Advice on buying a camera
Recently, a friend of mine asked me to write up some tips for people who is considering buying a DSLR. Here they are:
- Buy Canon or Nikon. There are reasons the pros stick to those brands.
- This is the web site I stick to for reviews: http://www.dpreview.com/
- If you want to get serious about this, you might want to consider a subscription to http://www.lynda.com for classes on photography and software.
- Get a cheap UV filter for every lens. This will protect them. (It’s better to replace a $10 filter than a $150+ lens). They also have great bundles for cameras and gear.
- One of my favorite places to buy camera gear is (and a lot of professionals use them too) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
- A tripod is a very early must acquire. This is something you want to spend money on because the cheap ones don’t last.
- There are times when a pocket/cell phone camera is just more convenient than a DSLR.
- Do your best to have your camera with you at all times. You never know when a great photo opportunity will present itself.
- Play with your camera settings and see what happens. Do everything you can on manual, you will start getting better photos than the full auto mode. After all, if you do not want to play with settings, why are you getting a DSLR?
- The flash that comes on the camera is not good enough. Based on what I heard and read, I bought a Speedlite YN560-II. Apparently, many photographers actually keep multiples of the flash on hand for when they are needing a cheap camera flash and do not want to be in a hurry.
- When you buy lenses, keep in mind that good optics cost money.
- Lighting is the biggest thing that I have found that affects the quality of my photos. Do your best to get the right lighting for the photo you want to take.
- A great web site for tips and tricks is http://improvephotography.com/
Tim, Fantastic list. I agree with everything you said. Tho I feel the need to add a comment or two. If everyone follows this list…It will be harder and harder to be a Pro photog in the future.
1) Tho the two makers are very close I think Nikon Cameras are just a touch better than the Canon cameras, tho not a big enough difference to make a difference unless your a Pro already,in which case your prolly not going to pay attention to anything either of us says. I went canon simply because for the money and availability Canon wins.
2) Agreed great reviews for both techies and NonTechies
3) Lynda is a great place to get the basics down from, but IMHO trial and error is the best teacher. There is nothing so driving as the shot you missed getting for whatever stupid reason that you could absolutely kill yourself for.
4)AWESOME TIP…
5) B&H is good but you can still get bit, No matter where you purchase get to know the difference between Black Market, Grey Market and All things “Warranty” This can be the difference between a great purchase and a professional hosing.
6) Maybe… I think it really depends on the types of pics you are trying to get. Shooting things that are stationary… Must get a tripod, This can help in the lighting required to get your shot, also can keep you from getting the shot because your trying to futz with the pod. Sports or action… Forget it.
7) AMEN… Also, I know this sounds crazy due the topic we are discussing, Some events are far better retained by the DSLR in your head. Dont EVER be so wrapped up in getting the shot that you miss the magic. My example is the birth of my son. I can remember EVERY second of that day, and in better higher quality images than ANY camera will ever shoot. Had I tried to make a photo shoot out of it, I would have missed so many little things, Pissed off my wife, been sued by the doctor and hospital… If the event is that important to you personally, Call me and let me worry, take in what you can.
8) Agreed… tho its awfully hard, and not to mention really awkward, to keep it with you say in the potty. 🙂
9) There is NOTHING to add to this.
10) Ehhhh…. I have gotten by with it a few times, mostly for fill flash. I do agree that the onboard will never do as the main source of light.
11) YES, And try to purchase lenses according to your needs… If your going to be shooting weddings, as we all end up doing at least once, the $4000 tilt shift lens looks awesome….. But its useless at the altar. When I bought my first lens, I considered that I would need a good shooting basic lens with a little zoom and a little quality glass. I purchased a Sigma Lens 24-70mm 2.8. Dont be afraid to Purchase a lens that is not your cameras maker. Good quality glass can be found in everyones inventory, Just make sure you buy lenses that have the right mounting ring… I know from experience, nothing is worse than having the perfect Canon lens for a Awesome Nikon body.
12) LIGHT! LIGHT! LIGHT! LIGHT! LIGHT! … It is what the whole damn thing is about, Light will make you the hero or the villain Learn everything you can about light.
13) Well there are many great sites for tips, My personal fav is http://photography-on-the.net/forum/
14) I know Tim stopped at 13 but I have a couple more tips.
A) DONT Zoom unless you have to. The tighter in you zoom the shakier the pic and more difficult it is to keep good focus. Get close if you want a close up.
B) Have fun, as long as you are improving your good. Stop learning and you stop living.
Dan