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What Camera?
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Morning all,
This is my first post so I will inform you that I am a complete newbie. I am looking to buy my first slr camera. I am mainly intersted in taking surfing/windsurfing photography (for personal non commercial use) but also have a big obsession with the sea and landscapes. I am guessing that most of the work will be done from the shore so maybe some suggestions with regards to different or suitable lenses. I have not really limited myself to a budget but being my first camera I was thinking something entry levelish until I get the hang of things. Any suggestions would be really appreciated!!
One final question would be with regards to a photography course. Would you recommend this as a complete novice or would you learn as much from getting out there taking shots and using forums??? Once again any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Paul
Can’t say for the Nikon Side, but for the Canon side I (and probably everyone else here) can definetly recommend the Canon 1000D (cheapest low end model, but still decent), the 400D or 450D (upgrade of 400D). They are all great cameras to learn a lot of different things. If you’re interested in sports photography, a zoom lens would be recommend. Sigma and Tamron both produce very cheap zoom lenses for if you just started (also check out the equipment for sale section)
For more reviews on camera, I recommend checking our http://www.dpreview.com, they have a huge database full of in depth reviews of almost every digital SLR.
Hope that helps Paul.
-Pete
Best advice – go to a shop and hold a camera in your hands.
Canon do have some good cameras (1000D, 450D) that are on the cheaper end, and should do what you need.
After that, you will need lenses that can cover what you want. Something wide for the landscapes, and something long for the surfing (300mm reach).
Hi Paul and welcome to the site!!
I suggest you get out to some camera shops and try the feel of different camera, there are a wide range , with a vast price range…I would suggest you look at Nikon or Canon as these have the widest lens range( own brand plus 3rd Party Sigma,Tamron,Tokina), but do not discount other brands Sony,Pentax,Olympus etc…
At the end of the day it will come down to what feel’s right for you………..but I would recommend a “Budget” entry to start Nikon D40,Canon 1000d,Sony Alpha 350 which all come with a kit lens to get you started!
Good luck and keep us up dated
Cheers Steve
Hi Paul,
The camera may not be the key element here, given your shooting interests. I would echo the advice given by the above posters in relation to an entry level DSLR, as they all do a pretty decent job.
From your interests, it would sound like you need two lenses:
– one long lens for the surfing/ windsurfing action. Once you move upward of 300mm, lenses start to get pretty pricey, easily dwarfing the cost of whatever camera you choose. a 70-300 zoom may get you started in this area, but 300mm may not be enough reach, and the cheaper 400/ 500mm lenses seem to start at 800+
– a wider/ standard wide-angle zoom for the land & seascapes you mention, something like a reasonably priced 18-70 or thereabouts should suit fine. Remember you don’t don’t fast aperture lenses for landscape, and the standard f3.5-f5.6 consumer zoom should be fine to get you started. Alan Briot, a renowned landscape photographer has an excellent article telling you what you need focal-length-wise here:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/composition-3.shtml
My parting point, would just be aware that the investment in a camera body is usually one of the smaller costs in a photo kit, when you factor in lenses/ tripods/ etc. Look at the overall picture, and what you will need to photograph your interests, as buying into the wrong brand at this point could be very costly down the line.
Damien
Hi there,
Many thanks for your replies, suggestions and all your information, very much appreciated. Its off to the old camera shop for me. Although I do feel a bit guilty that if I do see the right one for me I am going to walk out the door and purchase on the net… Oh well…
Thanks again…
Later
Paulie wrote:
Hi there,
Many thanks for your replies, suggestions and all your information, very much appreciated. Its off to the old camera shop for me. Although I do feel a bit guilty that if I do see the right one for me I am going to walk out the door and purchase on the net… Oh well…
Thanks again…
Later
Agree the best advice is to get your hands on some cameras, AND definitely check out the Pentax K200d – great price and spec!
i found that when i got my slr that i knew when i held it in the shop. and if its your first i suggest stick within your budget.
You could get a film camera which will have you learning in leaps and bounds. you can pick up a nikon F5 (their pro camera) from many shops in the uk for £200.
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