Wanting to get into photography need help

[jeff03597]

I want to start to get into photography but I have no clue where to start.

[FlippR]

owning a camera is a good idea

[Biscuit-Boy]

Don't overthink it. Just get camera, research how to use camera, then take pictures of things, ideally outside/not your house. Taking photos of things around the house is a good place to practice but most people don't want to see that since it's generally not going to make an interesting subject.

[editline]17th August 2013[/editline]

And I don't mean "Buy a nice camera right away". Get anything, a phone, an old point and shoot or film camera, and just play around with it for a bit and see if you enjoy it, and if you do, and stick with it for long enough, then start considering an investment in a nicer camera.

[FalseLogic]

Film cameras are a great start for many reasons. Also, it can be really fun to shoot pictures, and see how they came out later when you get them developed.

If you're looking to jump straight to digital, don't overthink it. You can get an inexpensive DSLR used on craigslist, ebay, yardsales, or maybe a relative. That way, you didn't have to spend too much to determine whether or not you actually like photography. There are also some worthy point-n-shoots out there, but there's something really satisfying about using a real viewfinder.

In the meantime, if you have a smartphone, you can even use that. If I remember correctly, there are a few people in this forum that started with just their cell cam.

[OttR]

[QUOTE=FalseLogic;41871952]Film cameras are a great start for many reasons. Also, it can be really fun to shoot pictures, and see how they came out later when you get them developed.

If you're looking to jump straight to digital, don't overthink it. You can get an inexpensive DSLR used on craigslist, ebay, yardsales, or maybe a relative. That way, you didn't have to spend too much to determine whether or not you actually like photography. There are also some worthy point-n-shoots out there, but there's something really satisfying about using a real viewfinder.

In the meantime, if you have a smartphone, you can even use that. If I remember correctly, there are a few people in this forum that started with just their cell cam.[/QUOTE]

Most of the latest cellphones, like the S4 have amazing cameras. And it is easy to share, edit or upload the images to your computer thanks to their other functions.

[MrEndangered]

[QUOTE=OttR;41872397]Most of the latest cellphones, like the S4 have amazing cameras. And it is easy to share, edit or upload the images to your computer thanks to their other functions.[/QUOTE]

except they're 800 times the price of a low budget film camera and still not as good.

[rieda1589]

[QUOTE=MrEndangered;41873801]except they're 800 times the price of a low budget film camera and still not as good.[/QUOTE]

except you're likely to already have one?

[Zeemlapje]

Maybe there is someone you know someone who owns a camera but is not using it. No need to buy new gear if you don't even know if you are going to like photography.

[Desuh]

[QUOTE=Zeemlapje;41874716]Maybe there is someone you know someone who owns a camera but is not using it. No need to buy new gear if you don't even know if you are going to like photography.[/QUOTE]

"I think he basically never bought his own camera. He basically borrowed a camera from someone. And it somehow became his own camera." - on Daido Moriyama

[Pinecleandog]

Don't let your ego cloud your perception; not everything you take will be good, and anything that is good won't be brilliant.

[Biscuit-Boy]

Generally good that you don't tell yourself you're utter shit constantly either.

[Trogdon]

[QUOTE=Biscuit-Boy;41876135]Generally good that you don't tell yourself you're utter shit constantly either.[/QUOTE]

Tell yourself all your pictures are shit and buy a camera and then throw it away

[MrEndangered]

[QUOTE=rieda1589;41873961]except you're likely to already have one?[/QUOTE]

Just sayin'. Not everyone has a smartphone, and being misguided that only expensive phones are shortcuts to pictures is false.

Any phone with a camera is great if you want to try it out

[samh]

Don't take up photography it's shit.

[Pinecleandog]

[QUOTE=The Salmon;41876811]Don't take up photography it's shit.[/QUOTE]

Just because you're shit

[Raygen]

Just get a cheap second-hand DSLR and toy around with it, you'll have much fun doing it and it's good to learn with it because you won't be shelling out money for 32 of your shitty learning shots every time.

