Can you help a guy who wants to get into photography?

[MrTomnus]

Hi,

 

So for a long time I've been quite interested in photography. I'm the family photographer because out of everyone I can take the steadiest shots with the best exposure etc. But I've always been disappointed with the image quality.

 

Today I visited my relatives, and I had a play with my cousin's DSLR, quite a nice Canon camera (I believe an EOS 60D). It was really fun and I was blown away by the amazing quality of the pictures. Great sharpness, colour reproduction and the exposure was even across the whole image. The lenses he had were awesome too, he had one with a really small aperture and it was really fun to play around with the effects. So now he's infected me and I want to start taking really nice pictures... This looks like I'll be saying bye to my income

 

So obviously because I don't have a huge budget, can somebody recommend me a nice inexpensive camera to start me off? As long as I can get something that will take pictures better than a compact digital camera will, I'll be happy. I assume I'll need a few lenses as well. Would anyone be able to recommend some to get for a starting photographer? If it helps I'd be taking scenery shots and portraits most of the time. I live in the UK by the way.

 

Thank you

[Mo5]

You can start of with the Canon S110. For 230 pounds on Amazon UK it's a good deal -  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-PowerShot-S110-Digital-Camera/dp/B00APEHM3O/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1397417348&sr=1-1&keywords=s110

 

Or even a Panasonic LX7 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix-Camera-LEICA-Summilux/dp/B008N8NZDK/

 

If you want a interchangable lens camera you can invest in a Nikon 1 system - the J2 is only 214 pounds - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-J2-Compact-Lens-Kit/dp/B008V9FTTE/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1397417447&sr=1-3&keywords=nikon+j3

 

*sorry for bad formatting*

[qwertywarrior]

i went with the sony NEX 3N (i got it for 300$ a few months back)

it has an APS sensor with interchangeable lens

awesome camera for the price pretty much the same sensor found on the higher end models

[Mo5]

i went with the sony NEX 3N (i got it for 300$ a few months back)

it has an APS sensor with interchangeable lens

awesome camera for the price pretty much the same sensor found on the higher end models

Problem with Sony is they don't quite have a wide variety of lenses

[qwertywarrior]

Problem with Sony is they don't quite have a wide variety of lenses

really ?

they have pretty good amount of emount lenses available

also seiko has a good collection too

[Mo5]

really ?

they have pretty good amount of emount lenses available

also seiko has a good collection too

Things have really changed since I last looked... not to mention the ability to adapt old lenses.

[qwertywarrior]

Things have really changed since I last looked... not to mention the ability to adapt old lenses.

lol i just noticed i said seiko lenses hahah

i meant sigma lenses

[Mo5]

lol i just noticed i said seiko lenses hahah

i meant sigma lenses

I ment to say that I didn't know Seiko makes lenses now too, but I didn't

Anyway... I'd still recommend the LX7 to start out. He is on a tight budget and wouldn't buy new lenses so quickly anyway... just guessing tho.

[MrTomnus]

You can start of with the Canon S110. For 230 pounds on Amazon UK it's a good deal -  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-PowerShot-S110-Digital-Camera/dp/B00APEHM3O/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1397417348&sr=1-1&keywords=s110

 

Or even a Panasonic LX7 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix-Camera-LEICA-Summilux/dp/B008N8NZDK/

 

If you want a interchangable lens camera you can invest in a Nikon 1 system - the J2 is only 214 pounds - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-J2-Compact-Lens-Kit/dp/B008V9FTTE/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1397417447&sr=1-3&keywords=nikon+j3

 

*sorry for bad formatting*

Haha the formatting is fine, don't worry! They all look okay, but I would like something with a manual viewfinder  So I suppose out of them the Nikon is most preferred.

 

i went with the sony NEX 3N (i got it for 300$ a few months back)

it has an APS sensor with interchangeable lens

awesome camera for the price pretty much the same sensor found on the higher end models

Same as above, thank you but I would prefer to use a manual viewfinder.

[Mo5]

Haha the formatting is fine, don't worry! They all look okay, but I would like something with a manual viewfinder  So I suppose out of them the Nikon is most preferred.

 

Same as above, thank you but I would prefer to use a manual viewfinder.

