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Beginner Photographer

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grandwizard
Posts: 24 - Karma: 10

     I'm looking to get into digital photography, I've got a crappy point and shoot but I'd like to upgrade to a better quality, DSLR camera. The only problem is that I have no idea about anything in regards to cameras (quality, etc..). Since I'll be just starting I was looking at the lower priced cameras, mainly the sony a330.

I was wondering what recomendations you would have for a beginner photographer. I'll be shooting probably a little of everything, including skiing. Is this a good camera for what I'm looking for, if not could you reccomend something around the same price?

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665887570

Any help is really appreciated, thank you.

Jan 25 2010 12:03PM
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SeanTom
Posts: 7936 - Karma: 1,747
Congrats for making the jump but i feel like you'd be better off staying with the main companies. Nikon or canon.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&N=0&gclid=CK2I8sWKwJ8CFVFM5QodaD-63g&A=endecaSearch&Ntt=nikon%20d3000&Q=

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/615725-REG/Nikon_25454_D5000_Digital_SLR_Camera.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/571144-REG/Canon_2762B003_EOS_Rebel_XS_a_k_a_.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/613613-REG/Canon_3818B002_EOS_Rebel_T1i_500D_.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542180-REG/Canon_2756B003_EOS_Rebel_XSi_a_k_a_.html

Obviously there will be people on NS who disagree with me but that's my 2cents
Jan 25 2010 12:46PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
i reccomend a canon rebel.  check out the Xsi, or Xti.  they are "out-dated", if you will, only because canon feels the need to crank out a nearly identical Rebel every 18 months. 

ideally the T1i would be perfect, but pricier.  it's worth it though.  the video is NICE, to say the least.
Jan 25 2010 3:18PM
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icantskiiFILM
Posts: 2113 - Karma: 140
get a Nikon D40. its not the best out there but it produces some good shit and anyways..its not the camera that really matters. its the lens. nikon or canon have the best selection and are the most respected dslr companies out there.
Jan 25 2010 3:27PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
half true. 
a 2000 lens on a Rebel will take better pictures than the stock EF lens, but throw it on a mark IV and the results willl be infinitely times better

a lens can make or break your set up, but especially for a beginner, interface plays a huge part in your decision. 
Jan 25 2010 3:31PM
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Deezy
Posts: 4580 - Karma: 1,004
Nikon D5000 or D3000 (i have the D300) its awesome, that is if you go nikon, i love nikon... but i have no problem with cannon tho.
Jan 25 2010 5:52PM
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PeterWojnar
Posts: 3937 - Karma: 678
D40s are very easy to use, and the results are good. As price goes up, options and quality tend to go up, but I would stick with Nikon or Cannon. If you get more into photography in the future, the lens choices will make you wish you were shooting with a Nikon or Cannon- so take care of that from the start.

And for sports photography, an off-camera flash really is indispensible. If you have any cash leftover after you get the body and a lens, buy a speedlight before you invest in more glass. For an inexpensive flash tha works well, look for a used Nikon Sb-28. They work well, have all the necessary things- pc plug, diffuser, even a light-based slave feature. What that means is that you can pop up the flash on your camera, dial it way down, and shoot: the light from your on-camera flash will set off the slave, and this lets you save yourself the extra expense of buying a set of pricey pocketwizards or other triggers.

For a nearly 100% complete guide to all things lighting, check out the Stobist blog. Lurking the ASCartel.com forums will also teach you a great deal.
Jan 25 2010 7:00PM
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Longie18
Posts: 6 - Karma: 10
I agree, stick with Canon or Nikon. This way you know you will get quality pictures. I just got my Nikon d60 this year, great investment. Plus, with all the new models coming out, you could probably get a d40 or similar for a reasonable price.
Feb 15 2010 1:36PM
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Mr_Papageorgio
Posts: 1271 - Karma: 117

i got a rebel xti 2 years ago.

i'm ready to upgrade now but it was the best investment ive ever made as far as sparking a new passion is concerned

Feb 15 2010 3:30PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
my vote goes to the t1i
http://www.firstdropouterwear.com/fd/photos.html
3 shots taken with my t1i and kit lense.

Feb 15 2010 3:45PM
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jason...
Posts: 9006 - Karma: 780
The Canon Rebel series are incredible starter dslr's. They let you learn to do everything in manual. Check out my flickr link in my signature, everything on there was shot with my Canon Rebel XSi.
Feb 15 2010 9:04PM
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freshlyDIPPED
Posts: 1160 - Karma: 121
canon released there new rebel.
they gave it some more video specs. and a new autofocus i think.
something like:
HD video 60 fps on 480p. 30fps on 1080p.

google ittttt
Feb 15 2010 10:18PM
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KiDCuDi
Posts: 390 - Karma: 13
get a canon rebel t1i
Feb 16 2010 2:28AM
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RileySnyderPhoto
Posts: 688 - Karma: 1,451
If you are balling on a budget I'd say a Canon G11 (P&S). If you can afford it, Canon T1i is a good one to learn on but as everyone will say: put money into lenses more than your body (it will make a huge difference in quality). But beware, more megapixels does not always mean its a better photo i.e. anything over 10MP is usually overkill for anyone who isn't shooting professionally. You could always try to find a used 30D or 40D (I shoot with a 40D and it comes out with some amazing photos even though there are newer models out there. All the photos on my site were taken with my 40D except the picture of me. http://www.rileysnyderphoto.com) But if you are getting a Rebel, all of them will suit you fine but you may outgrow it. A blog you might want to check out is http://http://dancarrphotography.com/blog/ski-and-snowboard-photography-101/ for general skills. Think I covered about everything I could think of
Feb 16 2010 12:14PM
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skibikeclambake
Posts: 2346 - Karma: 27

Riley, snowboarder handdrag over the wide rainbow box = money shot.

But you really can't go wrong with a Canon rebel. You will eventually want to work your way up to a nicer body, but learning is usually easier on an entry level camera.

Good glass is important, but with a lower level dslr, its not going to make or break your shot. On a high end body though, low quality glass will produce sub par shots.

Feb 17 2010 3:55AM
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