Photography as new hobby, any advice?


lastescapist

New Member
Aug 1, 2012
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Singapore
Hey guys,

I'm inclined on learning how to better handle a DSLR camera and taking up photography as a hobby. I've handled a 7D at work and would like to get my own camera. I was hoping you guys could give me some advice to buying a second hand kit off the classifieds forum, I was looking at buying a second hand Canon 500D with probably a kit 18-55 and eventually add on a 50mm f1.8 to last me for awhile. Any comments on combination of lenses and body? My budget is small, I'm a uni student at the moment so I'm setting aside about $500 for now, which is tight I know. I'm looking at a second hand DSLR because I want to learn the skills required before I progress to buying a better camera, is this advisable?

From what I heard, it maybe dangerous to buy off the BnS, especially for newbies who are not sure how to check the equipment.

I'm relatively new to the photography scene, my initial exposure to it was quite interesting and I'd like to develop my skills further. Thanks for reading! =)
 

I was looking at buying a second hand Canon 500D with probably a kit 18-55 and eventually add on a 50mm f1.8 to last me for awhile. Any comments on combination of lenses and body?

Just my 2 cents.

If you are talking about the combination, I don't see much issue with the setup mentioned. But the main difference you will "feel" between 500D and the 7D is the fps. 7D can fire off at abt 8fps, while 500D can only do 3+ fps. If this matters to you, you can consider saving up abit more for the 650D with 5fps (if really cannot settle for lesser than 8, get the 7D after saving up).

If you see yourself covering events frequently, I would suggest an external flash unit before getting the 50mm. For shooting landscapes, I doubt you will even need the 50mm.


For B&S Stuffs, yes, there are always risk involved if you do not know how to check them. If you have a friend that knows how to check, bring him/her along with you when you are buying...

If you want some form of warranty (shop warranty), you may have to consider those parallel imports (grey) sets , which unfortunately does not fall within your specified budget.
 

do you mind the size of DSLR? you can have a go at mirrorless cameras like the m43 and sony nex series too, they all have interchangeable lenses as well.

actually $500 is a bit too little to start off with, perhaps you can hold off the purchase while you save up more, then commit yourself into this expensive hobby?
 

I'm looking at a second hand DSLR because I want to learn the skills required before I progress to buying a better camera, is this advisable?
Drop the idea that a newbie needs to start with a small camera and supposedly better cameras are only for professionals or advanced users.
Buy the camera that you can safely afford, after all it will be a hobby as you state. With knowledge and skills you will see which way you will go and what equipment you might need (or not). The light is the same, the laws of Physics are the same. The differences in images between entry level DSLR and m43 are small, many will fail to tell them apart. A few only will really require the features of the high end bodies.
Do read the sticky threads we have put up for a reason:
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/newbies-corner/787393-faq-dslr-camera-buy.html
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/newbies-corner/916732-choose-camera-sensor-format-method.html
 

I'm looking at a second hand DSLR because I want to learn the skills required before I progress to buying a better camera, is this advisable?

I will say this is an interesting idea, since most people today prefer to buy the best and latest their money can buy nowadays.

But if a 500D is all you can afford, or do not foresee yourself having much more in the near future (7D is about $1.4K on BnS now i think), and you don't mind the camera specifications as compared to the 7D, I don't see why not.
The 500D is still a camera capable of capturing good pictures, and is definitely good enough for someone who is genuinely interested in learning about photography and picking it up as a hobby.

Just a word of caution though, it might be good for you to go feel the 600D or 650D body in the Vivocity Canon showroom in case you haven't touch a 500D before. The plastic body is quite a difference from the 7D body you have used before. Do make sure you will not mind the different body type else you will regret the money you have spent and wish you have saved up for a 7D or something.

From what I heard, it maybe dangerous to buy off the BnS, especially for newbies who are not sure how to check the equipment.

Sad to say, yes, there are always black sheep in any community, not to mention the hidden traders in BnS. Do find someone who knows how to check to go with you if you decides to get something from BnS.
 

I am certainly glad to find at least someone here like TS, who is not looking to buy the most expensive camera to start with. Any camera with a decent control will allow you to practice. Kudos to you!

I think you just have to be careful when buying from bns, but it's no problem if you ask a more experienced person to help check. There are many at bns who are honest too. So just negotiate and check before u hand over the money. My current D7000 is bought from bns. No fuss. Get those with warranty.

All the best!
 

