Begginer: What Do I Need?

~DaCoda-Buchan Jul 28, 2012

I don't even own a camera. I am interested in dabbling in photography. What are some basic tools I will need to get started? Also, what is a good brand and model of camera for a beginner? I need something that is user friendly, forgiving, and affordable. I would hate to spend $500 and find that I lack a knack for this stuff.

Any helpful tips are appreciated. If anyone knows of a good tutorial or two for taking basic photos of scenes and people I would appreciate the suggestions.

DaCoda Out

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Devious Comments

~Svenler Jul 29, 2012 Professional Photographer

I think the biggest question is what kind of photography you want to do.

~DaCoda-Buchan Jul 29, 2012

I have friends that like to model, I live in a college town, but I also live in semi-rural Alabama. There are a lot of natural things here that I would enjoy photographig. I may find that I enjoy different aspect of photography more as I play around, but for now I would just start with local scenery.

~Svenler Jul 29, 2012 Professional Photographer

If you are serious about taking up photography and considering your budget, you should opt for an entry level DSLR with one lens:

Nikon D3000 with 18-55mm for $420: [link]

Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm for $499: [link]

While the lens is at best mediocre, the resulting pictures will be better than what a point and shoot can provide.

A better image quality option for a lens but without the advantage of zoom is this one:

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 for $110: [link]

For shooting models, you should start out with a reflector:

Westcott 40 inch 5 in 1 reflector for $40: [link]

~DaCoda-Buchan Jul 30, 2012

Those are great suggestions. I didn't know that a reflector would be affordible. I appreciate your help. I'll be sure to let you know what I wind up buying.

~Erinokaz Jul 29, 2012 Student Photographer

It doesn't really matter what camera you have, like there is no point in going out and buying a camera with a million different options but you don't know how to use any of them. I'd say start out with a basic camera with a few different features so you can experiment with them and then if you get good at that and you like doing it then invest in a more advanced camera

And you don't really need classes either, I've never had any classes but that's mostly because I'm stubborn and don't like to be shown how to do things and would rather figure them out myself but if you just experiment and practice you'll get the hang of it

~DaCoda-Buchan Jul 29, 2012

On top of their being excessive, an overly advanced camera would also be intimidating. I want something I can learn the functions of quickly. If I have a thousand functions and I have to take a manual into the woods with me, I'd feel hindered. I want to focus on the image without worrying about pushing the wrong buttons all of the time.

~Erinokaz Jul 29, 2012 Student Photographer

I have a Panasonic Lumix FS62 that I got like 2 years ago so there are probably newer models out and it was my first camera and I found it quite good because it didn't have too many functions but it had like zoom, macro zoom, changing the brightness and different settings for taking pictures of different things like fireworks or snow which is useful because if you had one where you had to manually change it you would have to know what to change it to but with mine it changes it for you

And then it has like an intelligent auto mode aswell

So I think it's quite a good camera for beginners because I still really like it

~JonasJakobsen Jul 29, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

If I were you, then I would safe up a bit more than 500, and then buy one of the low range Nikon DSLR, like the d3200 with the standard 18-55mm. lens or the d3100 with the same standard lens, cause with a compact camera you can only grow so much as a photographer before the limitations, that a compact has, stops you from growing. So if you ask me, the DSLR with the standard lens and a small SD-card is all you need to get started, from the on it's just practice

which kind of photography do you want to do?

~DaCoda-Buchan Jul 29, 2012

I've been thinking a lot about this recently. I have friends that model, and I live in semi-rural Alabama, USA. I would mostly be photographing scenery and people. I know that's vague, but having just started I can't really say what I enjoy/ am good at.

I am interviewing for a new job soon. If I land it then a $500 camera wouldn't be a problem. If I don't then I'll be rolling my change just to buy a cheap camera. I will look into the d3200 and d3100 if I find that a camera of that caliber is an option.

~JonasJakobsen Jul 29, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

That's cool, it can be very interesting to take photos of people

the d3200 cost about 700 with a 18-55mm. lens, and then you don't have to buy a new camera when you outgrow the compact, but you know, it's all up to your economy. I just wanted to give you a bit of advice, and a DSLR don't have to be complicated to use, and you can see a difference between a photo taken with a DSLR and one taken with a compact.

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