either is the eye and knowledge of the photographer.





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Aug 14, 2011 15:07:18   #
henrycrafter Loc: Orem Utah
 
I have used the Canon 20d for along time.
Get a camera that has detachable lens.
Then study you prodedural steps for creating an image.
Get to know the camera like it was a wife, its stront points, its weak points and most of all its limitations.
Then develope your style within the scope of the camera and your knowledge and talent.
Remember "The best quality that you can lay hands on is the least expensive in the long run"
Best of luck to you!

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Aug 14, 2011 16:41:56   #
Len
 
My advice is go to the high end "point-n-shoot" type such as the Canon S-95 or G12 or Panasonic LX-5. Here is why. You will benefit most from shooting as much as possible, studying your photos, and finding someone to critique those photos. This means a camera that you can have with you almost constantly is your best bet. These cameras will allow you to progress from full AUTO to full MANUAL. As your interests develop you will recognize the limitations these camera impose upon you and you will know exactly what you want in your next purchase. Keep it fun and enjoy!!

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Aug 15, 2011 19:39:29   #
BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast
 
Len that is some really great advise. I have always found that I need to "know what I'm missing" before I go out looking for a step up product. I need to have the "if I could only do this or that" in the back of my head when I start looking for something. And let's be honest here, most "low end" DSLRs on the market do more then most people will ever need. :XD:

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Jul 12, 2021 14:23:55   #
Keen
 
There is no such thing as an “always all around best for everyone for everything” anything…camera, lens, car, truck, gun, etc. What is currently best for you will depend upon: your shooting interests (portraits, landscapes, astro photos, etc), your budget, your handicaps if any, and your situation Do you currently have a lot of Canon, or Nikon, gear inherited from a parent? Are you interested in working in a studio, or doing ‘run & gun’ travel, or wildlife, photos? Do you want to remain a snap shooting amateur, or do you dream of becoming a pro? Can you afford to buy new pro gear, for thousands of dollars, and grow into it skill wise…or would a $400.00 used item be a struggle to afford? Every make, model, etc, has it’s fans who think their favorite is best for everything. There are as many opinions as there are grains of sand. Take all with a grain of sand. For lowest cost, get a discontinued DSLR, like a Nikon D7000. For future proofing, buy a much more recent Mirrorless item like the Nikon Z7II. Compare Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Canon, etc, models, and see which gives you features you like at a price you can afford. I like the Nikon Z system, as the amateur (Consumer), and pro, cameras use the same lens mount and can take the same lenses. Also, the FTZ adaptor lets me use my old DSLR lenses on the newer mirrorless cameras. So, I can spend less on lenses, and put more into cameras. Other makes / models have their own pros and cons. Doing your own research will give you the best info. If you don’t want to do the research, and just want a quick answer, I suggest getting a Nikon Z50 Consumer camera. It has many beginner type features, with some pro features. Later, add a more pro type Z camera, such as the Z7.

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Jul 12, 2021 15:25:18   #
BebuLamar
 
I thought someone said that Minor White said it takes 10 years to learn photography. The OP has joined the UHH for almost 10 years and yet a beginners!

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Jul 12, 2021 16:19:44   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
BebuLamar wrote:
The OP has joined the UHH for almost 10 years and yet a beginners!
Bebu, this topic was written in 2011

The "OP" name Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter is apparently what was used before many individuals joined, with topics gleaned from some digital newsletter the owner of this site sent out:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-topic-list?usernum=104

.

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Jul 12, 2021 16:30:55   #
BebuLamar
 
And thus I am sorry for posting on a 10 year old thread. My apology.

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Jul 12, 2021 16:32:18   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
BebuLamar wrote:
And thus I am sorry for posting on a 10 year old thread. My apology.
It's no matter to me; I was just trying to clear up the facts for you

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Jul 12, 2021 17:25:47   #
User ID
 
Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter wrote:
Hi,

What is the best camera to buy for a beginner?
I want a good one that I can grow with as I am learning
photography.

Thank you

Jeanette


That describes buying something decidedly over your head. Big risk of frustration and confusion.

Buy something you intend to outgrow.

My only semi-specific recommendation is to insist on in-body image stabilization so you’re not limited to IS lenses, which can be more costly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It’s usually beneficial to combine an IS lens with an IBIS body, but at least you *always* have good stabilization with *any* bargain lenses you encounter.

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