European Bob
Artist
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,018
Likes โข 340
February 2007
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Photography advice, by European Bob on Mar 10, 2009 3:32:10 GMT 1, Hi people.... I've been thinking about getting into photography for a while now and I'm in search of some advice.... Well I'm totally new to photography as a whole really....I currently own a decent digital camera and I"ve been looking into purchasing a Digital SLR for a while now.... So I wanted to ask if anyone had any advice about a decent DSLR that would be ideal for an amateur photographer.... I've been looking at a Sony Alpha A200....but I'm worried that this maybe too advanced I also wanted to know which lenses would be best for decent day to day shots and lenses for wide angle shots.... I have no clue how to use such cameras but was thinking like most things its best to get hands on and just go around and learn day to day..... or would it be best to try and get on a course? what would you advise? lastly is there any good sites i could have a butchers at?
Sorry if this seems simple or that but I'm just looking for some advice.
Cheers in advance
EB
Hi people.... I've been thinking about getting into photography for a while now and I'm in search of some advice.... Well I'm totally new to photography as a whole really....I currently own a decent digital camera and I"ve been looking into purchasing a Digital SLR for a while now.... So I wanted to ask if anyone had any advice about a decent DSLR that would be ideal for an amateur photographer.... I've been looking at a Sony Alpha A200....but I'm worried that this maybe too advanced I also wanted to know which lenses would be best for decent day to day shots and lenses for wide angle shots.... I have no clue how to use such cameras but was thinking like most things its best to get hands on and just go around and learn day to day..... or would it be best to try and get on a course? what would you advise? lastly is there any good sites i could have a butchers at? Sorry if this seems simple or that but I'm just looking for some advice. Cheers in advance EB
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curiousgeorge
Junior Member
Posts โข 5,833
Likes โข 1,091
March 2007
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Photography advice, by curiousgeorge on Mar 10, 2009 9:01:40 GMT 1, Send me a PM, i have used the Alpha Series a lot. Though i can't compare to Nikon or Canon
Send me a PM, i have used the Alpha Series a lot. Though i can't compare to Nikon or Canon
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quicksnap
New Member
Posts โข 167
Likes โข 25
February 2007
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Photography advice, by quicksnap on Mar 10, 2009 9:41:32 GMT 1, i would personally go for a used Canon 30D or 40D. if you have the money, get the 50D. Get a 24-70 or a 24-105 lens to go with it. When it comes to DSLRs, it is all about brand name preference. mine is Canon, and i think there is probably more info and support for the canon stuff all the way around. You don't need to take a course, but look into some books. You can always use the auto function on those cameras, but i think it is best to learn what you are exposing for and why. to understand what your f-stop controls vs. what you shutter speed controls. there are plenty of books out there that are plenty helpful. i can't think of any by name at the moment, but a quick search should yield plenty of results. if you really want to learn, the best way is with a film camera. that way you really understand your exposures and what you are doing right or wrong. digital is kind of like taking a test with the answer sheet right in front of you. sure its easier, but you aren't really learning anything. just my opinions. good luck with your purchase and learning.
i would personally go for a used Canon 30D or 40D. if you have the money, get the 50D. Get a 24-70 or a 24-105 lens to go with it. When it comes to DSLRs, it is all about brand name preference. mine is Canon, and i think there is probably more info and support for the canon stuff all the way around. You don't need to take a course, but look into some books. You can always use the auto function on those cameras, but i think it is best to learn what you are exposing for and why. to understand what your f-stop controls vs. what you shutter speed controls. there are plenty of books out there that are plenty helpful. i can't think of any by name at the moment, but a quick search should yield plenty of results. if you really want to learn, the best way is with a film camera. that way you really understand your exposures and what you are doing right or wrong. digital is kind of like taking a test with the answer sheet right in front of you. sure its easier, but you aren't really learning anything. just my opinions. good luck with your purchase and learning.