[Pinecleandog]

[QUOTE=Raygen;41879055]Just get a cheap second-hand DSLR and toy around with it, you'll have much fun doing it and it's good to learn with it because you won't be shelling out money for 32 of your shitty learning shots every time.[/QUOTE]

get a Pentax K100D, $50 second hand it's perfect for entry level photographers

[codenamecueball]

start on a cheap friends digital, get an understand of the technical side, then buy a film slr and experiment with the creative side. that way your photos will be properly exposed but you give a shit about each shot as you're paying good money for it.

[RockSauce]

Hijacking this thread, is a Canon EOS 600D a good entry-level DSLR? Researched a bit and it has great video apparently, which is a bonus (interested in videography/cinematography as well)

Let me know what you guys think !

[MrEndangered]

[QUOTE=RockSauce;41914681]Hijacking this thread, is a Canon EOS 600D a good entry-level DSLR? Researched a bit and it has great video apparently, which is a bonus (interested in videography/cinematography as well)

Let me know what you guys think ![/QUOTE]

It's a fantastic entry level DSLR. I'm a bit bias as I own one, but only after researching a fair bit myself and previously owning some micro four thirds. There are some good sony/nikon ones in that price range, so it's worthwhile (If you haven't already) popping into a store and literally feeling them, as they're not always as comfortable to hold as they look - some say the 600D is too small, others think it's about right.

But if you're looking at something in that price range, you can't go too wrong with it in terms of quality and features, but how it feels is very important, that's 50% of a camera.

[codenamecueball]

[QUOTE=RockSauce;41914681]Hijacking this thread, is a Canon EOS 600D a good entry-level DSLR? Researched a bit and it has great video apparently, which is a bonus (interested in videography/cinematography as well)

Let me know what you guys think ![/QUOTE]

[url]http://vimeo.com/andrewperry[/url] - all shot on a 600D
[url]http://flickr.com/cheesepuff[/url] check the exif do see if they're a kiss x5 (mine's an import) but there's some shit off it up there

[RockSauce]

[QUOTE=codenamecueball;41914888][url]http://vimeo.com/andrewperry[/url] - all shot on a 600D
[url]http://flickr.com/cheesepuff[/url] check the exif do see if they're a kiss x5 (mine's an import) but there's some shit off it up there[/QUOTE]

I've seen this before! Didn't know it was a 600D (thought it was something more advanced)! Awesome! I guess it's the photographer behind it all haha btw what lenses are you using for those photos?

this segues to my next question: What are some good, must-have starting lenses? researched a bit and so far the 50mm seems to get a lot of good comments. is it a good idea getting this along w/ the starting kit?

some sample pictures i guess to show the look im kinda hoping to achieve:

[img]http://filesmelt.com/dl/tumblr_mjqf3rPRV71qzpegpo2_1280.jpg[/img]
[img]http://filesmelt.com/dl/tumblr_mjqf3rPRV71qzpegpo5_1280.jpg[/img]

thanks for the help guys !! super appreciate it

[dwt110]

[QUOTE=RockSauce;41914681]Hijacking this thread, is a Canon EOS 600D a good entry-level DSLR? Researched a bit and it has great video apparently, which is a bonus (interested in videography/cinematography as well)

Let me know what you guys think ![/QUOTE]

Nikon D3200 is pretty much around the same price. You lose the flip out screen, but the 3200 has a good bit more megapixels (which doesn't mean a whole lot), and the 3200 has continuous autofocus for video.

[editline]21st August 2013[/editline]

Almost forgot, D5100 would be a great choice also if you need the flip out screen.

[editline]21st August 2013[/editline]

I am a bit Nikon biased since probably 80% of my friends/family with a DSLR have a Nikon, and I really love my 5200.