The 500D may be old and the 18-55 lens one of the cheapest on the Canon list, but you can learn a lot with a basic kit. Personally, comparing the 7D and 500D (or 450D / 550D etc for that matter), the main things I would miss are the second dial and more direct controls. Faster frame rate and higher pixel size (beyond 8MP) mean little to me.
Buying used can be tricky if you're inexperienced. It would be good if you could ask a more experienced friend along to help. Also, when buying from B&S, I normally check the seller a little -- click on their username and you can see all the threads they've started or posted in. If you see mostly posts selling gear, that might indicate a trader/dealer -- I'd rather buy straight from a user than a dealer. If they leave a contact number, do a search (on CS and perhaps Google) to see if there are any warnings about a dubious seller.
Good luck and have fun in photography!
 

I use 7d With 50mm f1.8, people also say me noob, so as long as u like it, can already. Make sure it fits your hand
 

The 550D onwards uses the same 18mp sensor as the 7D, something to take note of.
I'm not sure what are the improvements over the various models from 450D to 600D.
Try to find out :
Canon EOS 500D (Digital Rebel T1i / Kiss X3 Digital) Review: Digital Photography Review

My advice is to try getting the model that has the most important improvements over the 450D and nearer to 7D for the money. (provided you have the budget of course)
 

Since you (the TS) have experience with the 7D, how to you feel about 7D... the image quality, the ergonomic, the weigh, etc. If you find that those mentioned fitted you nicely, then, you have to take into consideration that a 500D is smaller and handle abit differently (1 dial or scroll as compared to 7D's two) and quite a bit lighter... and if that don't bother you, why not, get the 500D and enjoy photography. If it bothers you, then you should save up more and get something closer to the 7D... example a 60D.
 

Since you (the TS) have experience with the 7D, how to you feel about 7D... the image quality, the ergonomic, the weigh, etc. If you find that those mentioned fitted you nicely, then, you have to take into consideration that a 500D is smaller and handle abit differently (1 dial or scroll as compared to 7D's two) and quite a bit lighter... and if that don't bother you, why not, get the 500D and enjoy photography. If it bothers you, then you should save up more and get something closer to the 7D... example a 60D.

TS did mention that his budget is only $500.... He might take a while to save up for the 60D or 7D. But seriously speaking, if really saving up and for the bang for the buck, go for 550D or 50D will be good. Avoid the 60D. Get the 7D only if you have the budget for it.
 

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TS did mention that his budget is only $500.... He might take a while to save up for the 60D or 7D. But seriously speaking, if really saving up and for the bang for the buck, go for 550D or 50D will be good. Avoid the 60D. Get the 7D only if you have the budget for it.

Why avoid the 60D? It is a great camera with all the correct specs (at least to me) too... except for the weather sealing capability. 50D as reviewed by many, do not hold too well in low light situation. And I am aware that TS budget is only S$500, that is why I mentioned that he should save up more to get the 60D if he found lacking in 500D (since he/she had experience with 7D).
 

Wow!

Thanks guys for the warm welcome and the input, there's alot of constructive comments here that I have been reading! Thanks! =)

Maybe I should clarify a few points. I did weigh out the type of camera I would need, I did my research before I posted this thread. I decided on a DSLR form factor because I felt it fit most comfortably in my hands and wanted more control at my finger tips, yup. FPS isn't an issue, I don't think I will need the speed or better specs of the 7D, nor the second dial because at the moment I only use one. Of course, I didn't only consider Canon at first, but I was looking at Sony and Nikon DSLRs available on the BnS, then checking out their ergonomics on dpreview.com and I think I maybe more used to Canon for now and want to get something familiar. My uses will be more of general photography, I intend to just take as many kind of pictures as I can and to build up my ability to Manual Focus. This said, I'm not too worried that what I get is not as good as the 7D, I just want an avenue to learn more (then in future upgrade 1 X good one) as well as future proof this purchase a little(was actually considering photography because I saw 450D's going for under 300 with a kit lens).

But if a 500D is all you can afford, or do not foresee yourself having much more in the near future (7D is about $1.4K on BnS now i think), and you don't mind the camera specifications as compared to the 7D, I don't see why not.
The 500D is still a camera capable of capturing good pictures, and is definitely good enough for someone who is genuinely interested in learning about photography and picking it up as a hobby.
I am certainly glad to find at least someone here like TS, who is not looking to buy the most expensive camera to start with. Any camera with a decent control will allow you to practice. Kudos to you!