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quicksnap
New Member
Posts โข 167
Likes โข 25
February 2007
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Photography advice, by quicksnap on Mar 10, 2009 9:43:06 GMT 1, the most important thing is to have fun. if you aren't having fun with it, you are wasting your time.
the most important thing is to have fun. if you aren't having fun with it, you are wasting your time.
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yapsey
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,217
Likes โข 227
November 2007
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Photography advice, by yapsey on Mar 10, 2009 10:08:30 GMT 1, "Canon 30D or 40D" - i couldn't agree more.
go to an independent camera shop and haggle a discount - either that or get the memory card,bag,stand all thrown in for free.
"Canon 30D or 40D" - i couldn't agree more.
go to an independent camera shop and haggle a discount - either that or get the memory card,bag,stand all thrown in for free.
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Photography advice, by Oliver Winconek on Mar 10, 2009 12:21:56 GMT 1, I use a sony alpha a350, the colour reproduction is fantastic, build quality is top notch and really you cant go wrong. I am by no means a decent photographer, all I use it for is taking pics of my paintings and in basic model shoots and its more than up to the job. I looked at the Canon's and Nikons but in the end the Sony won it for me
I use a sony alpha a350, the colour reproduction is fantastic, build quality is top notch and really you cant go wrong. I am by no means a decent photographer, all I use it for is taking pics of my paintings and in basic model shoots and its more than up to the job. I looked at the Canon's and Nikons but in the end the Sony won it for me
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Photography advice, by They call me Stephen on Mar 10, 2009 12:43:36 GMT 1, Iโve got a canon 30d and it is a brilliant camera...so glad I bought it. Iโm by no means an expert with it or even understand half of the manual settings but I know I will be using it for a long time to come and aim to understand then one day! As morrisonphoto says, the best thing to do is have fun and play around with it...everything else will follow with time and dedication!
The 30d is a discontinued model so you should easily be able to pick it up from ebay at a good price with everything you need (memory card, lens, case etc). I have a 17-85 lens which is good for everyday use but am eyeing up a 10-22 which would satisfy my wide angle lens requirements. Lens are expensive so make sure you get a good day to day one to start off with.
I bought my girlfriend a 400d which is, in essence, the model below my camera's replacement, the 40d, and these are also a superb bit of kit and cheaper again.
I can't comment on nikon as have never really used one but they are also brilliant from my understanding. I would recommend going to jessops or an independent shop and seeing how different makes and bodies fit in your hand...this really helped me make my decision. I was initially going to buy a 400d but felt it was too light and small once actually held where as the 30d was perfect.
Good luck with it EB, best thing to do is just get out and explore once bought. I'm sure courses would be good but a decent book and dedication would be far more rewarding and cheaper! There are really good youtube tutorials as well which I have found helpful.
Useful site www.dpreview.com/
Iโve got a canon 30d and it is a brilliant camera...so glad I bought it. Iโm by no means an expert with it or even understand half of the manual settings but I know I will be using it for a long time to come and aim to understand then one day! As morrisonphoto says, the best thing to do is have fun and play around with it...everything else will follow with time and dedication! The 30d is a discontinued model so you should easily be able to pick it up from ebay at a good price with everything you need (memory card, lens, case etc). I have a 17-85 lens which is good for everyday use but am eyeing up a 10-22 which would satisfy my wide angle lens requirements. Lens are expensive so make sure you get a good day to day one to start off with. I bought my girlfriend a 400d which is, in essence, the model below my camera's replacement, the 40d, and these are also a superb bit of kit and cheaper again. I can't comment on nikon as have never really used one but they are also brilliant from my understanding. I would recommend going to jessops or an independent shop and seeing how different makes and bodies fit in your hand...this really helped me make my decision. I was initially going to buy a 400d but felt it was too light and small once actually held where as the 30d was perfect. Good luck with it EB, best thing to do is just get out and explore once bought. I'm sure courses would be good but a decent book and dedication would be far more rewarding and cheaper! There are really good youtube tutorials as well which I have found helpful. Useful site www.dpreview.com/
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European Bob
Artist
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,018
Likes โข 340
February 2007
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Photography advice, by European Bob on Mar 10, 2009 12:59:21 GMT 1, Thanks for all the advice people..... Theres a jessops near by so I think il try and pop in there some time today and as said try and get a feel of each one...and weigh up my options. In terms of books what titles should i be looking for?.....I know i must seem like a numpty but i really have no clue......is there a dummies guide? or anything out there that comes with recommendations?
