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Post by camdensmama on Aug 23, 2009 19:28:03 GMT -5
Hello Everyone! I'm a newbie and very much an amateur. I'm actually just looking in to purchasing my first camera that isn't just a snap shot camera. Honestly, I don't know how to shop for a camera because I don't know what all of the terms mean. I'm hoping someone could give me a little guidance. Again, I'm very very new to this so I need someone to really spell things out for me.
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Post by Saknika on Aug 23, 2009 20:39:08 GMT -5
Well the first two questions would have to be: What is your price range? Do you want to be able to take full control of the camera settings?
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Post by Accebera on Aug 23, 2009 22:28:26 GMT -5
Also ask yourself what kind of subject matter you're shooting/planning to shoot. Knowing this will help you decide which camera features are essential and which you can live without.
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Post by camdensmama on Aug 24, 2009 9:31:25 GMT -5
I'll be shooting mostly people.
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Post by camdensmama on Aug 24, 2009 9:36:06 GMT -5
Well the first two questions would have to be: What is your price range? Do you want to be able to take full control of the camera settings? I'd like to stay somewhere in the range of $300-$400 or less. Again, I'm very new to this so I don't know if that's a reasonable amount or not. I'm not sure if I need to be able to take full control of the camera settings. What sort of things could I do if I had that option? I'm going to be shooting mostly people indoors and outdoors. I'd like a camera that shoot really sharp/clear photos. Also, I'd like to be able to shoot photo after photo with very little delay (not sure what this is called).
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Post by Saknika on Aug 24, 2009 10:57:45 GMT -5
Being able to take full control allows you to work the settings however you want, or to use Shutter or Aperture priority. It will allow you the option to control if the background is blurry and such. Generally with portraits, being able to have this control is key, because the cameras that allow for it also allow for better focusing abilities. The delay you're talking about has to do with the on-camera flash, and how long it takes to recharge. If at all possible, I would avoid using that. It usually makes some very nasty shadows in photography. $300-$400 is a little on a tight budget, but here's what I found that's as close to it as possible: Nikon D40 with Lens Kit $374.95 Olympus Evolt E450 with Two Lenses $429.95 Canon Rebel XS with Lens $429.95 Pentax K2000 with Lens $409.95 The Olympus is honestly the best deal of the four. It has two lenses, and one of which is better for portraits then the 18-55mm ones that come with the other three. If you choose to go with one of the other three though, or something else all together that you find, the 18-55 can be used. You just have to be mindful for minor distortions.
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firequall
Weekend Photographer
Canon shooter
Posts: 64
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Post by firequall on Aug 24, 2009 15:38:11 GMT -5
Going against what most people suggest, I'm going to say avoid diving into an SLR if you're just starting out into photography. You don't need to deal with what lenses to buy, what body you need and all of that extra stuff when you don't even know if you're going to like the hobby. Find a decent point and shoot camera with some manual functions and learn from there. Once you feel comfortable with the basic knowledge and want to expand into more technical stuff, then buy yourself a decent SLR. Lenses are a hefty financial investment and the resale value on them typically aren't very good.
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Post by camdensmama on Aug 25, 2009 9:48:43 GMT -5
I haven't yet decided which type of camera I'm going to buy. Could you suggest a few point and shoots? Thanks!
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Post by Papsta on Aug 26, 2009 19:55:35 GMT -5
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