Photography - Where to start

[MrMat]

On that note it might also be worth mentioning that in this day, you don't actually need a DSLR. Mirrorless cameras are just as good (quality wise) as SLR's. Ergonomically they're a different beast, but i've gone to love mine far more than i loved my DSLR.

[jmak]

I'd say; it has to have a view finder (there are some really high quality bridge/system cameras around that only offer a screen), you need to be able to control shutter speed and aperture separately as starting points. The first thing you need to learn is composition (which you can do with any camera - even a phone camera) and then control of exposure (shutter speed and aperture) and the effects you can achieve. In terms of quality of image, any camera is only as good as the optics and the sensor (IMO much more important than the latest electronics), but the most important thing of all is that you can't take any pictures at all if you don't have the camera with you and even if you have it with you, you need to be able to set it up quickly otherwise it'll stay in the bag and you'll miss the shot! So don't buy something that's too big or too complicated.

 

I used (before kids) to really enjoy my SLR, but found it just doesn't come out with me enough, but all the lessons I learned on my first fully manual slr are still valid with whatever camera I use. One of the best things about digital is that you can take as many shots as you like and the file tells you what settings were used, so that when you review the pictures you can see what worked for your best shots. It cost me a fortune in film and I used to have a notebook to record what settings I'd used - I really feel quite old now!

 

If it was me, I'd seriously consider an older body with some better lenses.

 

Well that was a much longer post than I intended!

Edited August 7, 2015 by jmak

[dbaxter]

Canon 1200D With 18-55mm IS Lens Best Price £269.54 - Compare Prices Here - UK stock Canon Photography Price Comparison

 

Total steal with the Image Stabilising lens (they only work on still subjects)

 

Or for Nikon

Nikon D3200 + 18-55mm VR Lens Best Price £269.00 - Compare Prices Here - UK stock Nikon Photography Price Comparison

 

Have a read of KenRockwell.com: Photography, Cameras and Taking Better Pictures

 

Local camera club and just getting out to shoot/look at free tutorials online will be better than a course.

Also look at flickr and 500px to get a feel of what other people do and how they do it.

 

Have fun.

[bald_pig]

I got my D3200 from here, best price i could find but longer shipping time:

Nikon D3200 Kit with 18-55mm VR II Lens Digital SLR Camera - Black

 

Just a thought, do you know what kind of things you'd like to photograph? I'm into motorcycle photography mainly, with a little bit of animal photography for family.

[SteveBentley]

It has to have a view finder

 

Are you meaning an optical viewfinder or do you consider an LCD viewfinder to be acceptable?

 

I used to be of the same opinion, but upgraded my Sony A200 to an A58 which has LCD screen and LCD viewfinder and I now hate using the old Nikon at work which is optical only. My eyesight is no longer good enough, even with the dioptre corrector on the body, to be able to use the optical finder without my glasses, and with them I can't focus properly on the whole of the image. I find the LCD viewfinder on the A58 is easier to focus on somehow, but I tend to use the screen (unless it's too bright to see it) because I find I can judge what is in focus more clearly on the bigger image. Plus I can get shots from angles that I could never hope to get otherwise with the fold out screen - handy for that annoying situation where you turn up early before an event to get a nice unobstructed spot, then as soon as anything happens there are loads of kids being hoisted onto shoulders blocking your shot.

[jmak]

Are you meaning an optical viewfinder or do you consider an LCD viewfinder to be acceptable?

 

The decent electronic ones are OK nowadays - reasonably accurate and bright. The screen is OK on a tripod, otherwise I find I can't hold it still enough...

[MrMat]

The decent electronic ones are OK nowadays - reasonably accurate and bright. The screen is OK on a tripod, otherwise I find I can't hold it still enough...

 

Electronic view finders seem to split opinions these days. Personally I love them and think the pros greatly outweigh the cons but understand why some folks aren't fans. You'll only know what suits you by going out and giving both a go.

 

In my opinion, these are the pros and cons to electronic view finders:

Pros

- You get 100% coverage for starters, all but the top end viewfinders these days only offer about 95% coverage etc.

- True preview of image. The biggest pro personally is that what you see is what you'll get. Adjust the white balance, you'll see the change through the viewfinder. Manual exposure becomes a doddle, if it's too dark through the EVF then the shots going to be too dark so adjust accordingly.

