recommended courses for beginer

Not arguing but adding detail.

There's a reason most pros shoot Canon or Nikon. Pro level support, any specialist lens or piece of gear that might take your fancy etc.

I do recommend other cameras for specific needs, but there is a good reason for that lineup of hundreds of white lenses at major sporting events, it's not a coincidence.;)

Whilst enthusiasts are poring over dxo scores and slagging off Canon for their crap sensors, the pros are out there queueing for the next Canon pro body or lens (are they daft?).

I know that the others are outperforming in some areas and catching up in others, but the fact remains there's still clear water between how CaNikon service pros and everyone else.

It's a bit of a chicken and egg situation - because in the past Canon and Nikon have dominated, lots of pro's use Canon and Nikon, so there is a large support service and they are widely stocked.
Other brands have smaller market share, so have smaller support service and are less widely stocked.

Sony are building up their pro support service, but it's still a small operation by comparison (I don't know about other brands support options).

It's certainly a point to consider, but it's unclear if the OP is looking to invest in the level of kit that leads to pro support services (not sure on the requirements for Canon / Nikon to enter such support programs, but assume there are some requirements or costs involved)

Why are pro's queueing up for the next Canon / Nikon body?

Certainly not because they are daft (some might be, but in general not) - but for many it is because they either have a significant investment in existing gear (both in cash, and in time becoming familiar with it).

There is a cost to switching brand - and getting the next new model in their existing brand is probably cheaper than switching.
 
It's certainly a point to consider, but it's unclear if the OP is looking to invest in the level of kit that leads to pro support services

not at the moment, as suggested in earlier posts, i just need to get out there and start shooting(lots) and see where it takes me, prob looking at a starter dslr kit or bridge camera....any suggestions (prob started a whole big hornets nest now;))
 
Suggestions? Yep. Don't touch a bridge with a barge pole if you are serious about learning.
If I were you, I'd hang about on here for a couple of months and then pick up a decent used camera with a couple of basic lenses for a few hundred in the classifieds section.
You don't need anything flash or expensive in your early stages of learning because you won't have a clue what you'll need.

Once you've learned for a year or so, you'll have a much better idea of what kit to invest in.
 
Hi Lee , Ask around your local area if there is any camera clubs and then pop along and have a chat to some of the members..somebody should be available to advise and point you in the right direction ..
 
Hi Lee , Ask around your local area if there is any camera clubs and then pop along and have a chat to some of the members..somebody should be available to advise and point you in the right direction ..
camera club? Hmmmm worst years of my photographic life boring out of touch old people and I'm 61.I was one of the youngest guys there.:(:(:(
 
Hi Lee , Ask around your local area if there is any camera clubs and then pop along and have a chat to some of the members..somebody should be available to advise and point you in the right direction ..
Darren might have had a better experience than I, but I would no more go to a camera club for advice than a high street store.

The clue is in the name, painting societies aren't called 'brush clubs', archery clubs aren't called bow clubs.;)

A camera club will advise you of the 'best' camera and lens to buy, and tell you that you should invest in processing skills.

As Mark said, hang about round here, read all the tutorials and ask some questions, then by the time you have access to the classifieds, you'll have an idea what to buy along with access to it.
 
I can't really advise on training, but can say, practice, practice, practice and a bit of patience, go a long way.
With regards to kit, go used, you get so much more for your money. An enthusiast body Canon 40,50,60d (£200/£250) or equivalent Nikon, (sorry don't use Nikon so can't suggest a body). A couple of lenses the basic 18-55 kit lens £70 (they really aren't as bad as people make out) and a medium zoom 55-250 £130 or 70-300 £200 and you're pretty much set to start your journey for as little as £400 (all prices from mpb).
 
You've already had the best advice, but I'll re-echo it.

Buy a basic camera, learn how to use it technically (plenty of online guides) and then just go and shoot.That's only way that you'll understand and discover what you actually want to do in photography
And you'll end up being really average but having a nice hobby like the rest of these guys?
 
Okay. Is the winkie a proposition? Cos I'm very straight but good luck to you
 
Don't put that on me, I didn't post that
I never said you did :)
Check above my post ;)

FFS I even quoted 'Darren', you're really not quite sure how the Internet works are you? (Or conversation, discussion, manners, general adult behaviour) :tumbleweed:
 
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Okay. Is the winkie a proposition? Cos I'm very straight but good luck to you
Wow, so many of your posts make disparaging and rude remarks about other photographers and TP members, you excel in giving out vague and off-the-mark advice, and now you stoop to this? Sometimes people go beyond offensive and are clearly quite troubled :confused:
 
To get back on track I'm gona start looking into getting a camera soon, obviously looking at either a dslr starter kit or go for a mirrorless, what are people's thoughts, I know each will have there pros and cons....
 
