First DSLR advice

liamcrane

liamcrane

liamcrane

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Hi everyone,

Im just starting to get into web design and i want to start using my own images on my site as well as having a general interest in photography.

I have never owned a decent camera before i wont lie, so i am not really up to speed on what to look for. I was wondering if anyone could lend me some advice on maybe a good starter camera that will last me for a while. I have been looking at some DSLR camera's but i'm just not to sure what would be right for me.

I have seen the Nikon D3300 which seems to get good reviews for a starter camera, just wondered what your thoughts would be.

Thanks all
 
If it was my money it would go on a second hand Nikon entry level model like the d3300 they are great value and by going second hand you reduce your loss if you don't like it and want to move it on.
 
What has made you decide on a DSLR?

Mirrorless and even some high end compacts are very good.

if you are just starting out, i would suggest maybe a sony rx100ii or second hand mk3

you could also go down the sony a6000 route which is a stunning camera for all intents and purposes.

the great thing with compact system and compact cameras is you don't look like a photographer and can carry the camera around without having intent of doing a "full shoot" but can nowadays get dslr quality.

I bought a compact system camera with a longer lense thinking it was what i needed and to some degree it is. however, i do find myself having to make a conscious effort to pack a camera. now if it was a compact (rx100ii/new nikon) then it could just live in a pocket.

and the saying is something like, "the best camera is the one you have with you".
 
Something to be aware of is that a DSLR is only as good as the lenses you buy for it. When you start out you might be only able to afford one or two lenses, or perhaps just the 'kit' lens that comes with a starter DSLR. But over time you will likely want to buy more lenses. But each manufacturer (Nikon, Canon, Pentax etc) has their own lens mount system and you can't swap lenses between them. Third party lens manufactuers like Sigma and Tamron make versions of their lenses for each mount type.

So you'll soon find you are invested into one manufacturer's system for the foreseeable future. The more lenses and add-on gear you get, the harder it is to switch.

Why mention this? Well you're right at the point where you take that first step and make a committment to one system or another. And often it's made when you have the least amount of information to hand.

You'll find people who will swear by Nikon, others by Canon, others by Pentax or Sony etc etc. None are right and none are wrong, all manufacturers make great cameras these days and you'll likely be happy with any of them. But one brand might suit you more than another and you need to make a choice.

What I would suggest is trying to get to a camera store to hold a few different cameras in your hands (DSLR and compact) to see how they feel and if you like the layout of the buttons etc. DSLR manufacturers tend to try and keep their button layouts consistent between models as this helps people upgrade. But the controls from brand to brand can vary quite a lot. If you have friends with a DSLR, ask to borrow them for a few hours and see how you get on.

Also, make sure it's a DSLR that you want. You will end up spending a lot more money on lenses, flash, tripod or monopod, bags etc ... its sort of inevitable. Are you up for that? If not, a compact DSLR-like camera might be the better first camera.
 
As mentioned above, I would also consider mirrorless. Many people (myself included) just think "DSLR" when they decide to get into photography as they assume it's the only serious and obvious way to getting quality photos.

They just don't realise that mirrorless is inevitable :D
 
When i used to own a DSLR i only ever had one lens. A 50mm 1.8 and it was all i needed but you may decide you would want more flexibility. I would buy 2nd hand. Look at MPB online. Great place with warranty too.
 
Oh and DP will be along in a moment to tell you we're all wrong, EVFs are pants and Nikon DSLRs are the only serious choice. He will mention the word "flange" more than once.

(Sorry DP, only joking ;) :D )
 
I'm a relative newbie to photography and have a Nikon D3300 myself. I get on well with it and I'm learning all the time. Even on auto mode I personally think it (generally) takes pretty good shots and it has plenty of options and modes to keep you going when you feel like playing around with the more advanced stuff.
 
Thanks so much guys for all your help, i will definatly do some more research and see what would be best for me. I think maybe a DSLR would perhaps be overkill as i wasnt aware that i would have to get different lenses for different shot types etc.

Maybe i will look at something like mirrorless instead. I think maybe i have fallen into the trap of reading about start up photography where everyone mentions DSLR!

Just out of curiosity do most people tend to use photoshop for editing there shots if indeed they need editing for whatever reason? Playing around with Photoshop getting my head around how to enhance photos etc

Thanks again guys
 
don't be scared of lenses. basically it gives you choice. you can get zoom lenses or fixed.

to start with its always best to have zoom until you know what you will be shooting and your style.

nowadays there are also high end "compact cameras" which have all of the manual options and generally come well equipped. the bonus of these is they are "pocketable" not comfy in the pocket but not bad. but it means you don't have the big old thing draped around you neck like a douche.

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18717661

have a look through here. it's a very well thought of camera and one that can be carried everywhere. it has a useful scope of zoom and takes a cracking picture.

nikon have just released some competition to this camera but its not in the shops yet, and also looks a bit bigger?
 
liamcrane said:
Just out of curiosity do most people tend to use photoshop for editing there shots if indeed they need editing for whatever reason? Playing around with Photoshop getting my head around how to enhance photos etc

Thanks again guys
Click to expand...

Photoshop is probably overkill for starting out unless you know you're going to be diving into pixels or making complex edits. Lightroom is more photo-centric and very useful, although most of the time I do my basic tweaking in Faststone Image Viewer, which is free.

If you're needing a proper editing tool like Photoshop, also try GIMP. Does a lot and again is free.
 
You shouldn't really be scared of buying a DSLR because of lenses - you can get DSLRS with a kit lens so something like an 18-55mm which is fine for landscapes and then 55-250 for a couple of hundred quid for a bit of zoom.

What kind of things do you want to shoot?
 
Thanks for all the advice guys, got plenty of research to do over the weekend now.


smr said:
You shouldn't really be scared of buying a DSLR because of lenses - you can get DSLRS with a kit lens so something like an 18-55mm which is fine for landscapes and then 55-250 for a couple of hundred quid for a bit of zoom.

What kind of things do you want to shoot?
Click to expand...

I'm just looking to shoot close up high quality images of everyday objects and just general landscapes on my travels really
 
If you don't want some of the lens options that go with DSLR Def go mirrorless

I don't really know personally I'd the following is true buuut..
I'm not sure mirrorless is particularly suited for wide, macro and particularly telephoto.

But if you are after a one lens option, may as well go mirrorless and be done
 
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