What type of camera should be purchased for a beginner photographer?

1. 79

   AEvansposted 14 years ago

   What type of camera should be purchased for a beginner photographer?

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2. 61

   T. Michael Smithposted 14 years ago

   Let's see now, I've been asked this question many times before, but I always go to back to the same answer.
   
   Get as many megapixels as you can afford at the time of purchase. Cameras are updated constantly but the 12 megapixel camera will always give better results than the 10, and so on. On-screen you will not see much difference, but when printed it will be noticeable.
   
   I shoot a Nikon with interchangeable lenses. It's more expensive and has a lot of whistles and bells, but the results are more professional.
   
   A point and shoot is good for practicing composition and lighting but if you want to experiment with depth of field you will want a camera that offers manual controls.
   
   Remember, the camera isn't the most important part now the it's a digital world...
   
   Good Luck

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3. 61

   ggendaposted 14 years ago

   I have a Canon Rebel, and it's great! The pictures are excellent, it's easy to use, and is at a very good price point for such a good camera.

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4. 82

   Wayne Brownposted 14 years ago

   If you really want to understand the mechanics of photography, I would suggest buying an older used 35mm camera. Then when you start taking pictures, record the shutter speed, fstop (light) setting used each time.  You might also experiment with both color and black/white film.  If you record the setting, you can then compare the finished picture quality with the settings used. I would suggest taking a couple of pictures of each item using different setting so that you can see the contrast.  Once you began to understand the relationship between shutter speed and fstop settings for various films (high and low light film), you will become more skilled in your picture taking.  The majority of cameras sold today are auto technology that offer very little room for adjustments manually.  The older 35mm cameras make some great photos and offer lots of manual flexibility. WB

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5. 59

   TomHallPhotosposted 14 years ago

   OK, time to give a controversial answer!
   
   Purchase a Full Frame pro-level camera of high standard straight from the get-go! Then also purchase high-end glass lenses!
   
   Camera:
   
   I recommend a Full Frame DSLR. A full frame produces far better results at higher ISO's and will also produce more usable image information.
   
   Nikon: D700 is very affordable and produces excelled files with a wonderful innovation called D-Lighting (be sure to look that one up). As Jasin Boland would say "it sees better in the dark than a cat full of carrots"
   
   Canon: 5D is another full frame camera with even more megapixels, but it doesn't quite have the dynamic range or sensitivity of the D700.
   
   The best lenses to purchase are:
   
   1. 50mm f/1.8
   2. 85mm f/1.4 (The best portrait lens in the world and very well priced if you get the "D" version that has been out for more than 20 years)
   3. 70-200mm f/2.8 (with vibration reduction)
   4. A nice f/2.8 wide angle lens.
   
   Oh yeah, don't forget to make sure your lenses are manufactured with great glass. Most amateurs and enthusiasts have never purchased the top glass so don't realise that it's the lens that captures the image and the camera that processes it. Without good glass it doesn't matter how good the body is, the results will suffer.
   
   Part of the learning process involves inspiration. If the results you are getting from inferior equipment are frustrating you then the chances of being inspired are reduced. Inspiration increases drive to learn more and quickens the journey to being a successful artist.
   
   I often read blogs and answers from people ranting on about starting small and building up, but I believe that if you want to learn how to produce professional results then you need professional equipment.
   
   Sure, some will crucify me here and say, "What amateur can afford all the gear?" but I say this, "If you're serious about your chosen profession then get serious about the tools you use and find a way to acquire them. Buying entry level gear and then moving to the pro-level equipment will end up costing you far more in the long run, so buying the best upfront will actually save you money!"
   
   I hope some of what I've said helps to some degree. Good luck in your endeavours and happy shooting!

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