There has been a lot of helpful guidance and offers posted by some very experienced photographers, you know who you are (y)

There has also been a lot of unhelpful remarked and urine extraction, in the thread, that's not really a way to help out a new member is it?.

Being helpful? great, Crack on with the advice (y)
Being disparaging or un helpful? those posts are not required.
 
To get back on track I'm gona start looking into getting a camera soon, obviously looking at either a dslr starter kit or go for a mirrorless, what are people's thoughts, I know each will have there pros and cons....
For most types of photography, either are both fine. From what I understand of mirrorless systems, focus speed can be a drawback unless you go high end (Sony A9 for example) but these are pretty pricey. Other than saying the obvious "go and try some in a shop". you pick a camera brand and start adding bits of kit here and there, then after a while you've amassed quite a lot of brand specific equipment, it becomes expensive to change brands or systems.
Would I have chosen Canon over Nikon now I know a lot more than when I started (only 2-3yrs ago), probably not, but I've got lots of Canon equipment now and really can't afford to change. I only do this photography lark as a hobby so at the end of the day my equipment is fine, it's not expensive in it's individual parts (nearly everything is second hand) but as a whole is worth a lot to me.
So what I'm really trying to say with all that waffle is, make a brand/system choice, not an individual camera choice. Most camera's aimed at the beginner are pretty similar, so look for what you want in the future.
 
To get back on track I'm gona start looking into getting a camera soon, obviously looking at either a dslr starter kit or go for a mirrorless, what are people's thoughts, I know each will have there pros and cons....

There have been a fair number of posts, but one thing that might help to better advise you is a clearer idea of what you actually want to shoot, and the sort of budget you have (and what you might have to subsequently spend over the next few years)?
 
Budget is the big question - then I would suggest practise and play. Lots of help out there but its what will resonate with you that is important. I found understanding exposure book very useful as it explained some basics to me in a way I understood.

Kit wise... I would get something relatively cheap 2nd hand, practise and then after a while you will know exactly what you want and can then make the next step. Fuji mirrorless are excellent but do have limitations compared to a dslr (focusing, battery, lens choice for example). Something like a D300 Nikon is £200 or so and was a pro body a few years back. 12mp so will still give you decent sized images, lots of external controls and good up to 800iso and ok at 1600. Get a 35mm DX 1.8 and you have a great setup for £300. Using a prime is great as it makes you really think about what you are shooting.
 
To get back on track I'm gona start looking into getting a camera soon, obviously looking at either a dslr starter kit or go for a mirrorless, what are people's thoughts, I know each will have there pros and cons....
If I were advising for general photography, then I'd say mirrorless is great, it's the future, the cameras have an appeal that modern dslr's dont.

But if you're serious about sports, then without spending a mint, you can buy a very capable dslr.

I'd suggest either a Nikon D7000 or a Canon 7d. Both fantastic cameras when released, the Canon has a bad rep for low light IQ, but so long as you expose correctly it's perfectly usable.
I don't know what the Nikons go for now but the 7d can be had for lots less than £400 and considering it was £1500 at launch that's a bargain. We had 2 and I still use one occasionally, and make saleable shots in poor light.

I'll try to get some recent sports shots up over the weekend. But of course I'm just a boring old fart who knows nothing. ;)
 
I got a Nikon D5200 as my first DSLR, it's a great camera and I am far far from reaching its limits. For the money, I was hard pressed to find a reason to buy any other camera and I can't see myself needing anything better any time soon.

Edit. The 18-140mm Nikon zoom is a good starter lens that can give you range for trying out different types of photography.
 
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Cheers Phil, you might be a boring old fart(not my words) but you know a dam sight more than I ever will so thanks:)
I'd hope not.
There's no reason that you shouldn't know loads more than me in years to come.
I've helped plenty of 'beginners' build successful businesses, or just get really good.
 
You're definitely a boring old fart Phil but you're far from being the only one...
I've had fun...
 
You're definitely a boring old fart Phil but you're far from being the only one...
I've had fun...

Justify yourself rather than behaving like a 14 year old girl.

How many years have you been shooting, how did you manage to learn overnight? where can we see some of your amazing work that's got the establishment running scared? All these things would be useful to the OP, your insults are useful to no one.
 
