Should I invest in a Digital SLR camera?I know very little about cameras. I love to take pictures, but I am getting tired of the poor quality photos my little Kodak 8.2 mega pixel camera takes (It's a Kodak EasyShare MD853 that I got a few years ago).
Recently my Environmental Club advisor gave us a presentation about photography. He has traveled all around the world, taking pictures, and even publishing them to magazines and in a self-published book of his. He told us about how to take pictures and what type of equipment to use. He said that you can take great pictures, even with a cheap SLR camera for beginners.
He also told us that KEH.com has some great deals on cameras where you can also return it within 14 days for a complete refund. I've been looking on the Nikon website at the D3000 ($ 500), which is only $ 300 on KEH.com. I've also been looking up ratings of some of the cheaper Nikon SLR cameras, and there are a lot of great ratings that these cameras would be perfect for beginners or people who do photography as a hobby.
My question is, would it be worth it for me to invest in a $ 300-$ 600 camera? If so, what brand/type would be best for someone who is just learning and does photography as a hobby? Should I try out that KEH website, use another online website, or talk with people at best buy or some other store?
Another thing to consider is that I am only in high school, and therefore do not have sufficient funds to go out and buy a $ 500 dollar camera. So, I would have to talk with my parents about this, and how much they would be willing to pay. However, it is time for me to get a camera upgrade, so my reasoning would be that upgrading to an SLR would be just a couple hundred dollars extra than just getting another little compact digital camera.
Thanks for any advice!
Jeroen Wijnands
Keh is a reliable but pricey shop for used kit. Might wanna check photo as well, they also do used. A dslr makes sense if you are willing to spend time and effort on making photography into a hobby.
Volleyholic
SLR cameras are big and clunky. They are inconvenient to carry around and people like to steal them. I have found that you are much more likely to carry a camera that will fit in your pocket or purse.
SLRs are good if you do photography for a living or if you go places just to take pictures instead of going places cuz you want to visit there, but take a camera along to remember your adventure there. SLRs are also good because you can usually change lenses and other accessories to be able to take photos you couldn't take otherwise. But is it really worth it? I used SLRs for a long time and lug them all over Europe and USA. When I was traveling by bicycle around the the USA 1/3 of my weight was camera equipment. That was when I decided that had to stop. Just too much weight.
I think that the best choice it to have both a SLR and a smaller camera, that is what professional do. They always carry a small camera just in case and leave the SLR for planned photography.
If your parents won't pay for a digital SLR, buy a film SLR. They are cheap and take better pictures than digital for 10% of the cost.
B.E.I.
KEH and B&H Photo are good, reliable places for used equipment IF you know WHAT you want.
Since this is your first DSLR...:
Visit some of the local camera shops (not electronic stores) and hold/feel/try the different brands and models within your budget***(see below). I chose a certain Canon for its ergonomics and menu layout, a fellow photog chose Nikon for the same reasons.
See what the camera shops have in used equipment (and what type of warranty/guarantee). I recommend checking them out Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the day. That is normally the less busy time, so they can be more attentive to you AND during the weekend people are selling and trading-in their equipment. What a reputable place does is take in the equipment then do a cleaning/inspection and get it into stock.
I was browsing in my local camera shop and heard the rep and customer finalizing a trade-in deal. When the other customer left I talked to the salesman and asked to see the gear. He showed me the camera, two lenses, 3 batteries, decent case, cables, CDs, AND the original bill of sale. I asked how much for everything, and he gave me a price that was $ 100 more than what he paid and explained $ 50 of that was for a cleaning/inspection. Two days later, I picked everything up and was a happy camper.
***When it comes to your budget...don't forget about tax, extra battery, memory card, padded gear case and a basic "kit" lens or two (18-55mm and 55-200 are the "normal kit glass) IF it is not included in the price.
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