I think I'm going to try and buy some books to learn the basics and then go from there. Might see about doing a course (I am Wellington based) and then consider lenses a bit later on down the track. I think I might get a tripod quite soon as I want to do a bit of filming (for device reviews).
All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.
I think I'm going to try and buy some books to learn the basics and then go from there. Might see about doing a course (I am Wellington based) and then consider lenses a bit later on down the track. I think I might get a tripod quite soon as I want to do a bit of filming (for device reviews).
I have a tripod at home, it is a cheapy but I could do it for $20 including postage.
Unfortunately I am away until 20th May but if you are keen let me know.
Depending on what kind of photography you do the most of will impact what is the best next gear purchase for you personally.
But pretty much everybody will find these four things very useful for their price (beyond the obvious of getting an extra memory card or three, and an extra spare battery):
a) Tripod.
Being able to keep the camera stable during long shots is very important, also you can use it for self timer shots.
You can get one from ebay for well under $50, or you can spend much more and get a tripod which will last you for decades.
b) Fast prime lens.
Prime lenses offer performances that would cost many thousands of dollars more from a zoom lens (or even be totally unachievable with a zoom lens).
The most common first prime to get is the "nifty 50" which provides incredible bang for the buck. So this is the 50mm f1.8, but as you have a crop sensor you might consider the 35mm f1.8 too. (also consider the f1.4 lenses too if you wish to spring for something a bit more pricey)
c) An external flash.
If you find yourself using the inbuilt flash even occasionally then it is time to get an external flash! (as the inbuilt one is absolute rubbish, only there to be used for cases of life or death emergencies. Although popping a diffuser over the front of it makes it kinda more acceptable, sort of)
Getting one with TTL makes it easier to use, but also more expensive. The manual external flashes are really cheap however, but you need to be confident using your camera entirely in manual mode (which hopefully you're aspiring to learn). I got a manual flash brand new for about $40 from Hong Kong, although usually they're a little more expensive than that. Yongnuo is the most popular third party Chinese brand, you can buy directly from them via their eBay store here: http://stores.ebay.com/hkyongnuophotoequipment
d) a reflector.
You can get this for twenty bucks or so from ebay, so really.... why wouldn't you? Is fantastic for outdoor shots when somebody is available to give you a hand.
I have a tripod, a really nice one. I last used it in 2009, as a light stand. Useful for landscapes, but not much else.
I don't use reflectors either. Even on overcast days it throws a lot of light back at people, making them squint. I use off camera flash instead. More control, less heat.
Primes are good. On camera or external flashes are good.
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