Recommended DSLR camera for beginner


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learntoshot

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Jun 17, 2008
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Hi all Senior,

I am totally new to DSLR camera (zero knowledge on it). Personally, I used to own a point to shot type of digital camera and the problem is, I couldn’t take nice & good pictures from it. The reason that prompted me to consider a DSLR camera is my baby son. Hope to capture more beautiful pictures of him and my family. Therefore, I am here to ask all expert/senior on the view of getting which model/brand that totally suit a beginner like me. Thank you.

PS: currently, I am looking at Canon DSLR 450D (with kit) Promotion price is $1499. Would welcome suggestions and recommendations on other models/brands. (of cos, the cheapest the better) Cheers.:)
 

This topic comes up 2-3 times per week. I highly suggest you try a simple search.

That being said, I can give this advice:
1. 1499 is quite expensive, there are many better offers out there.
2. Look beyond the Canon and Nikon camp. Try to play around with the offerings from Pentax, Olympus and Sony too. You might be surprised how good and affordable they are.
3. Make sure you hold the camera in your hands, try to figure out which one "feels" best. And, most importantly...
4. DO NOT GET CONVINCED BY THE SALESPEOPLE. Their main goal is not your happiness, but their own commission. Google is a powerful tool and every camera out there has been reviewed many many times... Try soe research.
 

First things first, do not get the misconception that using a DSLR will assure you better results than your current PNS camera. I say this because if you have not grasped the basic operations of a DLSR, it can be more frustrating than using your PNS.

My personal opinion is that if your mission is to learn more about photography, start from the mechanical film cameras. Their 'operating system' assures you understand the fundamentals and 'exercise' your state of mind while taking photos slightly more than DSLRs.

If you want to jump straight into a DLSR, you'd first need to mentally prepare yourself that you will need some warm up time to get good shots with it.
 

First things first, do not get the misconception that using a DSLR will assure you better results than your current PNS camera. I say this because if you have not grasped the basic operations of a DLSR, it can be more frustrating than using your PNS.

Correct A pro-looking camera does not mean you'll get pro-looking images. Some of the best pictures I've everseen were taken with smaller point-and-shoots.
 

Thanks guys. Noted on your comments.
 

If you got the right mindset to learn about camera basics, I do not think it matters whether you are starting film camera or a DSLR.

Ryan
 

Hi all Senior,

I am totally new to DSLR camera (zero knowledge on it). Personally, I used to own a point to shot type of digital camera and the problem is, I couldn’t take nice & good pictures from it. The reason that prompted me to consider a DSLR camera is my baby son. Hope to capture more beautiful pictures of him and my family. Therefore, I am here to ask all expert/senior on the view of getting which model/brand that totally suit a beginner like me. Thank you.

PS: currently, I am looking at Canon DSLR 450D (with kit) Promotion price is $1499. Would welcome suggestions and recommendations on other models/brands. (of cos, the cheapest the better) Cheers.:)

If you dun mind the brand, I'll recommend you to go for Sony A200 kit.
Cos I've it myself & I think its pretty handy, easy to operate & value for money~
Kit lens given is ok 18-70mm slightly longer 18-55mm for other brands.
The size is slightly bigger for a better grip as compared than other Beginner DSLRs.
Price now is $999, with some freebies.
Will recommend you to get from the next Comex IT Show, as they normal throw in loads of freebies which are useful. ;)
 

Hi there, I strongly agree with the above comments. I have just upgraded from Point-and -shoot (PNS) type of camera to a DSLR camera ONLY after playing thoroughly with the basic camera such as adjusting the settings every time I take a picture and do a review after that. If I am nots satisfy with the exposure, I will keep on tuning it until the picture looks at least satisfactory (not over/under exposed & not blur) to me. Slowly I get to understand what a camera is about. Its only then I go straight into DSLR.


I highly recommend a canon G9 or S5IS to you. I have seen people taking fantastic pictures with them. These class of cameras are half way between PNS & DSLR. So it wouldn't burn a hole in your pocket and is much easier for you to pickup (if you are currently using Canon line of PNS). In addition, these cameras are much easier to take care of and have greater variety of settings than PNS.

