Welcome
First rule is that the best camera is the one you have in your pocket.
Second learn incrementally in the same way you do when learning to drive. Hone in on a skill, practice it then move onto to a new skill once you feel you have a basic understanding of what is required.
Thirdly; it takes time to progress, the learning curve can seem daunting but practice and stay focussed on your learning objectives especailly in the first year or so.
Most of all enjoy; and if possible take images which tell a story or illicit a smile because this will keep you motivated.
DT
I would suggest a 'bridge' camera may fit the bill for a beginner. It provides many options including having one lens zoom, a full range of settings such as PASM and video. It takes most people about 2 or 3 years to progress to the intermediate stage where maybe a full frame/DSLR is perhaps needed for serious photography. Thats how I started. Developing photographic skills is incremental. If they goes for a bog standard DSLR within the price range range they will soon find the kit lens(es) will be inadequate and became challenging. At least with a bridge camera you you can develop skills over time and then be in a much better to decide which camera model is likely to be most suited to you
DT
Hi Jerry
I think you need to ask yourself why you want to go down this route and be honest with yourself about this. Are you dissatisfied with the current result(s) or does your photography demand perfection or you wish to near perfect?
Appreciation of colour is very subjective and what one person appreciates another person is less sure.
The Mac is the product of choice for many creative artists and in performance terms it is is there or thereabouts. 'Fiddling' with it in the way you describe is possible but who is to say any adjustments will be better or worse and can the naked eye always tell? Personally unless your business (or hobby) demands higher standards I would not bother recalibrate it unless you feel the Mac is underperforming.
I have bitten the bullet and signed up!
I have enjoyed dipping into your forum and found it of great interest. I reside in the UK and for those familiar with it I live close to Stonehenge and the famous Avebury neolithic stones. Salisbury is not to far either. It has a beautiful cathedral and of course as a city was unfortunately targeted by two recent Russian spies; allegedly.
I am in my twilight years and took to photography as an interest soon after retirement. I have always said being a photographer is better than being a dog walker because you can take your camera where you want, get some great exercise and do it at a time of your choosing. If you have a dog going out is a daily chore, to be done in all weathers both morning and night 7 days a week! The great thing about becoming a photographer is that you see the world differently than before.
I use Nikon cameras and recently I have purchased an Olympus OMD1 mark 2 which I am trying to grapple with. Are there many Olympus owners out there?
I like photographing landscape or animals and I dip into street art too. Maybe I will share some when I get more familiar with this site. It is a pleasure to sign up and I am looking forward to getting to know you all artistically if not personally.