Are "Beginners" Cameras Really Best for a Beginner?
Nov 23, 2017 04:37:35 #
wjones8637 wrote:
First I want to acknowledge that this is from a Ni... (show quote)
Yes. I believe that you should start out with an entry level camera to make sure it is something that you'll like. The entry cameras are cheap enough that you don't have to put out a lot of money to begin the exploration process. If you find that photography is your thing, then upgrading will help you appreciate the better build quality and function of a better camera. At least it worked that way for me. I started with the D3000, moved up to a D7100 and eventually purchased a D810. If I started with the D810, I would have been lost. But that's me.
Nov 23, 2017 19:12:17 #
Thank you to all who offered their views on the topic. I never envisioned it would become this large. After reading the responses, I believe Linda from Maine hit the real crux of my issue with the D40 and D5000. Both cameras can shoot manual, shutter and aperture priorities, but both require you to press multiple buttons to change either shutter or aperture, which greatly slowed my growth in controlling exposure.
I hope everyone in the US had a great Thanksgiving.
Bill
I hope everyone in the US had a great Thanksgiving.
Bill
Nov 23, 2017 23:40:28 #
Notorious T.O.D. wrote:
If you are getting paid for your photography, use the best equipment. If you are a hobbyist photographer, the best may not be that important. The Pros are looking at durability as well as performance in their equipment. The Pros use their equipment more often and in all kinds of conditions that hobbyists do not. A hobbyist camera may not be weatherproof and may only be rated for 100,000 shutter actuations. I know that if the weather is bad or cold or rainy, I will stay inside and drink some of my single malt Scotch instead of Photographing outdoors. A Pro must face the elements and shoot to earn enough to buy the single malt Scotch.There is some truth in what you say about an inexpensive camera being able to do some things as well as a Pro body. But you are making a very broad generalization. Most all the Pro or semi Pro shooters that I know use the best cameras and lenses they can afford. They are not out there shooting with $600 cameras. They could and would get some great shots, but they understand the value of quality bodies and lenses in their kit too.
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Nov 24, 2017 07:45:54 #
Sure, like most things in life the answer is it depends. I shot about 18,000 photos in the past year and I have not shot more than a couple hundred in the past two months. It also depends on how much you are spending to go and shoot. It cost me anywhere from $100-$500 to go to a drag race. I shoot maybe 2000 shots at a race. So, I want to get good results for the money spent to go. I will say that I am not just going to shoot, but since I am shooting I want to do the best I can. If one was going on safari or on another expensive trip and wanted to shoot I would think they would want to shoot with the best kit they could. But there are certainly people who get decent results with less than Pro level equipment. Each has to find their kits level of cost and compromises.
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Nov 24, 2017 12:34:58 #
Notorious T.O.D. wrote:
Sure, like most things in life the answer is it de... (show quote)
Part of the question is your definition of "best". What kind of dynamic range is required by what you do. What kind of ISO range? etc etc etc
Nov 24, 2017 12:51:43 #
rehess wrote:
Part of the question is your definition of "best". What kind of dynamic range is required by what you do. What kind of ISO range? etc etc etc
Dynamic Range and ISO range limitations of some cameras can be mitigated in PP. As with all aspects of photography, be most important part is the final output, be it a print or a digital image.
Nov 24, 2017 14:53:15 #
Edia wrote:
Dynamic Range and ISO range limitations of some cameras can be mitigated in PP. As with all aspects of photography, be most important part is the final output, be it a print or a digital image.
But you are better off not having to “fix” issues caused by dynamic range, ISO value, etc
Nov 24, 2017 16:32:01 #
davyboy wrote:
My T6s allows me to be creative and will last many many years stop the BS!
What BS? Did I say there is something wrong with the T6s? Did I say the T6s is a beginner camera? I may have called the T6 a beginner camera and I do know the difference between a T6, a T6i and a T6s. As for lasting, I still use my 50D from time to time and your T6s has far more advanced technology in it than my 50D.
Nov 24, 2017 16:48:20 #
rehess wrote:
Apparently you have never had to live on a tight budget. My feeling is that a picture in the camera is worth more than a perfect one not taken because one doesn’t have camera because one was being perfectionist in selecting equipment.
What are you talking about, your statement doesn't make a lot of sense.
Sure I've had to live on a tight budget, still do. I don't just go out and buy whatever trendy camera is all the rage at the time. I have no idea what you mean by perfectionist in selecting equipment. As for the perfect picture not taken, well, if it wasn't taken then it's not a picture.
My feelings on "beginner" cameras apply to me.
Nov 24, 2017 22:07:07 #
rehess wrote:
But you are better off not having to “fix” issues caused by dynamic range, ISO value, etc
I agree, it would be better to use a camera and has better dynamic range and produces less noise at high ISO values. But as I said, what really matters is the final image. The final image depends on the camera, quality of the lens, lighting, composition and Post Processing. Which component has more effect in producing good photo is not always clear.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.