Looking for good start-up camera - is this the one? I'm looking to start some photography classes and someday do a little semi-pro on the side. Would this be a good camera for a beginner and would it take me into a semi-pro career? Looking for good start-up camera - is this the one? I'm looking to start some photography classes and someday do a little semi-pro on the side. Would this be a good camera for a beginner and... » Read More Looking for good start-up camera - is this the one? I'm looking to start some photography classes and someday do a little semi-pro on the side. Would this be a good camera for a beginner and would it take me into a semi-pro career? « Show Less
180300
Many say it is the lens that is the most important part of the system. The Rebel XT is great for a beginner, and many pros earn a living with this model, and the kit lens or the 50/1.8 II fro group and individual protraits. You can always purchase a prime or a fast zoom, i.e. the 70-200/2.8 for sports, or the 10-22 (or 17-40) for landscapes.
748241
"There are other cameras in this class that are faster and have far better sensors with far better ISO capability."You failed to list these cameras and their prices. Could you please post some links? Maybe there are some models I am not aware of.
1003731
I do not think this is too much camera for a beginner. There are excellent tutorials available to teach you how to use the camera. It is a wonderful model and I highly recommend it. I also looked at the 5200; however, I wanted a titanium body instead of plastic. The 5200 is very light and is a great camera. I wanted a higher quality of body and decided to go with the 7100. I have not been disappointed at all. Go ahead and spend the extra. You will not regret it. You are buying the best and it will provide a lifetime of memories through pictures.
1275273
Let me start with a few obligatory questions: how much experience do you have with photography, what do you want to photograph, and how much are you willing to spend?? The Rebel XT is a great camera. You can start learning on it, and continue with it for a long time. I currently use one. The biggest limitations this camera has are: Slow fps (3) Extremely small buffer if one shoots RAW (I shoot RAW exclusively, and the buffer only holds 4 shots) Small(ish) screen - the 2.5 on the 30d makes me drool... Rear wheel on higher canon models seems more efficient than four buttons Smallish, and plastic construction. Don't let these turn you away - I am a sports shooter, and that is very demanding on the equipment. You said you want to do a little semi-pro; for that reason, I would reccommend the canon 30d for you if you can afford it. The higher fps, bigger screen, larger buffer, better build quality, and rear wheel would all be of benefit. But if you don't want to splurge on the 30d, the rebel makes a fine choice. Don't forget that the newer 400d has come out - it is an upgraded version of this camera. And most of all, remember that the camera can only capture what a lens sees. Invest in some good glass.
96490
hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty easy to get on my hobby. Good luck with your new purchase! hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty... » Read More hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty easy to get on my hobby. Good luck with your new purchase! « Show Less
687391
Hi. I think that if you are looking for a point and shot like that, it is better to buy a DSLR entry level and consider buying a lens zoom, at the same time or when you can. You will appreciate my advice.
