New to DSLR

[happyjaz]

Hi All,

i am new to DSLR and would like to buy a Nikon DSLR camera (eg D3000, D5000, D90 etc) but not sure which is a more appropriate camera for a beginner like me who has nv use a DSLR camera before:
1. what are the criteria i should like for when buying a DSLR camera?
2. is basic photography course recommended to take nice photos from DSLR camera or reading from the guidebook is sufficient? if yes, anyone attended any of the course and at which centre? any recommendation?

Thanks in advance for your advise and looking forward to all your advise.

 

[tunge]

Hi All,

i am new to DSLR and would like to buy a Nikon DSLR camera (eg D3000, D5000, D90 etc) but not sure which is a more appropriate camera for a beginner like me who has nv use a DSLR camera before:
1. what are the criteria i should like for when buying a DSLR camera?
2. is basic photography course recommended to take nice photos from DSLR camera or reading from the guidebook is sufficient? if yes, anyone attended any of the course and at which centre? any recommendation?

Thanks in advance for your advise and looking forward to all your advise.

search around the different threads in this forum, u'll find lots of info...

in conclusion, really it's all about personal preference and budget (very important)...

for a start maybe just focus on
-price
-size n feel/handling

think there's a sticky on photography books and notes for newbies

 

[IronicCorrupt]

Hi All,

i am new to DSLR and would like to buy a Nikon DSLR camera (eg D3000, D5000, D90 etc) but not sure which is a more appropriate camera for a beginner like me who has nv use a DSLR camera before:
1. what are the criteria i should like for when buying a DSLR camera?
2. is basic photography course recommended to take nice photos from DSLR camera or reading from the guidebook is sufficient? if yes, anyone attended any of the course and at which centre? any recommendation?

Thanks in advance for your advise and looking forward to all your advise.

Hi happyjaz,

1. You probably need to work out a budget first. there's not really a camera for beginners, simply because if you can afford, you can even consider d3x as your first dslr. and best if possible is to get hands on with the cameras you have in mind. get a feel of them and you will have better idea which one suits you most. i'm sure as this thread expand, you will get opinions asking you to consider other brands as well.

2. Reading the camera manual is definitely a good start after you got your camera. Personally i haven't attended any course, so i'll leave that to other CS-ers to touch on that, but i think getting some books from the libraries can be quite useful. I started with these.

Lastly, do remember to do a search in this forum or even google for tonnes of answers to your doubts. You can find information like where to get the camera you wanted, what's the prices in various shops, do you need tripod/cabinet/hood/etc. Enjoy your stay in CS. You will learn alot here.

 

[Galdor]

Hello...welcome.

As I have mentioned many times in this forum that any entry level DSLR (regardless of brand) is able to give you decent pictures if you use them within their limitations. So it really doesn't matter which brand or model you're choosing. If you give a outdated model entry level DSLR to a good photographer he/she will still be able to produce stunning pictures.

As to your questions:

1. what are the criteria i should like for when buying a DSLR camera?

You have to find out for yourself what you want as some entry level DSLRs does not have certain features which higher end models have. Check to see if you can live with it if the feature is not included in the model that you wanted. Also get something within your budget cos new bodies are coming out fast.

2. is basic photography course recommended to take nice photos from DSLR camera or reading from the guidebook is sufficient? if yes, anyone attended any of the course and at which centre? any recommendation?

I guess most of us here have not really attended any photography courses. Anyway, you may get one free session when you purchase your cam. Most of us here would read up on books from the library or bookshop and brush up our skills after reading & experimenting. However, it would be good as someone is there to guide you if you are in a course.

 

[Octarine]

i am new to DSLR and would like to buy a Nikon DSLR camera (eg D3000, D5000, D90 etc) but not sure which is a more appropriate camera for a beginner like me who has nv use a DSLR camera before:

Why do you want to get a DSLR? Just because others have it as well? Have you used other cameras yet (compact, prosumer types)? What do you expect from getting a DSLR?
There is no "beginner DSLR". You can start with lower end models and upgrade later or you jump directly into high end models. Up to your budget.

1. what are the criteria i should like for when buying a DSLR camera?

