Thu Nov 23, 2006 6:53 am
I copied this response of mine over from another posting I replied to.
Hello All,
Here is a very different two cents worth of advice on what beginning camera to buy, (and when I say SLR I also mean DSLR).
I recommend (recommend mind you):
1. Buy a SLR.
I think everyone would agree that a SLR provides for the most creative flexability photography-wise for the least cost. Rangefinders are good, but more limited.
2. Make sure it has a built-in flash, but also buy a hotshoe mountable flash.
Remember, in photography LIGHT IS EVERYTHING! Without light, there is no photography. A hotshoe mounted flash (or better yet, wireless capability like on Minolta Maxxums) provide for the best flash photography pics. However, if it gets busted in the middle of something important, you still want to be able to quickly and effectively keep taking pictures when the conditions require flash. A built-in flash (as long as it is not also broken) allows for this. If you are in a situation that dictates either "no picture because of no flash" or simply "an O.K. picture by built-in flash", the choice is obvious.
3. Get a camera that allows for full automatic operation AND full manual operation including auto-focus AND manual focus.
Full manual operation allows for the most creative control. However, full auto. is especially nice when the situation calls for frantic picture taking. Cameras that have different "program" modes are nice because they let you see what happens picture-wise when different camera settings are used. But more importantly, I disagree with starting out all manual for one simple reason (which I have seen first hand). Some beginners can find all manual photography so intimidating, frustrating, and difficult, that they simply give up on photography as a hobby without really giving it a chance. None of us want that. The trick is to get them to start taking nice pictures quickly (especially composition-wise which full auto. operation allows) so that they want to experiment and keep going with the hobby. Beginners have got to enjoy it right from the start or they may quit. If they keep at it, then they have all the time in the world to hone their skills.
4. Think about "why" you want to get into photography. I started writing a book a short while ago about how to go about choosing the "right camera". In it I begin with asking the reader to think about what is motivating them. Without a doubt, the person saw one or more photographs and thought to themselves: "I want to take shots like that!". This leads then into a discussion on how the types of pictures they wish to take directly influences the features and options they should be looking for in a camera. Different cameras with different features are used different ways. I then discuss what individual camera features/options do and why. From there, I tell them to come up with a list of things they believe they will need in a camera. Then they are to find cameras (by doing the required research) that should meet their needs per their list. I encourage them to try to get their hands on different bodies of the various models and try them out.
5. Don't ignore ergonomics!!!!
Everyone has different hands, physical manipulation skills, memory ability, and levels of patience. All of these things also dictate what sort of camera they should be looking for and should become part of their list of required features. For example, if you have big hands, knobs and dials make work better for you. If you have a good memory, menu driven operation may not be that big an issue. If you walk a lot, then light weight may be desireable. So on and so forth. (I discuss the various pros and cons of those sort of factors.) Something I have also witnessed first-hand, is this. A person goes into a store, buys the first camera that looks and sounds "cool", starts taking pictures, hates fidgeting with the camera, gets fed up, and quits photography. The camera sets on the shelf and gathers dust from then on. Whatever camera you buy, has got to be comfortable and pleasant to use in your hands. If it isn't, then you won't want to take pictures. If at all possible, test handling the camera bodies yourself.
6. I'm starting to write the book on-line, so I'll end this soon. Don't listen to anyone who has irrational biases for any particular brand (and you know who you are). (I personally shoot Minolta, Nikon, Pentax, Chinon, Yashica, Zeiss Ikon, Exakta, and others, ALL of them on a regular basis.) So, I can tell you truthfully, there is no such thing as the "best" make or model of camera. It simply does not exist, because everyone is different and has different needs. The truth is this: The best camera you can buy is simply the camera that is best for YOU! Doing your homework before buying can not be stressed enough.
I hope this helps, and sorry if it seems I was ranting and raving.
With regards,
Duke (a Minoltian at heart)