Recomendations on a DSLR for a BEGINNER

danimarie88 · December 2010

...and by beginner I mean...all she ever uses is her Canon P&S on auto mode.

Okay, I admit it...the "beginner" is me! I have a Canon and a few of my friends got spiffy new DSLR cameras for Christmas and I feel very jealous. They produce such beautiful pictures (I'm sure most are from photography knowledge), but I feel like I want to do the same thing. Is it silly for me to want to spend $500+ on a camera that might be too much (technologically speaking) for me?

edielaura · December 2010

Can you try your friends' cameras out and then decide?

Sagenhaft · December 2010

Canon Rebel series are good for beginners. But honestly, the pictures come from the photographer, not the camera. In auto mode, you will get almost the same quality pictures from a DSLR with a kit lens as you will a point and shoot on auto. When I got my DSLR, my pictures actually looked better on the point and shoot because I was used to it and knew how to use it. Gradually, that changes and you can get really good pictures, but it's a good idea to start in manual mode on your DSLR.

Try the photography forum on the bump. The ladies over there are really nice and can point you in the right direction (like give you the link to this awesome twopeas tutorial that I don't have handy on this computer).

ilovehouses · December 2010

Here's the thing, you can get good shots on a P&S. You just have to know the tricks, and get a good P&S. One of the best I evr had was a Kodak. Google the photography school blog. I think it's out of Australia, but they have solid beginner articles that tell you how to set your picture up. THere is even a section out there on P&S (although the blog is mainly about digital SLR photography)

With that said, Canon EOS Rebels are really awesome. However, if you began at price point $500 in your post, you are going to be sorely surprised.

The body of a Canon EOS Rebel T2i, is around $800. 2 basic lenses with image stabalizer, a couple filters, tripod and a bag, tack on another $800. So, already your up around $1600. Sure, you can buy lenses for $200 a piece, but it will be hard to find.

emoflamingo · December 2010

I have a T1i. I got it last year for Christmas. If I had more time, I would probably be able to use every function on it. It'd be pointless, however, since it's hard to photograph a nearly 4 year old without being on auto. (The cat, however, I can use manual lol.)

I didn't buy it, but it's definitely pretty user friendly. I would agree that there are some P&S that produce some pretty great shots, but you have to do your research and get the right camera.

I would find a shop that specializes in cameras (we have a place called Wolfe's near here) and talk to someone there. They might be able to help you figure it out.

leighanneh · December 2010

we use nikons, so I might be biased, but I just read an article that said the Nikon D3100 was just rated the best DSLR for beginners.

Nickiechan · January 2011

I was a beginner DSLR shopper too back in 2009... I bought the Nikon D60 and was very happy with it, until it started to collect dust and I went on to my point and shoot camera. To be completely honest I was beginner and had a hard time learning all the features... it was a bit on the high end side for me. It took very good shoots, if you know what settings to set. After a year and half of only using it a couple of times I am planning on selling it. It is very bulky(heavy) and complicated camera for me. Husband doesn't like to us it because we are unfamiliar with the features and settings. If I had the time I would love to use/learn the features on it and take great photos, but with a baby coming I rather take a point and shoot camera that takes good photos at a moments notice... If you do get a DSLR and a beginner I would highly recommend taking a DSLR class. (Wish we had something like that around here...

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Recomendations on a DSLR for a BEGINNER

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