Hope this of help!
 

Hi! I'm sure if you would do a search on google as well as on this forum, you would come up with many great answers to your question.

There are only that many dslr manufacturers out there. And if you are beginner, you would probably look at entry-level ones. So once again, I urge you to do a thorough search. Then get down to a shop to test them out. Finally, buy the cam you are happiest with.
Here at ClubSnap, there are many posts on where to get good prices. Certainly not Courts nor Harvey Norman :bsmilie:. You can ask the pros here if you have more queries. Sometimes, things are hard to understand when there are so many terminologies around.. haha.

Hi there, I strongly agree with the above comments. I have just upgraded from Point-and -shoot (PNS) type of camera to a DSLR camera ONLY after playing thoroughly with the basic camera such as adjusting the settings every time I take a picture and do a review after that. If I am nots satisfy with the exposure, I will keep on tuning it until the picture looks at least satisfactory (not over/under exposed & not blur) to me. Slowly I get to understand what a camera is about. Its only then I go straight into DSLR.


I highly recommend a canon G9 or S5IS to you. I have seen people taking fantastic pictures with them. These class of cameras are half way between PNS & DSLR. So it wouldn't burn a hole in your pocket and is much easier for you to pickup (if you are currently using Canon line of PNS). In addition, these cameras are much easier to take care of and have greater variety of settings than PNS.

Hope this of help!

Actually I would disagree with you. No matter how close prosumer/slr-bridge cameras are to dslrs, there is still quite a big performance gap. Furthermore, the price of entry-level dslrs are getting very close to prosumers like those u mentioned, G9 and S5IS. You might as well straight away get a dslr as a 1 time investment.

My recommendation: Entry-level grade dslr kit + 50mm f/1.8. Taking pics of his baby son maybe difficult especially indoors, with low light and babies tend to move alot. So f/1.8 should suffice.
 

4. DO NOT GET CONVINCED BY THE SALESPEOPLE. Their main goal is not your happiness, but their own commission. Google is a powerful tool and every camera out there has been reviewed many many times... Try soe research.

I'd like to add, don't get suckered in by salespeople and pay more than you need to for accessories. Too many such stories here. If you don't do your research, and end up paying 3x what you should for batteries, memory cards, camera bag, etc., don't expect much sympathy from folks here.

If the salesperson refuse to give you good price on camera unless you buy overpriced accessories, walk away, then complain here.
 

Dude you got the wrong idea there.
No offence here yeah? but its really not the camera, its the photographer.
If you're talking about ugly pictures in e sense of quality wise, yes blame it on the camera.
But if its the framing of e subject, modes and everything. Maybe its time you practice more :)
 

Hi all Senior,

I am totally new to DSLR camera (zero knowledge on it). Personally, I used to own a point to shot type of digital camera and the problem is, I couldn’t take nice & good pictures from it. The reason that prompted me to consider a DSLR camera is my baby son. Hope to capture more beautiful pictures of him and my family. Therefore, I am here to ask all expert/senior on the view of getting which model/brand that totally suit a beginner like me. Thank you.

PS: currently, I am looking at Canon DSLR 450D (with kit) Promotion price is $1499. Would welcome suggestions and recommendations on other models/brands. (of cos, the cheapest the better) Cheers.:)

I would say, the thing with babies is that after a short while, they move really fast, and don't listen to your instruction to stay still long enough for you to shoot them properly. You need a fast "refresh rate" - ie the time it takes between shots. I am not sure of any prosumer or pns which can do that. Since you are a beginner, get an entry-level DLSR with kit lens would be sufficient for your use. I only know about Nikon system, so you could take a look at the D40 or D60. I personally use the D50 and its good enough for me now. You don't need anything with more features. Just use P mode and shoot. Once you learn more about photography and the DSLR system, you can decide what other lenses and modes you need. A 50mm/f1.8 will be a cheaper addition you could get for shooting indoors though.

Remember not to use flash if your baby is still too small. Switch it off.
 

