Editer
1601
Damn. When I grow up as a photographer, I want to be Alan.
Razgon
1605
Let me know if this is the wrong thread to ask, but what would be an entry level camera in the lower price range if someone were to take up photography as a hobby? I’ve never done it before, but love these pictures and I doubt my Samsung phone can do anything like that and have been thinking about getting into the hobby for a while. Its just not a very good idea to trust the clerk at the photodealer in these matters.
Editer
1606
Really depends on your budget, Razgon, and whether size is a concern.
I have a Canon T4i (EOS 650 in your region) and love it, and I’ve progressed through a series of Canon Rebel bodies over the past few years. An EOS 550/600/650 with an 18-135mm lens is a great starter DSLR that can take some fantastic picture.
However, I’m using the T4i because I have an investment in Canon lenses. If I was starting fresh right now, I’d consider one of the new mirrorless cameras, which are smaller and still versatile; the Sony NEX5/NEX7 are well-regarded.
Back by popular demand… MORE MOUNTAIN GOAT ATTACK:
— Alan
Last one for tonight…
Seriously though they were pretty cool, and mostly calm around people (they didn’t like dogs much) so only slightly jittery. As long as you were mellow, they were mellow. But they were fun to hang around with. And no, you don’t feed them.
As for cameras… I’m not a great judge of what to get for entry level, though there are plenty of good models these days. It’s hard to go wrong with the Sony stuff these days, Canons or even Nikons. Also depends on your budget. Cameras only take you so far; lenses (ie. quality glass) and in some cases filters can really make your imagery so much better.
There’s also some pretty good threads about cameras and getting into photography in the Hardware section, FYI.
— Alan
Juste
1609
The Nikon D3200/D5100 are good entry level cameras. Try to get a 18-200 lens to start off with, that will give you plenty of opportunities to experiment. Later you can add other lenses as you see fit.
This thread in the tech forum covers what your are asking. But I’m not threadcopping. I was in the same position as you. A few years back, I bought a Canon Digital Rebel XT package from Costco at a very nice price. It was a body with a 18-55 lens and a 55-200 lens. I’ve since managed to retire every bit of that original kit. Juste’s advice of an 18-200 lens is a good one. That’s a nice range for a general purpose lens.
The photo of the dunes is really good.
And the baby goat.
nKoan
1613
If you are truly interested in mirrorless, Canon will have the EOS M coming out soon. It has a new lens mount, EF-M, but there will be an adapter for all your EF-S lenses (not sure about EF lenses).
I don’t know if it’d be much of an upgrade for you. I have a T1i, and it would be an mild upgrade for me, but if I remember correctly the CCD is not that much better than the one in the T4i.
Reemul
1614
I started with a Sony Nex 5 and now use a Nex 7. Really though I was dictated to by size due to having a 1 and 4 year old with me ( now 2 and 5). Honestly I would like bigger maybe a full frame jobby but the size is impractical.
The best camea is one you have with you to use.
Sony RX100 is a great new P&S with excellent image quality but is about 600 euros.
Nex 5n is similar and small, you have the d3200 for a dslr size as well for 500 euros.
My guest ion is go in and have a play with the different types in your price range and get what feels good.
Personally you need aps-c sensor for the best image quality. Then it’s down to size and price. Cannon and Nikon have better expensive lenses where as Sony pushes the tech envelope in cameras more.
One thing is with practice most average cameras or better can take great shots but a poor photographer even with thebest camera will still take crap pictures.
Editer
1615
Yeah, I looked at the EOS M and I was not whelmed. It wouldn’t really offer any advantages over my T4i (same sensor, fewer capabilities) and once you pair my bigass lenses with it, the size advantage is gone too. Consensus seems to be the the Sony’s are leading in the mirrorless area right now. The NEX-5R looks really nice, though at that price, I’d be tempted just to go full DSLR: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/sony-alpha-nex-5r
And yeah, the RX100 Reemul mentions looks fantastic. If I hadn’t needed a small camera for a trip back in July, I’d have held out for that instead of buying my Canon S100. (Which is also a superb pocketable camera, if you don’t have the budget for an RX100.)
Editer
1616
Also, investing in good books or a class is as important as buying good equipment.
The second-best picture I’ve taken so far in 2012 was taken with my iPhone. Knowing about composition, lighting, etc. is critical, and even the best equipment won’t help without a good understanding of those basics.
Reemul
1617
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is what I used initially then visited a few decent websites.
However I can’t stress enough that after understanding it all you need to take lots of shots. I spent ages with my mother in law re the learning but she never got out and took many shots and never got the hang of it.
It is easy to look at other peoples pictures and think I can do that but it is never quite as easy as it looks. I always think of darts and pool/snooker, you go to your local club and they make it look so easy yet when you have a go it’s like oh shit that’s hard. Practice makes you better even in photography.
nKoan
1618
And now back to some photos. We took a trip down to Mammoth a few weekends ago. Any criticism would be greatly appreciated.
Here is the Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes from above by nmhansen, on Flickr
And from Twin Lakes looking back up towards where I took the above pic (I was standing near the top of the waterfall for that one).
Crystal Crag from Twin Lakes by nmhansen, on Flickr
Reemul
1619
Lovely shots, the first is my favourite but I may have cropped a bit off the bottom, not much as you want all the lake in.
Reemul
1620
Some picture spam now, went to the local Bournemouth Free Air Show today and took these. I will post them smaller as there are a few.
This a Vulcan Bomber, the only one now flying in the world, first used to carry Nuclear Bombs for Britian
Vulcan Bomber by Reemul, on Flickr
Vulcan Bomber by Reemul, on Flickr
Tornado Bomber, camera wasn’t really up to catching good shots of these as they really were moving.
Tornado by Reemul, on Flickr
Tornado by Reemul, on Flickr
The Red Arrows return to Bournemouth with 2 less pilots after one died at Bournemouth last year and another later on in the year.
The Red Arrows by Reemul, on Flickr
The Red Arrows by Reemul, on Flickr
The Red Arrows Leave by Reemul, on Flickr
A Mustang and Spitfire from the Second World War.
Mustang and Spitfire by Reemul, on Flickr
This Misdemeanour a privately owned Hawker Hunter.
Misdemeanour - Hunter Hawk by Reemul, on Flickr
Misdemeanour - Hunter Hawk by Reemul, on Flickr
