Friday 15 January 2010

I have decided to take up photography as my hobby. Suggest a good DSLR to invest in.?

As a beginner in this field, I need suggestions or recommendations to invest in a good DSLR or high-end compacts. Please provide branb & model information as well as reasons why.

Best Answer

If you can still find one, the Nikon D40 with 18-55 mm lens is a good entry level camera.

I am not on the payroll of Nikon or Canon, but those are the two you need to start your research. Why? Because they are the two camera systems used by the pros and for that reason, there are a lot of good used lenses out there which will help you build your system faster.

Before you decide, go into a camera store and see which of the cameras fits your hands the best.

See which cameras menu is the easiest for you to use to make changes in ISO, camera resolution, white balance, mode switching and make EV changes (a camera with +5/-5 EV could be important to you).

Finally, take an SD card with you and test each camera at their highest and lowest ISO as well as when using the white balance that matches the light in the store as well as with it in the "auto white balance" mode.

Once you get home and are able to see the results on your large computer monitor, you will know which camera is better for your needs and expectations, not ours.

Take your time before you decide. Once you choose one, you will be married to that system for decades and the cost of changing to the other system will cost you nearly as much as a divorce

Be sure to take your time. If unsure, go back and do more tests until you are convinced which system is best for you

Answer by fhotoace on 04 Jan 2010 07:00:37

What makes a camera have good quality?

First there are the basics that are true whether the camera is film based or digital.

*Does the camera have a good lens? If a lens is not sharp, how can the photo be sharp?

*Does the camera have an accurate light meter and a good sensor? Good exposure is vital and a quality sensor to make use of that meter.

*Does the camera have good overall parts, design and build? Does it handle color balance well? Designed to be user friendly?

*Mega pixels often is overrated, but can be a factor. Most people do not need more than 10MP or 12MP.
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Here is my advice, get a DSLR camera, it has the bigger sensor which creates higher quality images and can change lenses which can be valuable.

There are a number of good brands so don't be sold on the idea one brand is better than another. I would keep your costs down. I would get a DSLR with a short zoom (like a 18-55mm) to start. No reason to spend more than $425 to $550. Either a 10MP or 12MP will do just fine.

Below, I listed some links where you can look up reviews and see what camera works best for you. The first link listed below is to a web page that lists the 4 DSLR cameras I am recommending. This list will let you compare features and specs, also it has link to reviews to 3 of the 4 cameras, the reviews includes sample images from the cameras. Also I included some links to some dealers so that you can try and get the best price. Some dealers have some nice extras, free shipping is very common, and sometimes they are offering a free memory card and/or camera bag. Sometimes you have to click in the "add to cart" button to see the actual price.

Here are some models that I think are well worth researching:

Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR 10 MP with 18-55mm Lens - $429
Nikon D3000 10MP DSLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens - $449
EOS Rebel XS 10MP DSLR Digital Camera Kit (Black) with 18-55mm IS Lens - $449
Pentax K-x 12MP DSLR with 18-55mm Zoom (has HD Video also) - $550

Hope this helps. Pick a price range, some features you know you want, and even consider which camera feels good in your hand as a factor. Ask if yourself what you need of the camera, like good high ISO ability which is important in low light, do you want the camera to be capable of doing video, and other features to consider.

Plenty of great cameras, get one you like and start learning the principles of photography and you will be on your way to making some great images. If you have any questions and if you think I can be of help then please do contact me.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Mark

marksablow.com

Answer by Mark on 04 Jan 2010 07:43:26

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