Where do I start?

[PSH]

You could also consider buying used camera and/or lenses to save money. If you live in a large city you can go and test the equipment before buying. Ebay sellers with good feedback can also be considered.

A used Canon 350d/400d (Rebel Xt/Xti) with a kit lens could be a good choice, or a used Nikon. It could be a good idea to go for the same brand as your friend, that way you could borrow lenses and gear from each other.

[lizziebelle]

The best teacher I've found is to just go out and take a lot of pictures. Once you find the camera you want (and expensive doesn't necessarily mean better), just play with it. The beauty of digital is that it doesn't cost any more money to take 100 pictures than it does to take 10!

[RexK_Cozumel]

Originally Posted by mattdm

Well, good lenses of any type are expensive. Prime lenses are in general much cheaper than the equivalent zooms. (And can do tricks zooms can't.)

I know that but for someone starting out I think it would be better to get a $100 18-55 and a $100 70-300 rather than spend thousands of dollars on primes to cover that range. Of course when he learns more about the types of photography and figures out what he needs then he can spend the money to get primes if he wants.

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by RexK_Cozumel

I know that but for someone starting out I think it would be better to get a $100 18-55 and a $100 70-300 rather than spend thousands of dollars on primes to cover that range. Of course when he learns more about the types of photography and figures out what he needs then he can spend the money to get primes if he wants.

Well, again, I'm partly making this suggestion based on the original post, and specifically the comment:

Originally Posted by Phayke

Many forms of art offer you a large amount of tools and techniques, styles and ways to achieve what you are going for. Sometimes sheer depth can distract from the simple beauty behind something.

Zoom lenses are a relatively recent innovation, and they're not essential — I use my 40mm lens 90% of the time. Stripping that out and focusing on getting to know one focal length is a great way to start. You certainly don't need to spend thousands of dollars up front, and as a bonus you can get lenses you'll use forever rather than "grow out of".

[Saralonde]

Some like zooms, some like primes. That's why I tell newbies to dslr to go with the kit lens zoom and a 50mm 1.8 (around $75). Covers different possibilities.

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by Saralonde

Some like zooms, some like primes. That's why I tell newbies to dslr to go with the kit lens zoom and a 50mm 1.8 (around $75). Covers different possibilities.

It's true that adding in the kit zoom will be only a small extra expense. But I stick to the advice of, if you go that route, leaving the zoom in the box for a month or so.

[laepelba]

Sorry - I just saw your reply a few minutes ago. What to start shooting? You could try that "stupid tree" ... it may look stupid at first, but if you explore it with your camera a bit, you might find some interesting stuff ... textures and colors and all. But another (probably better) idea would be to try to keep up with every weekly assignment here at DPS. Spend the whole week trying to shoot stuff for the contest ... get lots of stuff ... then decide which image you like the best and upload it. Another idea would be to check out the "games & challenges" part of the forum and pick one that appeals to you. I like the "I spy" and "Focus" ones. They get me thinking about the previous person's shot and force me to think on my feet, so to speak. Does that help?

[Phayke]

Thank you for all the help, guys!

This is what I've ended up settling on. Does anyone have experience with this shop? They had a great ebay reputation and seem legit- WAY better deal than the camera store. All kinds of extra stuff I may or may not use, though no bundled flash or lens. I really want to be picky with those and buy them seperate. I saved $150 so I should have enough for a second lens or flash pretty soon.

Also, I went to Barnes and Noble the other day and picked up the "Complete Digital Photography" Fourth Edition. I also took a look at the other books that were recommended here, but this one seemed most all-encompassing (even though it's more schoolbook-ish.)

I suppose I should have the camera in about a week, and then you all can look forward to seeing some truly abysmal shots from me. (For a little while.)

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by Phayke

Thank you for all the help, guys!

This is what I've ended up settling on. Does anyone have experience with this shop?

I'd be a little cautious:
http://www.resellerratings.com/store...opping_Network

Overall positive, but not stellar. Looks like they sometimes do pull some shady stuff. You might get lucky, but personally I wouldn't gamble when there's absolutely legit resellers with prices only a little bit higher.

[douglas]

Taking good photographs,{and that depends on the viewer} does not depend on the camera. I am no expert, but the path that I am following is to continue with my P&S and try to improve my "photo savvy" When I think I am getting somewhere, then I will go out an look at cameras with more potential from a technical point of view.