Not a pro by any means, barely even a hobbiest. But I do a lot of research before I make a purchase...

My Sony A77 cost £360 2nd hand (with 12 month warranty) with less than 2k actuations. It's weather sealed, magnesium body, 24mp and does 12 frames per second. It has on camera stabalisation too.

Only downside so far is it's a bit chunky, but it's also rugged. May suit the extreme sports environments better. Oh and that Sony now seem to be favouring the E mount not the A mount, but that's a whole other discussion.

I already had Minolta and Sony lenses so it made the decision easier.

Loving it so far, built like a tank.
 
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hi all, sorry if this is the wrong place for this thread but here goes.

In about 3 years I retire from the fire service, ive been thinking of what to do once that day arrives career wise. Im not looking for a full time job just something that I can do as and when I want. Photography is something ive always enjoyed but never taken it past using phone cameras or basic digitals of family days out and places we've been

So basically my question is are there any courses out there anyone could recommend for I total newbie to get into photography as a business, I've looked briefly at the open university course and also the photography institute course and also is it a viable option/path for me to take

cheers
Hi lee.im a beginner too.and where i live there are no available courses.but that didnt stop me:).now days you can learn soooo much on the internet.atleast to get you started.especially utube and google.thers nothing you cant find.plus here on the forum there are many nice folks to help you out and aswer your questions.for me i started with a nikon d3200 and im still using it.i think its a pretty good beginners camera.i shoot mainly wildlife.its what i love.so you need to find what inspires you.dont rush yourself into deciding what type of photography you wanto get into,rather try out abit of evrything and see what inspires you most.and most of all have fun.that guarantees the best photos;).and remember it might take you a 100 shots to get one thats really good.so dont give up.
 
I do think this is sad, the OP asks for advice, and you come out with GUTTER talk, not good really :(
:agree: we should help each other out.remember we all started out as beginners.non of us was born a perfect photographer and non of us is up to this day.no matter how good we are or think we are, we are still learning new things all the time.and when someone who is new to photography and dosnt know anything much about it comes to the forum and gets such replies as some above.its extremely discouraging.neither should we put each other down for not knowing certain things as non of us is perfect.what is the use of this forum if all of us just boast with what we know???that dosnt help us grow.instead trying to build each other up and helping each other is a much greater thing.in my opinion buying a simple beginners camera and learning to use it and learning about my passions as a photographer firsteould be the way to go.but i can not put some one else down because he or she had a different opinion and found it more easier to learn with proffessional gear from the start.we all learn in different ways.and i guess if my budget had allowed it i would have bought a better camera aswell.so please lets not bully each other:).we are all in this together learning from our mistakes.and non of us is perfect.(y)
 
Some fairly blah advice given so far? If you want to take action/sport images for reproduction you'll need a camera that has good resolution (24 megapixels or higher), Lenses from wide (18mm) to big telephoto (7-800mm or more), ability to shoot at several pics per second & some photo processing skills in terms of nice colours, low noise, etc. Your affinity to the sports will put you in a much better place than some d******d photographer ;-)
Well isnt this like telling someone who has never ridden a bike before to start out with a carbonfiber racer?
 
Ive seen some pretty good mountainbike photography done with a Sony A6000 and various lenses, surfing shorts with the same and 70-200 etc. Though taking up photography aiming to make it a career I would go with an entrylevel to intermediate camera body from one of the two big makes canikon and browse youtube for good chanels on the subject learning from them.
 
Well, just been into my local Jessups( just so I could compare the Canon and nikon together) and I think I'm leaning towards the nikon, they had a 4300 and a comparable model in the Canon...I preferred the menu setup on the nikon,
 
Has anyone actually suggested any courses like the OP asked for?

I'm just gona get out there and just take pics for the moment just to get some hands on experience, see which path it takes me, might not even go down the path I'm thinking bout once I get out there.
 
I was asking because I would have been interested to see if anything suggested might be something I would like to do.
There isn't 'a course' that'll take you from knowing nothing at all to being a 'pro sports photographer'. If you have a specfic training requirement, post it up, there might be a course that's perfect for you.
 
There isn't 'a course' that'll take you from knowing nothing at all to being a 'pro sports photographer'. If you have a specfic training requirement, post it up, there might be a course that's perfect for you.

I am not looking for a course, just watching the thread to see if anything suggested peaks my interest. I enjoy learning, whether asking questions that I need answers to, studying myself, or being taught.
 
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