thanks again EB
Thanks for all the advice people..... Theres a jessops near by so I think il try and pop in there some time today and as said try and get a feel of each one...and weigh up my options. In terms of books what titles should i be looking for?.....I know i must seem like a numpty but i really have no clue......is there a dummies guide? or anything out there that comes with recommendations?
thanks again EB
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neale
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,585
Likes โข 2
December 2008
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Photography advice, by neale on Mar 10, 2009 20:08:34 GMT 1, I use a Nikon D80, for work and personal stuff and cant fault it, have Nikon 12 to 24, 18 to 70, and 70 to 300vr lenses which seems to cover everything you would ever want to shoot.they have just brought out the D90, which is similar I think, but have not tried one, but it does mean you should be able to pick up a D80 body pretty cheap
I use a Nikon D80, for work and personal stuff and cant fault it, have Nikon 12 to 24, 18 to 70, and 70 to 300vr lenses which seems to cover everything you would ever want to shoot.they have just brought out the D90, which is similar I think, but have not tried one, but it does mean you should be able to pick up a D80 body pretty cheap
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neale
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,585
Likes โข 2
December 2008
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Photography advice, by neale on Mar 10, 2009 20:13:02 GMT 1, EB, with regards to books, dont bother, just spend some time using the camera and really get to know it, the beauty of digital is it costs you nothing to take 1000s of images, just look at them,see what worked and delete the rest, hope that helps
EB, with regards to books, dont bother, just spend some time using the camera and really get to know it, the beauty of digital is it costs you nothing to take 1000s of images, just look at them,see what worked and delete the rest, hope that helps
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howlinjack
New Member
Posts โข 615
Likes โข 55
July 2006
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Photography advice, by howlinjack on Mar 10, 2009 20:31:27 GMT 1, EB, with regards to books, dont bother, just spend some time using the camera and really get to know it, the beauty of digital is it costs you nothing to take 1000s of images, just look at them,see what worked and delete the rest, hope that helps
i wholeheartedly agree. gone are the days of waiting to see what the outcome is. switch to manual and play around. probably be a good idea to note down the settings when you do something interesting though. best o luck
EB, with regards to books, dont bother, just spend some time using the camera and really get to know it, the beauty of digital is it costs you nothing to take 1000s of images, just look at them,see what worked and delete the rest, hope that helps i wholeheartedly agree. gone are the days of waiting to see what the outcome is. switch to manual and play around. probably be a good idea to note down the settings when you do something interesting though. best o luck
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Standard
New Member
Posts โข 908
Likes โข 238
August 2008
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Photography advice, by Standard on Mar 10, 2009 22:26:20 GMT 1, My advice would be to go with either Nikon or Canon..... but keep the body price down.
Go for second hand, 30d as suggested but also the 20d is worth a look in & more than capable. (400d 350d too)
If you can get a cheap body then put more into buying a good main purpose lens, around a focal range of 24- 70 (low f stop) would be an example. A budget body will be all that you will need for quite some time, better money spent on good glass. You'll soon want a tripod too. Be warned it can get expensive. Buying good glass from the start will help in the long run but it all depends on how much you will be using etc, I lost interest after a few years, started becoming a pain having to lug a camera bag around everywhere but I have started to pick it up again (occasionally ;D).
I still have the 350d which although small has never limited me in my photography. Instead I started buying a few good F2.8 lenses that gave me a good range, although I have started to sell them, ironically to buy the last piece of art that I got from the Street Art Awards auction!
