DSLR for beginners?

[Joshuashaw]

Is there any good webbys to read up on DSLRs & lenses for people looking to buy there first DSLR? Good starter cameras, basic techniques, photography terminology etc. Thanks. :)

[Slapo]

The truth is, it doesn't matter. You can pick just about any DSLR currently on the market, get into it well and take great shots.
What you should consider is what you'll be buying later on. If you plan to grow to no ends and possibly become a pro, then it's safer to bet on Nikon or Canon, if you know you'll go semi pro at most, then you can add Sony, Pentax/Samsung and Olympus to the bunch.

The basic techniques are pretty much the same you'd use with a compact camera with aperture/shutter speed priority modes and manual mode. If you have one like that, it could be smart learning with it first and getting a DSLR later on when you're experienced enough.

[Forbiddenbiker]

This place is excellent. (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/index.php)


Highly recommended. :thumbs:






:D Seriously though, what do you want to know, what sort of photography do you want to do, and how much you spending then?

Guys here love this sort of question. :thumbs:


Edit: Damn beaten to the first slot, lol.

[jimybell]

Go to a large camera shop on a quite day, ask to handle various types, get the feel of them.
Free books on loan at your local library.
Ask questions here.
Jim

[lefteye]

I agree that here is a great place to learn and be inspired.

Choosing any dslr would be fine, although the dslr's aimed at pros have less in the way of settings to help you, also they are blooming expensive.

I reckon stick to cannon or nikon and look at the cheaper models, then as you progress you can upgrade the body and use the lenses.

[michaelgreen78]

Go into a camera shop and have a play with different cameras. Don't always trust what the salesman tells you (they don't always know what they are talking about!).

Canon and Nikon are recognised as the top 2 brands and have the best range of lenses and accessories.

Depending on your budget you could go for entry level Canon 450D, mid/prosumer level 40D, pro level 5D or 1d series. Prices get higher the further along that list you get!
I wouldn't necessarily go for the low budget choice first off if you think you'd upgrade later along the line, getting a mid-level camera body will save you the hassle and expense later, not to mention being better from the off.

Here's a couple of good tutorials sites:

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/expose-right.shtml

This is a link full of photography links - very good for info:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=458053

These are good places for good prices etc:

http://www.camerapricebuster.com/
http://www.7dayshop.com/

[Andysnap]

Hi Joshua and welcome.

I found this place very useful when I was starting. The guys a yank but none the worse for all that.
http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/
If you work through the pages it will help you decide what you want from a camera and what bits and bobs you need.

Andy

[jimybell]

Looking back I would go for a used, mint, Canon 350D.
Now about £250 - ???, a very enjoyable piece of kit to play with.
Not too long, not too short, not too thick, not too thin, just right!!!
Jim