That means you are stuck with DSLRs or getting accesories, but getting an optical viewfinder as an accessory is stupid expensive. A Panasonic external optical viewfinder for the LX series is 175 pounds  :rolleyes:

In that case, get the Nikon D3200. In my mind the best beginner DSLR currently out there. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D3200-Digital-18-55mm-Compact/dp/B00I3M5U5M/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1397419851&sr=1-2&keywords=d3200

[qwertywarrior]

Haha the formatting is fine, don't worry! They all look okay, but I would like something with a manual viewfinder  So I suppose out of them the Nikon is most preferred.

 

Same as above, thank you but I would prefer to use a manual viewfinder.

i have noticed in my research for a new camera that cameras with a viewfinder  are normally in the high end class 

aps and micro four thirds sensors that come with a viewfinder are normally over 500$

i recommend skipping the viewfinder

 

you could get a camera with an aps sensor with an optional electronic viewfinder than you can buy later

 

if you really want an affordable camera with a view finder you need to settle with a sub 4/3 sensor and those dont really look "good"

 

im not very educated in this field but you can see for your self here

http://www.dpreview.com/products/search/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

[Mo5]

i have noticed in my research for a new camera that cameras with a viewfinder  are normally in the high end class 

aps and micro four thirds sensors that come with a viewfinder are normally over 500$

i recommend skipping the viewfinder

 

you could get a camera with an aps sensor with an optional electronic viewfinder than you can buy later

 

if you really want an affordable camera with a view finder you need to settle with a sub 4/3 sensor and those dont really look "good"

 

im not very educated in this field but you can see for your self here

http://www.dpreview.com/products/search/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

The only way to get an optical viewfinder "cheaply" is to go to a entry level DSLR. If he is on a really tight budget there's a Canon 1100D for sale on Amazon UK for 260 pounds - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-1100D-Digital-Camera-3-5-5-6/dp/B004MPQXZA

[MrTomnus]

That means you are stuck with DSLRs or getting accesories, but getting an optical viewfinder as an accessory is stupid expensive. A Panasonic external optical viewfinder for the LX series is 175 pounds  :rolleyes:

In that case, get the Nikon D3200. In my mind the best beginner DSLR currently out there. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D3200-Digital-18-55mm-Compact/dp/B00I3M5U5M/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1397419851&sr=1-2&keywords=d3200

 

 

The only way to get an optical viewfinder "cheaply" is to go to a entry level DSLR. If he is on a really tight budget there's a Canon 1100D for sale on Amazon UK for 260 pounds - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-1100D-Digital-Camera-3-5-5-6/dp/B004MPQXZA

The Nikon actually looks nice! I can save that money up in about two months if I get more shifts... Thank you

 

i have noticed in my research for a new camera that cameras with a viewfinder  are normally in the high end class 

aps and micro four thirds sensors that come with a viewfinder are normally over 500$

i recommend skipping the viewfinder

 

you could get a camera with an aps sensor with an optional electronic viewfinder than you can buy later

 

if you really want an affordable camera with a view finder you need to settle with a sub 4/3 sensor and those dont really look "good"

 

im not very educated in this field but you can see for your self here

http://www.dpreview.com/products/search/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out

[qwertywarrior]

The only way to get an optical viewfinder "cheaply" is to go to a entry level DSLR. If he is on a really tight budget there's a Canon 1100D for sale on Amazon UK for 260 pounds - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-1100D-Digital-Camera-3-5-5-6/dp/B004MPQXZA

i was thinking about an oled viewfinder

as a future upgrade

 

completely forgot about the rebel

great camera

[StormtrooperStu]

If you get a Canon, you can "borrow" your cousins lenses.

 

Not sure what your budget is but but the Canon 600D or the Nikon D3200 are both great cameras.

 

I have the 700D and love the flip out touch screen but nearly got the Nikon D5200. The Nikon tends to be better in low light but no touch screen.

 

I went to a shop and had a play with both and the Canon just felt better in my hand.

 

A great place in the UK is http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/  Grey imports but they put their own warranty on instead and it is better than Canon's

[Silvercall]

It would be really helpful if you could give an approximate budget. What is expensive for me may be cheap to someone else.

Also, I recommend just starting out with a body and kit lens. You can always pick up more glass in the future. Before buying a lens, you want to make sure you will use it (focal length). Both Canon and Nikon have some very affordable prime lenses that are well reviewed.

Good luck and llet us know what you end up getting.

[MrTomnus]

If you get a Canon, you can "borrow" your cousins lenses.

 

Not sure what your budget is but but the Canon 600D or the Nikon D3200 are both great cameras.