[MrEndangered]

[QUOTE=RockSauce;41915114]
thanks for the help guys !! super appreciate it[/QUOTE]

With that attitude, you'll always be welcome!

Any lens recommendations really depends on your budget, and what you want to be doing. I imagine you want to try everything! So I'll give you some general lenses and prices.

If you're looking at keeping the cost down, but keeping the quality up, I highly recommend the kit lens that comes with it, actually, which is the 18-55. Kit lenses (Lenses that are generally bundled in, and have a 'do it all for next to nothing' focal range) have a bad reputation as being poor quality, especial canon's previous kit lenses. But the one you get with the 600D and other new/new-ish cameras is very good for the money. If you want a lens that does most things, you can't get much better bang for buck.

So, my list of lenses to look at would be:

Canon EF-S [B]18-55mm[/B] IS f/3.5-5.6 (This is the standard kit lens I mentioned)

Canon [B]50mm[/B] 1.8 II (nice little lens)

Canon EF [B]40mm[/B] f/2.8 (A small, 'pancake' lens that's made to be discreet. Not speedy, but it has very good image quality)

One/two of those three would cover you pretty well to start with. Personally I'd recommend the 18-55, see if you want things wider/faster/more zoom in general and go from there. Don't buy lots of lenses too early, which I did, and found that I didn't really want half of them! But one or two that do most things would be good.

What would be your budget, anyway?

[editline]21st August 2013[/editline]

[QUOTE=RockSauce;41915114]
[IMG]http://filesmelt.com/dl/tumblr_mjqf3rPRV71qzpegpo2_1280.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://filesmelt.com/dl/tumblr_mjqf3rPRV71qzpegpo5_1280.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

Having images like this is more to do with your skill as a photographer and an editor than it is the camera. Having a camera you like to use and is fun to use simply makes it easier, no matter what the camera is. As has been said in other posts here, a Nikon D5100 would take pictures like this just as well as a Canon 600D, hell, even a good compact or a 1960 film camera could with a little bit of luck, patience, skill and editing.

So don't focus too much on a brand or type, only a camera that you find fun and comfortable to carry and use.

[garychencool]

[QUOTE=RockSauce;41914681]Hijacking this thread, is a Canon EOS 600D a good entry-level DSLR? Researched a bit and it has great video apparently, which is a bonus (interested in videography/cinematography as well)

Let me know what you guys think ![/QUOTE]

Yes, slap on Magic Lantern and you'll have the same amount of features in terms of video and photo as the more expensive, Canon 60D minus the better body, burst rate and some other stuff.

You're better off with a t3i/600d on a budget.

[Raygen]

[QUOTE=RockSauce;41915114]
[img]http://filesmelt.com/dl/tumblr_mjqf3rPRV71qzpegpo5_1280.jpg[/img]
[/QUOTE]

This looks like a 35mm shot, but a 35mm lens would be tighter on your 600D. The first one with the lady and the birds would be like what you get using a 35mm lens on your 600D. If you want to get such a lens, try and find the Canon 35mm f/2 second-hand - you can get it for not much more than a 50mm 1.8 and it's a nice little lens.

[Angus513]

Film may not been a wise choice if your just starting out, with digital you can take alot more photos, try out different things and see instantly if you've got the photo right. Using film, you will take a roll or 2 of pictures without fully knowing how they look, by the time you get them devolped you wont know what settings you used to get what effects

Using a phone is an easy way to learn about composing good photos but restricts you in not being able to zoom, not giving any real depth of field (blurred background) or any real control over shutter speed

If you are after just snapping pictures then a phone or point and shoot is fine

If you are looking at going more into the artisitc look of photos, with blurred backgrounds or getting movement etc you will need a camera with a bigger sensor and more flexible controls - Here I would recommend a DSLR
However I would not bother jumping into the big expensive stuff until you know what your doing because you wont see the results
Something like a Canon 10d or 20d are only £100-200 these days 2nd hand, get a little kit lens (fixed or zoom depending on preference) and just go out experimenting with different settings and shots

Althought the easiest and cheapest way to learn is just web search for basic photography tips - There are 1000's of tutorials that go through the various features and settings you can use and what effect they have (i.e. Apeture, shutter speed, ISO)

[codenamecueball]

if you want your photos to look like the examples, you'll need to learn how to use post software like adobe lightroom. however, split toned images are generally frowned upon as a lazy way of processing.