Well I've been asking around and from what I gather from more experience photographers, the lens and the photographer are more important than the body. Which makes sense, because good tools in bad hands will end up doing a bad job.

I was poking about in the Consumers Corner and apparently BnS has traders and unscrupulous dealers, but I guess there are also honest people there too! But I have to say it makes me rather hesitant to get a camera, I have to check out the seller a little more thoroughly and also wait it out, hopefully the price of the 500D drops a little because the 650D is now available! Any chance there is a sticky that teaches you what to check when getting a second hand body and lens?

Once again, thank you to you guys who offered your valuable advice! =)
 

Wow!

Thanks guys for the warm welcome and the input, there's alot of constructive comments here that I have been reading! Thanks! =)

Maybe I should clarify a few points. I did weigh out the type of camera I would need, I did my research before I posted this thread. I decided on a DSLR form factor because I felt it fit most comfortably in my hands and wanted more control at my finger tips, yup. FPS isn't an issue, I don't think I will need the speed or better specs of the 7D, nor the second dial because at the moment I only use one. Of course, I didn't only consider Canon at first, but I was looking at Sony and Nikon DSLRs available on the BnS, then checking out their ergonomics on dpreview.com and I think I maybe more used to Canon for now and want to get something familiar. My uses will be more of general photography, I intend to just take as many kind of pictures as I can and to build up my ability to Manual Focus. This said, I'm not too worried that what I get is not as good as the 7D, I just want an avenue to learn more (then in future upgrade 1 X good one) as well as future proof this purchase a little(was actually considering photography because I saw 450D's going for under 300 with a kit lens).




Well I've been asking around and from what I gather from more experience photographers, the lens and the photographer are more important than the body. Which makes sense, because good tools in bad hands will end up doing a bad job.

I was poking about in the Consumers Corner and apparently BnS has traders and unscrupulous dealers, but I guess there are also honest people there too! But I have to say it makes me rather hesitant to get a camera, I have to check out the seller a little more thoroughly and also wait it out, hopefully the price of the 500D drops a little because the 650D is now available! Any chance there is a sticky that teaches you what to check when getting a second hand body and lens?

Once again, thank you to you guys who offered your valuable advice! =)

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/newbies-corner/311048-buying-2nd-hand-lenses.html

Same things goes for buying second hand body... check if your camera had fungus on it by shooting at small aperture... check to see if the USB port is okay, mode dial is okay, etc.
 

lastescapist said:
Hey guys,

I'm inclined on learning how to better handle a DSLR camera and taking up photography as a hobby. I've handled a 7D at work and would like to get my own camera. I was hoping you guys could give me some advice to buying a second hand kit off the classifieds forum, I was looking at buying a second hand Canon 500D with probably a kit 18-55 and eventually add on a 50mm f1.8 to last me for awhile. Any comments on combination of lenses and body? My budget is small, I'm a uni student at the moment so I'm setting aside about $500 for now, which is tight I know. I'm looking at a second hand DSLR because I want to learn the skills required before I progress to buying a better camera, is this advisable?

From what I heard, it maybe dangerous to buy off the BnS, especially for newbies who are not sure how to check the equipment.

I'm relatively new to the photography scene, my initial exposure to it was quite interesting and I'd like to develop my skills further. Thanks for reading! =)

Instead of buying from strangers in forums, think about buying from reputable 2nd hand cam shops. The prices are somehow the same, maybe the shops sell abit higher, but u get more assurance and can go back to shop for any problem

And u can get the full package from the shop too. Lenses and everything else.
 

Any chance there is a sticky that teaches you what to check when getting a second hand body and lens?
Once again, thank you to you guys who offered your valuable advice! =)

rhino123 has provided a great link for you to read

In addition, if you have any good photog buddies / friends, can always ask them along when meeting the seller if convenient to help check through. That is if your friends know what they are doing.

Ryan
 

Why avoid the 60D? It is a great camera with all the correct specs (at least to me) too... except for the weather sealing capability. 50D as reviewed by many, do not hold too well in low light situation. And I am aware that TS budget is only S$500, that is why I mentioned that he should save up more to get the 60D if he found lacking in 500D (since he/she had experience with 7D).

with the launch of 60D, you lose many very important features available in the 50D. Like magnesium alloy body and AF fine tune. 50D is now at an awesome price used. If I am to get a camera at that level, I would go 50D. If I can afford more, I will spend the extra for the 7D. The 60D feels like it is dumbed down just to make sure it does not cannibalize sales from the 7D. They pretty much replaced the semi-pro 50D with a consumer-grade cam called the 60D, while encouraging the pros looking for APS-C to get the 7D instead.