Guys, I visited the Canon showroom last nite. Tried out the Canon EOS 450D. Using the viewer & live mode. I would say the "feel" is very good. (maybe this is the 1st time I'm using a DSLR) :D
Nevertheless, will try to test more on other brands before committing to 450D. Thank you for all the good advices given. Cheers!!!!:cheergal:
 

bingo blive!!!! Refresh rate is something i should consider in my selection.....Thank you!
 

depth of field is something you will not be getting in most prosumers, just to note, and most (not all) pleasing portraits tend to have shallow depth of field

that said, ignore all the people pushing you particular models, work with something which feels good when you use it and try it out in the shops. be honest with yourself, heck care about brands.. because nowadays almost every brand has a decent selection due to introduction of third party lenses.. good pricing too.
 

depth of field is something you will not be getting in most prosumers, just to note, and most (not all) pleasing portraits tend to have shallow depth of field

that said, ignore all the people pushing you particular models, work with something which feels good when you use it and try it out in the shops. be honest with yourself, heck care about brands.. because nowadays almost every brand has a decent selection due to introduction of third party lenses.. good pricing too.

Yeah, i second what night86mare had said.

You must definitely be comfortable with holding the camera.

450D is not a bad choice i must say. :bsmilie:
 

.... My personal opinion is that if your mission is to learn more about photography, start from the mechanical film cameras. Their 'operating system' assures you understand the fundamentals and 'exercise' your state of mind while taking photos slightly more than DSLRs....

I'm really puzzled by this comment. A number of CSers seem to think this way. Care to explain how you arrive at this conclusion?

Here is my reason why I disagree with you:
Assuming I'm a total newbie to photography, but I am really interested to learn the fundamentals, and also am willing to spend the $ to acquire a DSLR system in order to progress.
I'm now confronted with a choice: Film SLR (eg. FM2) or DSLR (eg. D80).
If I use the D80 in 'M' mode only (as a fair comparison, since the FM2 is only manual), I can see instantly the results of any changes I make to my aperture, shutter, ISO settings. So I can experiment by playing around and noting how it affects the image captured. I think I'd learn much quicker this way, than having to wait for the film to be developed. After developing the film, I'm confused: Which settings did I use for which photo? Any EXIF data? Nope. sorry...

* i did not compare prices. Obviously there is a big difference. If price is a concern, a 2nd hand Prosumer can be as beneficial as a D80 for learning.
 

Since the thread starter is asking for recommendations....

Another good entry level DSLR would be Sony A350. Comes with tilt-able LCD screen (live view).

Might want to test some of the models (feel the cam) before actually buying one.
 

I'm really puzzled by this comment. A number of CSers seem to think this way. Care to explain how you arrive at this conclusion?

I am puzzled as well. Is learning suppose to evolve that way.

I'm now confronted with a choice: Film SLR (eg. FM2) or DSLR (eg. D80

So to start from film camera, which model ? how basic should I get to maximize learning and appreciation?

If we need to start from scratch to appreciate things, FM2 is still too advanced and automated. How about an EM first then FM2 :think:

Hi TS, get something you are comfortable with. Having the camera with most bling but uncomfortable body is a torture as well.

Ryan
 

If I use the D80 in 'M' mode only (as a fair comparison, since the FM2 is only manual), I can see instantly the results of any changes I make to my aperture, shutter, ISO settings. So I can experiment by playing around and noting how it affects the image captured. I think I'd learn much quicker this way, than having to wait for the film to be developed. After developing the film, I'm confused: Which settings did I use for which photo? Any EXIF data? Nope. sorry...

as for why there's a camp saying to start with film slr ... well...

if you use the D80 (or any dslr) on Manual mode, sure u CAN use it like a film cam and learn the basics from there. ... but WILL you? ... chances are that you won't ... the thing about film slrs is you haven't the luxury to set auto/program mode ... and if u use a/s/m you still need to think and figure out what the settings u want are and use the lightmeter ...

how many beginners even notice the lightmeter in their dslr? ... i know too many beginners who pick up a dslr, put to auto or program and boast that the cam helped them learn so much about photography (and no, they're not talking about framing ...)
 

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