Define your budget, try hands-on in the shops. That's it. Do focus on reputable shops as listed in the price guides. Please read up there to get a first idea about pricing. Don't ask here about "best price" or other stuffs.

2. is basic photography course recommended to take nice photos from DSLR camera or reading from the guidebook is sufficient? if yes, anyone attended any of the course and at which centre? any recommendation?

Any hobby that requires more than normal reading and writing skills comes with certain training, right? Rock climbing, diving, mountain biking .. all needs a certain learning and training. The same applies to photography. We don't know which style of learning you prefer. Some people learn most form reading, others prefer trial and error or guided sessions by an instructor. Sometimes it's all 3.
Canon offers free training with purchase of any DSLR, I guess Nikon offers the same. But those sessions only focus on the handling and operating of cameras. If you like to get training that is less focused on specific brands but more on photographic techniques then have a look into this forum, there are workshops listed.
Start at the CS Forum main page and scroll down to see all topics and sections.

 

[zac08]

Hi happyjaz,

welcome to CS.

Now, why did you want to start on a DSLR? Quality of pictures? Snoob factor? Or just because everyone is on a DSLR? Think about this first. And once you have decided on it for the technical qualities it provides, then you better start getting some basic knowledge on photography.

Do go to the Library and borrow some books and learn more on the technical points such as ISO, Aperture, Shutter speed and so on...

The new D5000 offers a guide mode which may prove to be a help for those beginning on a DSLR.

Read more.

 

[Lomographer]

welcome to the club, jaz.

there is no "criteria" of any sorts when choosing a DSLR, but more of what you're looking for in a camera, what you're gonna shoot and your budget.

i'd recommend the D3000 for you. Kit lenses come with the kit, and it's a great cam with a new mode, called "guide" mode. this guides to you to shoot if you're unsure, explains technical terms in layman terms, something like an intelligent auto mode, and it really makes shooting easy for someone new to DSLR.

courses are plenty, check them out here.
browse around on CS as well, and join your respective eq discussion forum (i presume nikon) and you'll learn along the way.

 

[happyjaz]

hi all, thanks so much 4 e advise. will read more from this forum

i have been using the normal digital camera and have an interest in taking all sorts of photos (eg food, scenery when going for holiday, ppl etc)... tat's y i wanna get and learn to use a dslr camera..

 

[MettaLife]

Hi All,

i am new to DSLR and would like to buy a Nikon DSLR camera (eg D3000, D5000, D90 etc) but not sure which is a more appropriate camera for a beginner like me who has nv use a DSLR camera before:
1. what are the criteria i should like for when buying a DSLR camera?
2. is basic photography course recommended to take nice photos from DSLR camera or reading from the guidebook is sufficient? if yes, anyone attended any of the course and at which centre? any recommendation?

Thanks in advance for your advise and looking forward to all your advise.

Hi Jaz,
U come to the right place. At clubsnap, u have all the resources u need and share from fellow bros. I'm a Canoner but it doesnt matter actually:
1. BUDGET- always the main criterion for purchase. Both D5000 and D90 are fantastic cameras with video recording function. If u have the $, go for the D90, if not, the D5000 is a better value for money camera: U can use the savings to buy a better lens.
2. Forget about basic fotography course at this point of time- go spend the next 24hours reading up posts in clubsnap and u will learn all the basics u need. Thereafter, then u decide if u would want to go for more advanced courses.
3. Google up internet for more readings.

These are the very basics u MUST know to handle the DSLR basics (aperture/ shutter/ iso):

Basic:
http://www.goldfries.com/photograph...understanding-shutter-speed-aperture-and-iso/

Basic:
http://digital-photography.suite101.com/article.cfm/take_control_of_your_dslr_part_ii

Intermediate:
http://photo.net/learn/basic-photo-tips/aperture-shutterspeed-iso/

Hope it helps.

Metta Life

 

[jtsky]

Welcome to the club! Try reading books from library, there are quite a lot of info there.

 

[HuguKYM]

As many people said... I think if you are new to DSLR, find what do you expect from dslr... lot od PnS cameras in the market (with 'similar' DSLR function) maybe can accomplished it.

