File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
/p/, I plan to experiment around with photography this summer, but I want to do a little better than just point-and-shoot crap. I need help as to what camera I should start with. I know it doesn't need to break the bank, but I need something that I can keep for a good while and learn stuff with it. Also, I've found a few books, should I stick to those, or does /p/ think I need a class? Pic is unrelated, by the way.

tl;dr: I'm a newfag to photography, suggest me a relatively inexpensive, reliable camera that isn't point and shoot, and should I take classes?
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakePanasonicCamera ModelDMC-FZ10Camera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS WindowsMaximum Lens Aperturef/2.8Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern990Focal Length (35mm Equiv)36 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2005:01:13 20:27:53Exposure Time1/40 secF-Numberf/2.8Exposure ProgramManualISO Speed Rating100Lens Aperturef/2.8Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, AutoFocal Length6.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width800Image Height600RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlNoneContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeMacro
>> lobstercake !pJDFbJZtxk
if the book goes in any depth about basic manual camera stuff like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, all that jazz, then i think you should be good with that. also the interbutts is a powerful teaching tool. get yourself a camera that offers manual control over basic camera functions, run outside and start snapping away. best way to learn.

nice pic btw.
>> Anonymous
I don't know, but that is a delicious picture.

Your choices are:
1. Canon Rebels: ~500 to 1000 dollars
2. Nikon Dxx: ~500 to 1000 dollars
3. Olympus E-4xx: 500 - 700 dollars
4. Sony Alphas ???
5. Pentax K200D: 700 dollars

In that order.
>> Anonymous
The problem is, I don't have the income for any camera more than 150. Am I screwed in this case?
>> Anonymous
Get a film camera?
>> Anonymous
>>192367
Yeah, come on buddy, photography isn't a cheap hobby/profession. Get a summer job for a couple of weeks and you'll get an entry level dSLR in no time.
>> Anonymous
>>192370

I know that. I don't mean to be cheap, but I've never tried this before, and it could end up being something I hate. In that case, I don't want to end up dicked out with a $500+ camera. I guess what I need is a place to find a secondhand entry-level DSLR camera.
>> Anonymous
I got my NIB Canon 350D w/ kit lens for $440 shipped from amazon.com

$440 isn't that bad.

And what's the worse case scenario? You have a nice camera that'll own most P&S's.
>> Anonymous
Okay, I decided on saving up and getting a used Nikon D40. I want to do shots typically found on DeviantArt, and plan to at least be using the camera in a downtown locale as well as on a beach setting. Any suggestions on lens? I already know I want a tripod, and a strap, but is there anything else I would need?
>> Anonymous
>>193463
No, don't get a d40, listen to this man.
>>192826

350d is waaaaay better.
>> Anonymous
Why the fuck would you take classes

Just learn the fucking settings and do trial and error

You will become better if you are really into photography

Just like when you got your fucking computer...Just use and learn

Classes are fucking pointless and just another scam to take your money and teach you how to adjust shutter/aperture settings and the usual bullshit you can learn in a manual

Good luck. Don't waste your money in classes
>> Anonymous
>>193536
I was under the assumption that having a teacher can save you from fucking up your $400+ camera through trial and error, since you'd probably do something stupid by mistake that a teacher could stop. Not only that, I imagine there are techniques that aren't easily ascertained through reading.

>>193467
The people I've spoken to said that the D40 was better for absolute beginners (read: me), since the menus and general workings aren't as needlessly complicated as with a Canon. Maybe I'll upgrade to that later on, but for now, I've heard better things about the D40, plus I can get it used for $400
>> Anonymous
>>193648
enjoy your autofocus and low noise levels :) OH WAIT LOL
>> Serenar !m827jEgWi.
>>193648
The menus on either of them are fine, but the D40 has a massive flaw compared to Canon's stuff (very few lenses can AF, especially not the cheap ones) and a smaller one too (old Nikon lenses don't play nice on the D40 while they work great on the Canons wtf). Switching systems is generally a bad idea so you might as well start with Canon.

Don't bother with classes by the way. Your manual will keep you from fucking up your camera, and the rest can be found with careful reading online and (most importantly) your own experimentation.

By the way, since you're asking us for photography advice, cut out the "I imagine" and "assumption" crap and let us tell you how it is.
>> Anonymous
>>193777
I'm not trying to make anyone butthurt or anything, I was just saying what I thought is all. In any case, like I said, this is an entry level, and for right now, I don't plan on going as advanced as changing lenses and all that. My whole purpose is to get a strictly entry-level so I can see if this is an art I want to pursue or not.
>> Serenar !m827jEgWi.
>>193852
Clearly you don't know what's "better than point and shoot crap", because one of the primary reasons for getting a DSLR (though of course not the only) is to change lenses. It is not an advanced technique at all.

If you're really not sure photography's your thing, get a Canon Powershot A series. Yes it's a point and shoot like your mother would buy but it has all the manual controls you'd need to experiment or (god forbid) take a class, and is real cheap.
>> Anonymous
fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck i want some donuts.
>> fortune­­­­­­­­­­
disposable kodak