Looking for good start-up camera - is this the one? Would this be a good camera for a beginner and would it take me into a semi-pro career?
1275273
Let me start with a few obligatory questions: how much experience do you have with photography, what do you want to photograph, and how much are you willing to spend?? The Rebel XT is a great camera. You can start learning on it, and continue with it for a long time. I currently use one. The biggest limitations this camera has are: Slow fps (3) Extremely small buffer if one shoots RAW (I shoot RAW exclusively, and the buffer only holds 4 shots) Small(ish) screen - the 2.5 on the 30d makes me drool... Rear wheel on higher canon models seems more efficient than four buttons Smallish, and plastic construction. Don't let these turn you away - I am a sports shooter, and that is very demanding on the equipment. You said you want to do a little semi-pro; for that reason, I would reccommend the canon 30d for you if you can afford it. The higher fps, bigger screen, larger buffer, better build quality, and rear wheel would all be of benefit. But if you don't want to splurge on the 30d, the rebel makes a fine choice. Don't forget that the newer 400d has come out - it is an upgraded version of this camera. And most of all, remember that the camera can only capture what a lens sees. Invest in some good glass.
774987
Hi Mr. Hewitt (I wonder if we have any relation?) Anyway, for a true beginner (as in you've never used anything but a point-and-shoot) I'd recommend you get a Nikon D40 and an 18-200 VR. Keep the 18-55 kit lens, you'll find it lighter when your just taking snapshots of the family or whatever. The D40 is an excellent starter camera, it has almost all the tweaks of this much more expensive camera without the weight and cost. The D300 has many advantages over it, but I really feel you'll learn a lot faster with a simpler camera, and step up to this when your ready. I actually started out with a D40 a bit over a year ago, it made starting out quite fun. The 18-200VR will follow you as a great lens on the D300 too, and you can use any newer AF-S lenses on it. If you have older AF-D Nikon lenses lying around that you want to use, a D80 is also a good place to start. It's easier to make the custom tweaks you'll learn about in your photography classes on the D80, but it still has Auto modes as well to get you started. Checkout www.kenrockwell.com, especially his recommended camera page. He's a bit more eloquent than I am. And I wouldn't be so fast to recommend the D60 to anyone, it's just the D40x's guts (plus active D-Lighting, but without the other enhancements of the D300/D3) with a different name stamped on it. I wouldn't recommend the D40x or D60 to anyone, they exist to fill a price point to compete with Canon. If your eyeballing either, jump to the D80 and don't look back.
1003728
It's perfect for the beginner. That is if you want to grow as a photographer, and not just use a point and click camera. It has enough "Auto" stuff to help you learn, but also offers the pro abilities that will make you stand out. I like crop sensor cameras cause I do a lot of wild life it feels like I get more bang for the buck out of my FX lenses, but if you are a serious Portrait photog, or don't want to sacrifice a little quality, then it's the wrong camera. But for a beginner... Heck yes.. Get it. I've been shooting nikon since 1973. Yep thats right 41 years. This is my go to camera. Not because it is hard to use, but because it can also be easy. It's perfect for the beginner. That is if you want to grow as a photographer, and not just use a point and click camera. It has enough "Auto" stuff to help you learn, but also offers the pro abilities that will make you stand out. I like crop sensor cameras cause I do a lot of wild life it feels like I get more bang for the buck out of my FX lenses, but if you are a serious Portrait photog, or don't want to sacrifice a little quality, then it's the wrong camera. But for a beginner... Heck yes.. Get it. I've been shooting nikon since 1973. Yep thats right 41 years. This is my go to... » Read More It's perfect for the beginner. That is if you want to grow as a photographer, and not just use a point and click camera. It has enough "Auto" stuff to help you learn, but also offers the pro abilities that will make you stand out. I like crop sensor cameras cause I do a lot of wild life it feels like I get more bang for the buck out of my FX lenses, but if you are a serious Portrait photog, or don't want to sacrifice a little quality, then it's the wrong camera. But for a beginner... Heck yes.. Get it. I've been shooting nikon since 1973. Yep thats right 41 years. This is my go to camera. Not because it is hard to use, but because it can also be easy. « Show Less
2159836
It's pretty good, as a beginner I picked it up pretty fast. All in all I love my new camera :)
588557
In my opinion, this camera is more than acceptable. It has amazing lowlight capabilities, incredible image quality, etc. My girlfriend is the publisher of a Parenting Magazine and has shot covers with it. It is hands down one of the best cameras she or I have used for still photography and the absolute best in this price range. We're thrilled with it, and it is absolutely a true professional grade camera.