 

I have the 700D and love the flip out touch screen but nearly got the Nikon D5200. The Nikon tends to be better in low light but no touch screen.

 

I went to a shop and had a play with both and the Canon just felt better in my hand.

 

A great place in the UK is http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/  Grey imports but they put their own warranty on instead and it is better than Canon's

That's a good idea actually Okay, I don't think I'd want a touch screen, buttons are fine and it saves the screen getting dirty!

 

It would be really helpful if you could give an approximate budget. What is expensive for me may be cheap to someone else.

Also, I recommend just starting out with a body and kit lens. You can always pick up more glass in the future. Before buying a lens, you want to make sure you will use it (focal length). Both Canon and Nikon have some very affordable prime lenses that are well reviewed.

Good luck and llet us know what you end up getting.

I think £350 would be enough to spend on a camera, considering I might need to buy extra lenses too. What do you mean by more glass? More lenses?

[Ruostunut kokis]

That's a good idea actually Okay, I don't think I'd want a touch screen, buttons are fine and it saves the screen getting dirty!

 

I think £350 would be enough to spend on a camera, considering I might need to buy extra lenses too. What do you mean by more glass? More lenses?

He means more lenses. Lenses are often referred as "glass" among photographers.

 

 

Also 420th post... Not sure how to react...

[Silvercall]

I agree with @StormtrooperStu.

 

At that price range, you are looking at something like this:

Nikon 3100 with 2 Kit lenes (http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/nikon-d3100-double-kit-18-5555-200-black-991-p.asp)

or 

Nikon 3200 with Kit lens ( http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/nikon-d3200-digital-slr-camera--nikon-18-55mm-vr-lens-kit-1001-p.asp )

 

I really recommend on holding off on any additional lenses until you've got more shooting under your belt. If you are set on buying any additional lens, something like the Nikon 35mm 1.8 - 138 pounds (http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/nikon-af-s-dx-nikkor-35mm-f18g-280-p.asp) or 50mm 1.8 - 75 pounds (http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/nikon-50mm-f18d-af-lens-299-p.asp ) will allow you to take pics with very shallow depth of field (blurry background with subject in focus).

 

I would probably invest in some good photography books or photography classes in order for you learn how to take full advantage of your camera.  And if you can, go to the store and hold each camera as they do feel different in hand.  One might suit you more than another.

 

And yes, "glass" = "lens". 

[MrTomnus]

I agree with @StormtrooperStu.

 

At that price range, you are looking at something like this:

Nikon 3100 with 2 Kit lenes (http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/nikon-d3100-double-kit-18-5555-200-black-991-p.asp)

or 

Nikon 3200 with Kit lens ( http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/nikon-d3200-digital-slr-camera--nikon-18-55mm-vr-lens-kit-1001-p.asp )

 

I really recommend on holding off on any additional lenses until you've got more shooting under your belt. If you are set on buying any additional lens, something like the Nikon 35mm 1.8 - 138 pounds (http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/nikon-af-s-dx-nikkor-35mm-f18g-280-p.asp) or 50mm 1.8 - 75 pounds (http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/nikon-50mm-f18d-af-lens-299-p.asp ) will allow you to take pics with very shallow depth of field (blurry background with subject in focus).

 

I would probably invest in some good photography books or photography classes in order for you learn how to take full advantage of your camera.  And if you can, go to the store and hold each camera as they do feel different in hand.  One might suit you more than another.

 

And yes, "glass" = "lens". 

Okay, thank you for the help

[Zeke]

Nikon D3200 user here, that's truly a great first DSLR. If you have any specific questions, just ask  

[MrTomnus]

Nikon D3200 user here, that's truly a great first DSLR. If you have any specific questions, just ask

Actually, it would be lovely if you wouldn't mind uploading some shots in different scenarios so I can see how it is

[Zeke]

Actually, it would be lovely if you wouldn't mind uploading some shots in different scenarios so I can see how it is

If you don't mind waiting until Friday, I'll upload some (I have all the photos stockpiled on an external HDD at home atm).

[MrTomnus]

If you don't mind waiting until Friday, I'll upload some (I have all the photos stockpiled on an external HDD at home atm).

Haha, that's fine with me. I won't be buying it anytime soon. Thank you!

[Mo5]

Haha, that's fine with me. I won't be buying it anytime soon. Thank you!

In the mean time you can read some reviews

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d3200

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_d3200_review