Greetings from BradyBear

[BradyBear]

Greetings,

I have just switched into semi-retirement and would like to become better with my Photography.

I live in the Hocking HIlls area of S.E. Ohio and so have a wonderful area for Nature photography.

I know very little about all the bells and whistles of a camera and that is why I have joined
Digital Photography School.

What would be a good camer for me to begin with around $600.oo?

Please not a lot of details, just some basic reasoning.

Thanks,
BradyBear

[machoz]

Hi BradyBear:

I bougth a brand new Sony Alpha 200 a year ago for les than $600. It is a DSLR is probably more than I need, to learn photography. For me is a great camera.

Machoz

[Elmo]

Welcome!!

My first thought is even though you feel you are in a good area for nature photography is that what interest you? The reason I ask is nature CAN be one of the most expensive areas of photography.

For a first camera, I first suggest that if you go to a good camera shop and play with what is available. If it does not feel right you will tend to use it less. Next do you have friends in photography? if so visit with them and check out what brand they use, as they can be helpful in learning your camera.

I tend to lean toward Canon and Nikon as they have the most complete systems available. Another reason for using these two is there are more aftermarket accessories for them to save some cash. (caution here some aftermarket stuff is pure trash).

I lean toward Canon, (I shot Nikon in film days, but they were hesitant on going digital so I went Canon.) So when you decide on a system (brand) find the one that feels best that is the most expensive you can afford and start shooting.

As time goes on you will learn more about your style and what changes/additions might need to be made. A lot can be done with the basics, I started a picture a day project using my lowest priced body and a single lens, equivalent to a normal kit lens. A couple are taken with what is most folks first additional lens, a zoom telephoto (no photoshop except for croping and resizing. And in some cases a touch of sharpening).

Need to add I would select a low end DSLR or a very high end p&s tike canon s90 or G11.


Elmo on Photography

[BigFuzzy]

Welcome Brady,

For someone just getting started, any of the major brand entry-level cameras will be more than enough for you.

Once you learn a bit more both about photography, and what sort of images you like to take, then you can start worrying about what (if anything) to upgrade to.

I'd like to say stick with canon/nikon because they're the two granddaddies of the industry, but I hear really good things from Sony and Samsung among others.

With you, I'd say that it's also important to see how they feel in your hands. For me, I have large hands (hello ladies ) so I can't possibly feel comfy with an entry level camera.. but that's me. You need to get your hands on as many models as possible...camera models that is.

[BradyBear]

Greetings,

I would like to Thank those of you who have taken the time to jot me a line or two.

You have made some interesting suggestions and I shall try them and see how the camera feels.

Sincerely,
BradyBear