Digital Slr Photography For Beginners

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What is the best Digital SLR for beginners?

umm.... im really interested in photography and i want a SLR. i dont know much about them. price is a big deal, so preferably on the lower side. i dont really know what else to say... :)
what should i look for? suggestions?
pictures? websites?
any tips for an aspiring photographer??
i am im high school and have already taken photo 1. we worked with film cameras and printing our own pictures :)

The basic Nikon D40 or D60 would be a good place to start. For Canon, one of the Rebel models. I have all Nikon professional cameras and lenses... but I can tell you definitely that Canon makes VERY fine cameras, both for the novice and the professional. How much do you want to spend on a camera body and lens? You can figure on spending a minimum of around $450 for the body and lens package... HOWEVER, Whatever brand you go with, PLEASE concentrate on getting the best lenses you can afford. Forget most body and lens "packages". If you can afford it, get the body, and choose a good lens! Scrimp a little on the camera, but go whole hog for the lenses! Cameras will come and go, but the truly great lenses stick around for the long term... Professional grade lenses can hold up to 80% of their original price after 10 years!... DSLR bodies, for the most part, lose at least 80% of their value in that same time frame. Not only that... as you progress from novice to advanced amateur, you will replace the body... not your entire system. Most likely the body you get will be able to use your existing lenses when you stay with the same brand, Nikon or Canon. Not so with the Sony's So choose carefully. Go into your local camera store, try out a few models to see which model feels best to you. look at the controls. Look through the menus on the lcd screen.

Your other choice, of course, is to go "pre-owned" either film or digital. I've had an N90s film camera for several years... works great. Price on this camera in B+ condition is less than $100. I paid $1,000 for it new (many moons ago!). Also check that the dealer you're buying from is an authorized dealer for the camera you're getting if you're buying new. Otherwise you may be stuck out in the cold should your camera need warrenty repair. Canon or Nikon... it's your choice.

I have a small sample of photos I took VERY recently at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joe_nowak/

Good Luck
Joseph Nowak
Nikonian Gold Member

Tips for buying your first DSLR (beginner)


digital slr photography for beginners5
digital slr photography for beginners5