Can't advise on the Nikons but I always hear that their low end build quality is better than Canon and as a new body will be on the cards later this year I'm tempted to go the Nikon route. Lenses I think they are on a par with each other, Canon seems more popular (their L glass are outstanding) although are old Nikon lenses backward compatible with DSLR's? (I think I have read that somewhere, which has made me think again on the brand - i could be wrong though, haven't put any research into it)
I'm sure you'll have fun. try www.dgrin.com for a great & friendly forum (american - but full of good tips and advice & they do a great regular competition)
My advice would be to go with either Nikon or Canon..... but keep the body price down. Go for second hand, 30d as suggested but also the 20d is worth a look in & more than capable. (400d 350d too) If you can get a cheap body then put more into buying a good main purpose lens, around a focal range of 24- 70 (low f stop) would be an example. A budget body will be all that you will need for quite some time, better money spent on good glass. You'll soon want a tripod too. Be warned it can get expensive. Buying good glass from the start will help in the long run but it all depends on how much you will be using etc, I lost interest after a few years, started becoming a pain having to lug a camera bag around everywhere but I have started to pick it up again (occasionally ;D). I still have the 350d which although small has never limited me in my photography. Instead I started buying a few good F2.8 lenses that gave me a good range, although I have started to sell them, ironically to buy the last piece of art that I got from the Street Art Awards auction! Can't advise on the Nikons but I always hear that their low end build quality is better than Canon and as a new body will be on the cards later this year I'm tempted to go the Nikon route. Lenses I think they are on a par with each other, Canon seems more popular (their L glass are outstanding) although are old Nikon lenses backward compatible with DSLR's? (I think I have read that somewhere, which has made me think again on the brand - i could be wrong though, haven't put any research into it) I'm sure you'll have fun. try www.dgrin.com for a great & friendly forum (american - but full of good tips and advice & they do a great regular competition)
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m@san
New Member
Posts โข 354
Likes โข 0
November 2006
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Photography advice, by m@san on Mar 10, 2009 22:39:57 GMT 1, If you go for the Canon ... and you've got a spare ยฃ100 pick up the 50mm Prime f1.8 lense.. you'll find that your photography improves no end just by taking things back to basics
If you go for the Canon ... and you've got a spare ยฃ100 pick up the 50mm Prime f1.8 lense.. you'll find that your photography improves no end just by taking things back to basics
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darrenrapley
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,858
Likes โข 229
June 2008
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Photography advice, by darrenrapley on Mar 10, 2009 22:45:12 GMT 1, Got a Canon 30d and it is 100 times better than my abilities. PM me your address mate and I will send a good book on digital SLR's. I used to do quite a bit of photography and so always got bought photo books for Xmas etc.
My very limited advice would be to get a camera, read up about shutter priority vs aperture priority and depth of field and then take lots of pics
Got a Canon 30d and it is 100 times better than my abilities. PM me your address mate and I will send a good book on digital SLR's. I used to do quite a bit of photography and so always got bought photo books for Xmas etc. My very limited advice would be to get a camera, read up about shutter priority vs aperture priority and depth of field and then take lots of pics
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European Bob
Artist
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,018
Likes โข 340
February 2007
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Photography advice, by European Bob on Mar 11, 2009 0:36:23 GMT 1, Thanks again for the help people..... i think im gonna go along the lines of buying a decent camera and then just snapping as much as i can. I've been looking at cams all day and i must admit im being swayed towards a sony a350 as im much more familiar with sony stuff so must just be that. Im not gonna just jump in so il look around first and try and get the best body and lens etc i can and will hopefully serve me better in the long run. Thnaks again and il keep you posted on my search.
EB
Thanks again for the help people..... i think im gonna go along the lines of buying a decent camera and then just snapping as much as i can. I've been looking at cams all day and i must admit im being swayed towards a sony a350 as im much more familiar with sony stuff so must just be that. Im not gonna just jump in so il look around first and try and get the best body and lens etc i can and will hopefully serve me better in the long run. Thnaks again and il keep you posted on my search.
EB
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