- HUD/Overlay. An EVF allows you to apply an overlay to your viewfinder such as a spirit level (so you can make sure your horizons straight etc), histogram etc. Also allows you to change any setting without taking the camera away from your face as you can see the menus through the viewfinder. Focus Peaking is also another personal favourite, this highlights (in a choice of colours) the area of the photos that are currently in focus which helps massively when focusing manually etc.

 

Cons

- Responsiveness. The biggest drawback isn't actually noticeable most of the time (depending on what type of photography you're into). In the daytime, afternoon etc there isn't any lag at all however as soon as it gets dark, you'll really notice it.

- Clarity. Even though modern EVF’s sport reallyhigh resolutions, you always know you’re looking at a screen as they’re justnot as clear as actually looking at the scene.

- Battery life. Actual viewfinders obviously use zero power, an EVF uses plenty. Be prepared to buy some spare batteries!

 

At the end of the day it comes down to preference but certainly don't shy away from cameras with EVF's. Go have a good play with both and it should soon become apparent which will work for you.

[arwen]

On that note it might also be worth mentioning that in this day, you don't actually need a DSLR. Mirrorless cameras are just as good (quality wise) as SLR's. Ergonomically they're a different beast, but i've gone to love mine far more than i loved my DSLR.

 

I'd second this. They are called all sorts of different things, Compact System Cameras, Mirrorless and Interchangeable Lens Cameras to name a few.

I have just bought a Panasonic GX7 with a 12-32mm and 35-100mm lenses from ebay (with £70 case(!!!), a massive in-depth manual, a quick tips type book and 3 batteries - £499 in total). I am very impressed with this amazing little camera. I am by no means a pro photographer, but I enjoy playing around with settings and composition to make interesting photos, and this camera can do all that and loads more. I take photos of anything- bugs, parrots, people, flowers, hills, rivers, sweeping landscapes, food, drink, motorcycles, cars, washing up drying on the counter...

 

I've had my eye on Micro Four Thirds cameras for a few years now, as I've always found actual DSLRs massive and unwieldy, probably as I have rather small hands. The kit for them is also smaller, and lighter than DSLR kit, so the camera, a few lenses and spare batteries can be carried comfortably in a reasonably small bag. I can safely say that I am very pleased with my purchase, and as it is so small, the camera comes pretty much everywhere with me.

Here is a little photo of it so show just how small it is with the 12-35mm lens on it, I use this lens pretty much all the time.

 

 

Not all come with viewfinders, the GX7 does however have an EVF, which I've found works rather well. But as it has an amazing touch screen, I tend to use that unless it is so sunny I cannot see it clearly.

 

Edit - Forgot to add - = my flickr account if you want a look at some of the photos I've taken while getting use to this camera. None of them have been processed in any way in Photoshop etc.

Edited August 10, 2015 by arwen

[SteveBentley]

Equally some cameras in the typical SLR form factor are technically not SLRs at all if we're being pedantic - Sony's more recent models use a semi-transparent mirror rather than the mirror moving (the "reflex" bit) when you take the shot. That makes it lighter but still has that familiar form factor, which personally I quite like for stability.

[ChickenDhansak]

Look at MBP photographic, I've just got used kit from them. Very good service and the kit is always described accurately

 

+1 for MBP - very good company. Grays have an excellent reputation but I think you pay a premium for the name

[dhicks]

Plus I can get shots from angles that I could never hope to get otherwise with the fold out screen - handy for that annoying situation where you turn up early before an event to get a nice unobstructed spot, then as soon as anything happens there are loads of kids being hoisted onto shoulders blocking your shot.

 

Good point. I generally use a monopod and remote shutter release cable - similar in function to a selfi stick, but with a camera with a positionable screen you can hold your camera (if it's light enough) well above head height to get a shot over people's heads. It's generally quitye a cheap accesory, too.

[Homer]

+1 for MBP - very good company. Grays have an excellent reputation but I think you pay a premium for the name

 

+1 for MBP, got two lenses from there.

 

Bought stuff from Grays for work, I think they are slightly more expensive but you do get a year warranty with them (which is good with expensive kit)

 

Second hand stuff is a winner if you can get it from the right places

[bwfc_nottingham]

As well as courses, look at joining a local camera club. I've learnt loads just from club activity evenings out and about with more experienced photographers.

 

I'd second Harry Monkey, in fact don't bother with a course, join a local camera club first, you will learn lots from the members, visiting lecturers and judges who visit clubs to 'judge internal competitions'. I've learned loads from my local club. Follow the link below to find a club near you .

 

 

PAGB Member Federations

 

 

Regards

 

Phil