After you are sure that you want to get this DSLR... Next step is filtering... so this is only the filter. FInd the amount that you are comfortable to spend (not you are willing to spend, in my opinion, this is the best way to define budget). Then choose the system (camera + lens + digi cabi + flash + tripod + exc) according to your need and budget.

in the near future if you are in need to buy more lens, just change your 'comfortable budget' to 'willing budget', if not then it is not really necessary to spend that 'willing budget'...

 

[happyjaz]

hi PPl,

after reading through the threads, i have decided to get Nikon D5000 as my 1st dslr camera. went to Alan photos trading and audio house earlier.

am offer the following by Alan photo:
- D5000 + 18-55mm lens = $1150
- D5000 + 18-105mm lens = $1450 (trade-in 18-55mm lens for $100)

however, looking at the promotion by audio house, they are selling D5000 + 18-55mm lens + 55-200mm len @ $1599 + freebies.

which would be a good deal? any advise?? i would like to take photos of ppl, scenery etc with this camera. would a 55-200mm lens be useful or in use?

looking forward to all ur advises.

thankzz.

 

[shelomoh]

Well the latter deal has 2 lens and covers you from 18 to 200. So you will know which range you will shoot often before you start investing in better quality lens.

I tried D5000, it is a good DSLR that has auto mode (almost like PnS). The P mode is not truly auto. So it is quite newbie friendly.

hi PPl,

after reading through the threads, i have decided to get Nikon D5000 as my 1st dslr camera. went to Alan photos trading and audio house earlier.

am offer the following by Alan photo:
- D5000 + 18-55mm lens = $1150
- D5000 + 18-105mm lens = $1450 (trade-in 18-55mm lens for $100)

however, looking at the promotion by audio house, they are selling D5000 + 18-55mm lens + 55-200mm len @ $1599 + freebies.

which would be a good deal? any advise?? i would like to take photos of ppl, scenery etc with this camera. would a 55-200mm lens be useful or in use?

looking forward to all ur advises.

thankzz.

 

[david_goh]

Have to agree, there are many similar threads like that. Why don't you shoot for a while and see how you progress. If your photos still doesn't look up to par after a while, then go for a course.

 

[Octarine]

hi PPl,

after reading through the threads, i have decided to get Nikon D5000 as my 1st dslr camera. went to Alan photos trading and audio house earlier. [...]

Have a look at the Nikon Price Guide and also the list of reputable shops at the end. Please be careful at all times with shops in Sim Lim (only exception being Orient Photo). The less you know about equipment the bigger the chance to get chopped with things you don't know. Do read about warranty as well, that's a point were things can go wrong. Also, reject all kinds of accessories (filter, tripods, wide angle converter and other stuffs), only get the camera. Never buy something that you don't know. Read up and make conscious decisions whether you need and can afford it. Freebies come for free because nobody else would take them.

 

[Lomographer]

Have a look at the Nikon Price Guide and also the list of reputable shops at the end. Please be careful at all times with shops in Sim Lim (only exception being Orient Photo). The less you know about equipment the bigger the chance to get chopped with things you don't know. Do read about warranty as well, that's a point were things can go wrong. Also, reject all kinds of accessories (filter, tripods, wide angle converter and other stuffs), only get the camera. Never buy something that you don't know. Read up and make conscious decisions whether you need and can afford it. Freebies come for free because nobody else would take them.

AP is good too, and i'm sure the freebie they gave me ultra II 8GB is something people would want... OP is not the only good shop

 

[agws1970]

AP is good too, and i'm sure the freebie they gave me ultra II 8GB is something people would want... OP is not the only good shop

AFAIK its very hard to not get chopped at AP. When you step into OP, try to speak Mandarin and the world is a better place. Prices are the same whether you speak Mandarin or English but you will definitely get your point across easier. With AP only certain individual sales people are on the UP and UP, many of them are out for a quick buck.

 

[Timolol]

The new D5000 offers a guide mode which may prove to be a help for those beginning on a DSLR.

I think its the D3000.

 

[zac08]

I think its the D3000.

Yeah... thanks... :embrass:

 

[horizon_grazer]

Warm welcome, can join more outings organized by CSers here to build up ur knowledge & bounding..