[RockSauce]

[QUOTE=MrEndangered;41917061]With that attitude, you'll always be welcome!

Any lens recommendations really depends on your budget, and what you want to be doing. I imagine you want to try everything! So I'll give you some general lenses and prices.

If you're looking at keeping the cost down, but keeping the quality up, I highly recommend the kit lens that comes with it, actually, which is the 18-55. Kit lenses (Lenses that are generally bundled in, and have a 'do it all for next to nothing' focal range) have a bad reputation as being poor quality, especial canon's previous kit lenses. But the one you get with the 600D and other new/new-ish cameras is very good for the money. If you want a lens that does most things, you can't get much better bang for buck.

So, my list of lenses to look at would be:

Canon EF-S [B]18-55mm[/B] IS f/3.5-5.6 (This is the standard kit lens I mentioned)

Canon [B]50mm[/B] 1.8 II (nice little lens)

Canon EF [B]40mm[/B] f/2.8 (A small, 'pancake' lens that's made to be discreet. Not speedy, but it has very good image quality)

One/two of those three would cover you pretty well to start with. Personally I'd recommend the 18-55, see if you want things wider/faster/more zoom in general and go from there. Don't buy lots of lenses too early, which I did, and found that I didn't really want half of them! But one or two that do most things would be good.

What would be your budget, anyway?

[editline]21st August 2013[/editline]

Having images like this is more to do with your skill as a photographer and an editor than it is the camera. Having a camera you like to use and is fun to use simply makes it easier, no matter what the camera is. As has been said in other posts here, a Nikon D5100 would take pictures like this just as well as a Canon 600D, hell, even a good compact or a 1960 film camera could with a little bit of luck, patience, skill and editing.

So don't focus too much on a brand or type, only a camera that you find fun and comfortable to carry and use.[/QUOTE]

Best deal I found so far for the Canon 600D is 21,800 php (493.49 USD)! That comes with the 18-55 kit that you mentioned!

As for the lenses, cheapest I could find for the Canon 50mm 1.8 II is 4,300 php(97.34 USD)! jeez i didn't realize lenses go for that much!! ahaha I think I can only afford that lens with my measly student allowance :<

so i guess i'm stuck with these two lenses (18-55mm and 50mm)! hopefully they're varied enough to warrant the purchase!

[Angus513]

[QUOTE=RockSauce;41940018]Best deal I found so far for the Canon 600D is 21,800 php (493.49 USD)! That comes with the 18-55 kit that you mentioned!

As for the lenses, cheapest I could find for the Canon 50mm 1.8 II is 4,300 php(97.34 USD)! jeez i didn't realize lenses go for that much!! ahaha I think I can only afford that lens with my measly student allowance :<

so i guess i'm stuck with these two lenses (18-55mm and 50mm)! hopefully they're varied enough to warrant the purchase![/QUOTE]

Yes lenses are not ten a penny but when you consider the level of refinement that has to be put into a lens to ensure provide a usable picture quality it does make sense. And considering I just bought a 120-300mm lens for ... *pain in wallet felt* 124,000 php (2,800 USD) the 50mm is a bargin :D

Those lens are ideal starters and are exactly the same as what I started out with. The 18-55 although not amazing image quality does you a nice flexible range for starters and the 50mm gives excellent image quality for the price (that is off-set by the cheap build quality) and at f1.8 allows you to shoot in low light and get nice depth of field.

At the end of the day you have to start slow and buy new lenses based around the kind of photography you are wanting to shoot