192593
I think this would be an excellent camera to start off with. The camera is low price for what you get and the manual settings are great. This camera in my opinion can teach you a lot about photography.
375434
Its a very good camera for the price, but if your looking for professional shots not the camera for you. But for amateur its a great camera
730064
If you are a beginner it's a really easy camara to start with, the flash is super fast if your using the automatic function.
473317
I just got this camera, and I'm surprised by how good it is for the price (I paid $69.99 on sale). The better memory cards will let you use this for about a couple of hours of video I think. It's really easy to use too, and as other people have pointed out - a great starter camera.
456321
The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode. Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera... I hope this was helpful
2110805
It's still a damn good camera. Their update to it is better quality but aimed at the professional market. 5 megapixel photos and its hd video setting should work just fine for you. I wouldn't pay more than $90 for it though. The problem with the c920 the other answerer mentioned is that it doesn't have motorized pan or tilt.
1556754
This camera has a powerfull zoom and has also a steady image mechanism, plus, you can take several pictures in one click. It's also very appropriate for non-professionals, since the focus is automatic and works pretty well, you can also customize the programs the camera software has, you only need to spend some time reading the manual to be able to take awesome pictures.Buy it also with a large memory card - 16 Gb or 32Gb Class10 cards are affordable and recommended for high resolution pictures and HD movies.I think this camera is a strong choice for non-professionals (professionals should go DSLR).Cheers! This camera has a powerfull zoom and has also a steady image mechanism, plus, you can take several pictures in one click. It's also very appropriate for non-professionals, since the focus is automatic and works pretty well, you can also customize the programs the camera software has, you only need to spend some time reading the manual to be able to take awesome pictures.Buy it also with a large memory card - 16 Gb or 32Gb Class10 cards are affordable and recommended for high resolution pictures and HD movies.I think this camera is a strong choice for... » Read More This camera has a powerfull zoom and has also a steady image mechanism, plus, you can take several pictures in one click. It's also very appropriate for non-professionals, since the focus is automatic and works pretty well, you can also customize the programs the camera software has, you only need to spend some time reading the manual to be able to take awesome pictures.Buy it also with a large memory card - 16 Gb or 32Gb Class10 cards are affordable and recommended for high resolution pictures and HD movies.I think this camera is a strong choice for non-professionals (professionals should go DSLR).Cheers! « Show Less
1612402
Depends on your budget and photography ambitions. Its a big step up from point and shoot and will certainly allow you to significantly increase your photography skills. Don't forget that Fancy SLR's like this still have point and shoot functionality- when you put it on Auto mode.
1603521
The SL1 is a great little camera. I am a professional photographer, and this little gem is my personal camera. It is wonderful for portraits, action shots, and the video mode is so easy to switch to. It is much lighter than my professional camera which was the main reason I purchased it. If you whether you shoot manually or set it to auto I think you will be pleased with this camera. :)
1935412
Hello Kathy I love the sony camera. It is a great value for an intro camera. The ability to interchange the lens is great and will be where a lot of the money will go in terms of accessories. Sony also offers carl zeiss lenses which is amazing. And they are very affordable at $100-300 a piece Although sony does lack a lot of the lens options that nikon and canon offers, it is more than enough for a novice like myself. If you are looking to step up, this camera will not give you that ability. You will need to change camera body and maybe lenses. I am not too familiar with the nikon but from a cursory review online it doesnt seem people are very enamored with it. But i am biased since i love my camera. I have used a wide angle lens to take pictures of nature (flowers). With blurred background as well as pictures of my newborn daughter. Blowing them up to poster size (20" x 30") the resolution is more than enough to take great photos. And the body and lenses are small enough to be travel friendly. Hope that helps. Congrats on this (future) purchase and have fun. Wil
597147
If you can afford it, get it. There is no such thing as "buying the crappy, just to learn" If I could I would own one.. Probably the only thing you can worry about is the size, some people don't like big cameras.
460373
It's got good performance in the auto modes. While I haven't used the sports setting, I can say it's got plenty of shutter speed to stop action and good reproduction at ISO settings so you'll get good shots even in low light. The burst rate is good and the auto focus tracks reasonably well. It'll get the job done and you won't need to read more than the manual to get started.