DSLR for Dummies 2222 Responses

Last post: 1 year ago | Thread started: Mar 5, 12, 1:32 p.m.

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• CincodeMayo

  Looking to finally step up to a big boy camera. Any recommendations?

  I don't shoot photos as much as I'd like to (I mostly take pics with my iPhone at the moment) but I want to start taking more.

  Is there any place that sells used ones? I want to make sure I'm in it for the long run before really investing in something substantial. Or is there an entry model that does enough at a decent price?

  Anyone on here looking to part with an old one that's collecting dust?

  Mar 5, 12, 1:32 p.m. – Permalink

• seeessess

  1st thing: what is your budget?

  • < this– monospaced

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 1:33 p.m. – Permalink

• fourth

  Pentax K1000 is a good lesson

  • Pentax spotmatic for the old heads
    – epigraph

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 1:33 p.m. – Permalink

• CincodeMayo

  Budget is a little as possible...anything good for $500-1000?

  • yes, yes there is.– johnny_wobble

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 1:35 p.m. – Permalink

• jaylarson

  Get an entry level canon or nikon and get their 50 f/1.8 lens. Bang for the buck is about as good as it gets.

  • +1– MrT1/3

    i will vouch for a canon t1i + 50mm 1.8– johnny_wobble2/3

    this– sea_sea3/3

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 1:46 p.m. – Permalink

• desmo

  Get a Nikon D3100 (body only) and a 35mm f1.8. You'll be able to get both for under $1000. Thats a great and cheap starter set up.

  • < this. On crop sensors I prefer the 35mm over the 50mm.– Stian

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 1:58 p.m. – Permalink

• HijoDMaite

  No matter what city you are in if you go to Craigslist you can find a Canon T1i or T2i + one or two lens + bag + memory card for around $500, it is a great deal and all you need to begin.

  • listen to mijo ;)– sea_sea

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 2:05 p.m. – Permalink

• pango

  Canon EOS Rebel T3i
  Nikon D90 or D5100

  +50 mm ƒ/1.8 lens like Jay suggested.

  • < canon– sea_sea

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 2:06 p.m. – Permalink

• pango

  I'm actually trying to sell my Canon Xsi that's collecting dust.
  ever since i got my canon 7D.

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 2:10 p.m. – Permalink

• CincodeMayo

  Thanks for the advice. Let the research begin...

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 2:25 p.m. – Permalink

• monNom

  You might also consider a smaller step up to a point&shoot. DSLR's are kind of a pain to carry around, so you won't get as many chances for quick snapshots as your iphone, as you won't want to lug your DSLR around with you everywhere you go. Those little canon digital elphs take great pictures for ~$150

  • I disagree. It's not real photography until you get a DSLR.– CyBrainX1/2

    not really photography? hmm not so sure about that statement.– sea_sea2/2

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 2:49 p.m. – Permalink

• nthkl

  A 50mm 1.8 is a must first lens, then beyond that i'd suggest an older body only setup. Like a canon or nikon. You'll save tons of dough if you go a few years back. Maybe end up spending $350 for a body+lens if it's entry level. i.e. nikon d50 + lens.

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 2:58 p.m. – Permalink

• CincodeMayo

  I've done the point & shoot thing for a while, but I think it's time for a step up. I have a Canon SX110IS that I've had for years now. It's been great and I love the zoom on it, but I think it's time to move on.

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 2:59 p.m. – Permalink

• johnny_wobble

  there's also micro 4/3 systems you could look into.

  • i love olympus epl1 <3– sea_sea1/2

    *my– sea_sea2/2

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 3 p.m. – Permalink

• nthkl

  for example: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-l…

  • super outdated, but definitely a great body to learn with. and if you break it, ah well.– nthkl

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 3:01 p.m. – Permalink

• scruffics

  i swear to god, my old Nikon d70 takes better photos than the newer d300s... those can't be too expensive, considering i got it over 5 years ago. d70s that is

  • Bad advice. I've shot with both these cameras. The D200/D300 series is better than the D70.– nb1/2

    I figure there was something wrong with the d300 you tested.. ;)– Stian2/2

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 3:04 p.m. – Permalink

• Stian

  I agree with the 50mm 1.8 suggested over, but you should look into the 35mm. The 50 might seem a bit long (75mm equivalent), but the 35 ends up at 52 - and gives you a better normal length.

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 4:09 p.m. – Permalink

• Stian

  Look for a camera with flash sync options (both hot-shoe and cable) and remote capabilities. You should not spend your time in the Canon vs Nikon threads people seem to love. Find some cameras within your budget and try them in the store, this is the best way to get the best camera for your needs.

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 4:15 p.m. – Permalink

• nthkl

  totally want a 35mm. But I should prolly get a fridge first. Been 2 years without one. haha. Dooo do dooo.

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 5:11 p.m. – Permalink

• noob12345

  I just bought a used Canon 50D for $500 and I really like it. It's quite a step up from the Rebel series. There's quite a jump in ISO so I can muuuuuuch better shots indoors with less light. Everyone who's not shooting video seems to like it better than the newer 60D.

  

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  Dog-earMar 5, 12, 5:13 p.m. – Permalink

• CincodeMayo

  It's been 2 months since this post, so here's the update.

  My stellar girlfriend surprised me with a Canon EOS Rebel T2i for the birthday this weekend, along with an EFS 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS II lens. LOVING this thing so far. I'm figuring out a lot on my own, but could use some helpful advice.

  Any must read books or must see sites or videos I should watch?

  • start with the user manual, then go outside and use it!– uan1/2

    just start shooting. review your work, figure out what you like, shoot some more. repeat.– sea_sea2/2

  

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  Dog-earMay 7, 12, 10:11 a.m. – Permalink