Any help I can get
 

Hi,

I would like to get a nice camera to take pictures with. I know nothing at all about them. Our current camera is like a 100$ Wal-Mart special. I just want a good starting platform that can be upgraded in the future if this is something I want to get deeper into.

The hobby has always got my attention, and I do find myself going through pictures almost daily wishing I could duplicate the shots. The bad pictures our current camera takes is also due to my lack of knowledge, not just because it is a cheap camera.

So what I hope you all can help me with is:

1) A good platform (upgradeable) to start with at a price point of $600 or less.

2) A good book or site that covers all the basics I will need to know to start off in the hobby.

3) A decent photo editing software that is easy to use, or at least has good support for me to find my own answers.

4) Any tips or things that have stuck with you from your first few months (or years) of learning.

Thanks!

Nikon D3000 SLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens 25462 B&H

or

Canon EOS Rebel T3 18-55mm IS II Kit 5157B002 B&H Photo Video

!

Thanks! any input on my other questions?

Hope this helped some!

As a photographer once told me (actually i read this some where but it makes sense)

a camera is only as good as the person using it. So it doesnt matter if you buy a entry level canon/nikon or the 5000$ one if you dont know how to use it. But the entry level ones mentioned above are pretty damn good, can do alot of things. Ive had a entry level onef or about 5 years and im still learning how to use it (i havnt put in much effort yet).

Im sure others with alot of experience will be able to answer specific questions or help you more. But like the one guy posted, once you buy something, learning exactly what everything means and does = better than spending thousands on accesories.

Thanks parker! In my job we are critiqued all the time so I am used to that. It only makes you better at what you do.

daisuke very true on your points, and they go with a lot of my hobbies in the past. Paintball, R/C racing, Car/Motorcycle Racing and some others. I never had the most expensive, newest, highest quality items out there but I still managed to dominate after learning the sport.

That's good, I run into a lot of people where their family thinks their pictures are amazing, but they really aren't... and then they get butt hurt because you pointed out what was wrong.

To touch on photoshop again, it really isn't easy to use if you are fresh to it... to add to that, there is usually several different ways to achieve the same result in it. But, it is the most used probably, so you can easily go through tutorials and youtube videos.

Maybe I should go to a class or something for all of this the more I look into it the more difficult it seems. That is why I always have respect for people with this talent. Im still going to get one of those cameras dais posted though, prob the Nikon.

For tips starting out, this guy has been awesome: PhotoTips.biz
entertaining and educational when it comes to photography.

For full photogear reviews and opinions: KenRockwell.com: Photography, Cameras and Taking Better Pictures
Breaks down the essentials of what you need and what's marketing hype out there. I strongly suggest reading some of the articles about megapixels and ISOs so you don't get cheated by sales hype.

All the above info is great. I also agree on reading Understanding Exposure by Peterson, I have a copy right next to me!

I have a suggestion, don't listen to Ken Rockwell.

I would give Lightroom a try, very easy and GREAT!

Why is that?

Because a lot of what he says is just his opinion, its nothing set in stone. I use to listen to what he had to say, then quickly realized its best just not to.

Funny, that just sounds like an opinion and not something set in stone.:tiphat:

In all seriousness though he does provide a lot of good advice on what to look for when first starting out, ESP if you're on a budget.

I will be on a budget because this is not a career plan or side money plan for me. I am doing my research this will be fun though!

Got me there... lol.


I just wouldn't take is word as your final decision... ever...

:iagree:
That's good advice on everything. Speaking of which, I highly suggest going to a store and holding these cameras. Honestly that swung my decision in the end on either nikon or canon.

So where are Nikon's made now, Japan, or China?(just curious)

High end stuff is made in Japan, and I imagine the cheaper things are made in China.

So.. Both.

Nikons use to be made in Japan. Most DX lenses are now made in thailand. I'm not certain about camera bodies (should still be japan). FX pro lenses are still made in japan.

IMO where it's made these days doesn't matter. Lens technology these days are highly controlled and operated in a highly autonomous fashion.

Neither canon or nikon manufacture any major components in China. I can't say anything about pentax or other brands because I never did the research. =X

Gotcha. I read it as opinion, some I guess I agree with, some I don't.

Just wanted to let everyone know I picked up a Nikon D5000. BestBuy was having a bundle deal I could not pass up, came with a VR100-200 lens, bag, extra battery, class 10 memory card with 20ms write speed, and a couple other things. Also got PS 9 which is awesome so far with the little bit of monkeying around I have done with it.

The wife and I are still reading through the owners book and getting familiar/comfortable with the camera and functions. Cant wait until the car show on the 25th maybe I will have some shots to post for everyone.

Thanks again for all the help!

Would be a 50-200VR lens.

Anyways, if you need any help just let me know.