Of course, 60D has video, which 50D doesn't. so if TS needs video, can consider a 60D. But if just for photos, either save money and get the 50D or spend more and get the 7D.

You will find that AF fine tune to be very very important as your skills improve and your usage broadens. Why? because as much as what people say about the lens and photographer being more important, you need those good lenses to focus right on your camera body, so those lenses can shine. And 50D is also a much faster camera to use, with more faster access to many settings as well as a joystick.

As for ISO, yes, 60D is slightly better. But not that much better that it is worth the extra money as well as the sacrifice of the other features. If really looking for ISO performance, should maybe think of something in the line of the 5D classic or 5Dm2. You can see ISO difference here http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_60D/noise_JPEG.shtml

Overview of feature differences

Features in 50D not in 60D
Mag-Alloy body
Autofocus microadjust
Joy stick on the back
More quick-controls on top
PC port for flash syncing

Features in 60D not in 50D
Master in the pop-up flash
Digital level
Video
Flip-out screen
 

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These are the reasons why I got 50D although 60D was out already. A solid camera.
 

If that is the case, I would rather spend my money on a 40D... which is going cheap at this moment... that camera although had lower pixel count, but with exactly the same level of protection as compared to 50D, had a faster framerate (not much faster though), and as the reviews had it better noise performance as compared to the 50D.

This is also why I bought a 40D (second hand) when the 50D is there... and upgrade directly to a 7D later on.

Anyway, the swivel LCD is pretty useful in many circumstances, such as shooting at weird angles (which many a time I hope I have when I am using my 7D).

And yes, 50D had magnesium alloy body which are weather proof and stuff like that, but really... how many times do we have to brave heavy rain and stuff like that. For light drizzling, even my 1000D can handle that type of punishment, so a 60D should have no problem at all.

One thing about 60D... it is slightly smaller and lighter too... which can plays a part when you are out the entire day, lugging a heavy DSLR is pretty tiring... and when I was using my 7D... I am hoping for my 1000D (which is also why I have been using my OM-D lately).

You have a point in micro-adjustment there (I used this function alot for my 7D) and yes, that can be a minus point for 60D. Also... from some of the reviews... I am seeing that 60D had slightly better noise performance as compared to even the 7D.

So from all these... I still believe 60D is a solid body, and if not much money to get one... then look to 40D instead of the more expensive 50D.
 

If that is the case, I would rather spend my money on a 40D... which is going cheap at this moment... that camera although had lower pixel count, but with exactly the same level of protection as compared to 50D, had a faster framerate (not much faster though), and as the reviews had it better noise performance as compared to the 50D.

This is also why I bought a 40D (second hand) when the 50D is there... and upgrade directly to a 7D later on.

Anyway, the swivel LCD is pretty useful in many circumstances, such as shooting at weird angles (which many a time I hope I have when I am using my 7D).

And yes, 50D had magnesium alloy body which are weather proof and stuff like that, but really... how many times do we have to brave heavy rain and stuff like that. For light drizzling, even my 1000D can handle that type of punishment, so a 60D should have no problem at all.

One thing about 60D... it is slightly smaller and lighter too... which can plays a part when you are out the entire day, lugging a heavy DSLR is pretty tiring... and when I was using my 7D... I am hoping for my 1000D (which is also why I have been using my OM-D lately).

You have a point in micro-adjustment there (I used this function alot for my 7D) and yes, that can be a minus point for 60D. Also... from some of the reviews... I am seeing that 60D had slightly better noise performance as compared to even the 7D.

So from all these... I still believe 60D is a solid body, and if not much money to get one... then look to 40D instead of the more expensive 50D.

Problem is that 40D is 2 generations behind... and getting a used unit in good condition is a lot harder than a 50D in good condition. Since the camera has been out a lot longer, the chance of running into one with problems is exponentially higher.

Do agree that 40D is a great camera.

Which is also why I think 60D is a step backwards from the 50D. And it is all because of the appearance of the 7D.

And about weather sealing and toughness, you cannot believe the number of times these has saved my behind... And if I am paying at the same price level, I would feel cheated if the manufacturer removed all these features in the replacement model. That is why I would go higher for 7D or go for the older model.

And your point about size... between a 60D and 7D, the size and weight difference is that much that it bothers you? Come on now, really??? The difference is only 140g... If weight is that much of an issue, might as well go pns.
 

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