I want to buy my first SLR camera. I know nothing about them or how to take photos with them, but I would love to learn. I went to a camera shop today and the sales assistant suggested a Canon EOS 550D.
Has anyone had one? Is it good fo me to start out on? Is there a better one I should have a look at?
Thanks in advance if you reply
Glad to see that you're looking to move up! A DSLR will open you up to a new realm of options and creativity.
My first suggestion would be to take your time. Read some reviews online. Try different camera models in stores, see how the fit in your hands. Either Canon or Nikon, or even the Sony that I shoot with, make quality DSLRs, so you can't go wrong with one of those companies. Most people tend to stick with the company that made their first SLR; that's why I'm with Sony, I started with a Minolta film SLR and Sony bought their technology.
One other piece of advice ... you can spend nearly unlimited amounts of money, and for good reason; pay more and you generally get something better. But you have to know how to use it. Pick a camera system that you can grow with.
All of the major companies make good DSLR cameras. What you want to do is go to different sites to look at reviews and examples. One good place is Go to stores and actually feel the camera in your hand. See if the controls are placed where you can easily reach them. Do you shoot right-eyed of left-eyed, this might make a difference in your choice once you try them.
As Stephen stated photography can be a money pit, but an enjoyable one. Good luck.
And when you've done all that sensible stuff that the guys have recommended...pick up the cameras and see which one feels best in your hands. It's going to spend a long time there.
I love my canon EOS 550, it has been nothing but amazing for me - you will need to get decent lens though. It is easy to use and comes with some great settings which aren't too hard to get your head around.
Goodluck!
Work out your budget, see what you can afford and then see what's in your price range. I'd advise not to go for the very entry level camera of any make, because it won't last you for as long as a more mid-range one will. The better one will still be suitable once you get more advanced with what you can do and with what you want to be able to do. Just realised that's what Stephen ( @agthunderbird ) already said, but he's quite right.
Then once you've done that, narrow down your choice (the main makes people use are Nikon and Canon) and then see if anyone you know has them and ask if you can borrow them and try them out.
It's also worth considering whether anyone in your family owns a DSLR of a particular make, because if they do, that might be a good make to consider so you can borrow lenses. That's why I went for a Nikon (my Dad has one).
Above all, don't be swayed into making a decision by people in camera shops telling you things without going away and checking them first. For example, I was told that there are no significant differences between the D90 and D5000, but it turned out the D90 has an in-built autofocus motor, but the D5000 doesn't, so you have to buy lenses with a motor for the D5000, which makes them more expensive. This isn't really a problem, cos you'll probably only want one or two extra lenses over time, but it's worth taking into account if you have access to older lenses for a make. So yeah, do your research carefully and fully. And enjoy whatever you do decide to buy. :-)
some camera stores have dslr that you can rent... also consider buying a used camera most reputable stores will hve a warranty on their used cameras. i got a canon 30d for 1/2 the price... and $$$ saved on a camera body can be used for lens and software...
There's no such thing as a bad dslr (well there is, but not really if you go with a major brand), some of them don't work as well as others with certain things though. Think about what you're gonna be shooting the most and then do some research, or do what I did and ask around. My friend's mom started with a nikon d3000, and she LOVED it, so when I went to get mine, the d5000 happened to be on sale for the same price, and I ended up with that one and AHH I'm obsessed with that camera. Just do some research and make sure you don't just jump into anything.
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My first suggestion would be to take your time. Read some reviews online. Try different camera models in stores, see how the fit in your hands. Either Canon or Nikon, or even the Sony that I shoot with, make quality DSLRs, so you can't go wrong with one of those companies. Most people tend to stick with the company that made their first SLR; that's why I'm with Sony, I started with a Minolta film SLR and Sony bought their technology.
One other piece of advice ... you can spend nearly unlimited amounts of money, and for good reason; pay more and you generally get something better. But you have to know how to use it. Pick a camera system that you can grow with.
As Stephen stated photography can be a money pit, but an enjoyable one. Good luck.
Goodluck!
Then once you've done that, narrow down your choice (the main makes people use are Nikon and Canon) and then see if anyone you know has them and ask if you can borrow them and try them out.
It's also worth considering whether anyone in your family owns a DSLR of a particular make, because if they do, that might be a good make to consider so you can borrow lenses. That's why I went for a Nikon (my Dad has one).
Above all, don't be swayed into making a decision by people in camera shops telling you things without going away and checking them first. For example, I was told that there are no significant differences between the D90 and D5000, but it turned out the D90 has an in-built autofocus motor, but the D5000 doesn't, so you have to buy lenses with a motor for the D5000, which makes them more expensive. This isn't really a problem, cos you'll probably only want one or two extra lenses over time, but it's worth taking into account if you have access to older lenses for a make. So yeah, do your research carefully and fully. And enjoy whatever you do decide to buy. :-)