Beginners advice please

Forums › Digital Imaging › Beginners advice please

BevanChu

46 posts

Geek

#73366 12-Dec-2010 22:10

Hi, this question is from my friend. He was wondering what are the essentials to look out for when buying a SLR camera. Thanks

heavenlywild

5059 posts

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#416285 12-Dec-2010 22:11

I think what we need to know is what your friend would like to take with the SLR. This should give photography experts a starting point to help:)

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Damager

2125 posts

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#416287 12-Dec-2010 22:13

Google is your friend and friend's friend too :-)

http://www.slrdigitalcameraguide.com/

Looks like some good information there.

Cheers

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BevanChu

46 posts

Geek

#416290 12-Dec-2010 22:21

He said he needs it for a class so its more of taking general things

BevanChu

46 posts

Geek

#416308 12-Dec-2010 23:21

He said he needs it for a class so its more of taking general things

Regs

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Snowflake

#416316 13-Dec-2010 00:20

sounds like the 'essentials' will be: "fits my budget".

I would expect that any bottom of the range SLR from Sony, Canon, Nikon etc would be OK for a photography class.

in any case, you would think that the people running the class could provide some help in this department...

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heavenlywild

5059 posts

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#416344 13-Dec-2010 07:26

For low light conditions, I recommend Canon. I am not too impressed by Sony's camera quality in terms of the images it captures.

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Balchy

484 posts

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#416354 13-Dec-2010 07:56

EOS1000D all the way if you are on a budget and still want a high quality camera

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Chainsaw

357 posts

Ultimate Geek

#416379 13-Dec-2010 09:07

Basically any digital SLR will do for a class. They all have auto and manual modes.

I'd get a cheapish second-hand one for now, then once he has played around a bit and knows whether or not he will continue with this, or give photography away, or find his niche, he will have a much better idea of what to buy next. In the mean time not much money will be lost buying the "wrong" camera and lenses.

There are no "essentials" to look for, especially when starting out, as you just don't know what type of photography you're going to end up enjoying or doing most.

alasta

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#416661 13-Dec-2010 18:17

Whilst there are plenty of brand loyalists who will tell you to buy one thing or another, the reality is that all of the major Japanese manufacturers make good quality SLRs and you're splitting hairs if you think that your brand choice will make any significant difference to the end result. A competent user and a decent piece of glass are far more important than the logo on the camera body.

That said, you do need to remember that you're making a big commitment if you end up buying lenses and accessories so make sure that the body you're buying has lenses available for it that suit your needs.

mattwnz

20141 posts

Uber Geek

#416665 13-Dec-2010 18:21

BevanChu: Hi, this question is from my friend. He was wondering what are the essentials to look out for when buying a SLR camera. Thanks

You should check out dpreview dot com , as that website has everything you want to know about buying cameras and very good reviews.