462533
This is a great camera for beginners, but be prepared to spend more on glass/lens as this is the most important part of any camera, all SLR entry level cameras are very close in quality and options as it all really depends on the quality of your lenses. To really learn the camera, do not use the auto modes, learn to use the aperture, manual and shutter modes to take complete control of your photos. There are thousands of youtube videos out there that will teach you all about this camera and how to use the different modes and features. As for this camera model, it is a great camera, i love it, takes amazing photos (with a good lens) and is very easy to operate. This is a great camera for beginners, but be prepared to spend more on glass/lens as this is the most important part of any camera, all SLR entry level cameras are very close in quality and options as it all really depends on the quality of your lenses. To really learn the camera, do not use the auto modes, learn to use the aperture, manual and shutter modes to take complete control of your photos. There are thousands of youtube videos out there that will teach you all about this camera and how to use the different modes and features. As for this camera model, it is a great camera, i love... » Read More This is a great camera for beginners, but be prepared to spend more on glass/lens as this is the most important part of any camera, all SLR entry level cameras are very close in quality and options as it all really depends on the quality of your lenses. To really learn the camera, do not use the auto modes, learn to use the aperture, manual and shutter modes to take complete control of your photos. There are thousands of youtube videos out there that will teach you all about this camera and how to use the different modes and features. As for this camera model, it is a great camera, i love it, takes amazing photos (with a good lens) and is very easy to operate. « Show Less
392883
Hi, Douglas! I saw what you discussed about the lances and the whole camera and I want to ask you if you have any experiance with Nikon Coolpix 5700 (I have that one) and how is it against Canon DigitalRebel XT? Is it much more I'll "earn" if I switch to Canon? Thank you in advance!Ivan Hristov, Houston, TX
1136873
I have had this camera about a month and came a cross this site. http://www.tlc-systems.com/artzen2-0083.htm It is the most helpful piece of info on how to use the darn thing as well as explain the good and bad points of taking pictures with this particular camera. The pix's are amazing and the author is an excellant writer. Hope you get as much out of it. It is a bit long but take it one piece at a at time and by the end of the piece you will have more than enough info to Move forward in using this amazing camera and making some amazing photo memories. Good luck
1025542
I think so, I've had many point-and-shoot camera (mostly Nikon) and this behaves the same as other Nikons. The two lens provide an intro to beginners what different lenses can do. I've spoken with many camera enthusiasts and the second lens is considered inferior to them. In contrary to the other answers, I feel the beginner mode can shoot much better than similar point-and-shoot cameras.
199905
if money is no object , buy the d5300 , i had the d3200 and it was a great camera you can routinely make really nice 20-30 size pictures ,specially with the prime lenses like the 50mm 1.8g , i bought the d3300 because the new sensor is scarper and the new lens is really much more portable and last but not least the included lightroom 5 software was in a refubrished package deal, between the 5200 or the 3300 the 5200 with its swiveling screen might be more camera to grow into , how ever if you only are doing basic photograhy the the d3300 or d3200 are more then enough for any photografer
154004
no support rep here either. And I havn't tested a p&s; this small for a long time. All cameras can perform well, you do have to read the manual, and practice, plus read tutorials which help improve the quality of your work. I bought the sx230 because Canon has a good reputation for their point and shoots and I wantede the "small 14x" option. Has nothing to do with fan clubs. If you have a problem you should send it back to Canon and if they can't fix it they will give you a new one if it's still under warranty. Good luck to you, cdowner! No, I do not sell for Canon. Wish I did! lol no support rep here either. And I havn't tested a p&s; this small for a long time. All cameras can perform well, you do have to read the manual, and practice, plus read tutorials which help improve the quality of your work. I bought the sx230 because Canon has a good reputation for their point and shoots and I wantede the "small 14x" option. Has nothing to do with fan clubs. If you have a problem you should send it back to Canon and if they can't fix it they will give you a new one if it's still under warranty. Good luck to you, cdowner! No, I do not sell for Canon. Wish I... » Read More no support rep here either. And I havn't tested a p&s; this small for a long time. All cameras can perform well, you do have to read the manual, and practice, plus read tutorials which help improve the quality of your work. I bought the sx230 because Canon has a good reputation for their point and shoots and I wantede the "small 14x" option. Has nothing to do with fan clubs. If you have a problem you should send it back to Canon and if they can't fix it they will give you a new one if it's still under warranty. Good luck to you, cdowner! No, I do not sell for Canon. Wish I did! lol « Show Less
963784
I recomend to you... Its a good zoom for the beginners photographers!!! The scope is very good and you can complement with the digital zoom.... I hope will be useful.
1102563
Good! Good??? Good is a relative term, what part of good do you wish to learn about? Believe me, this camera is 'good' at just about anything you want to do with it!
728407
It depends on what you are looking for. This is an excellent camera, I would recommend the entry level memory until you know what you need after using the device for a while.
1365589
I have that exact model, the Olympus E510, purchased right here from Amazon about 4 months ago and I LOVE it. It is an excellent camera. The live view works quite well (though in certain modes you can't use it...but that's ok..you don't always want to use "live view" mode and there are reasons for that which will become apparent when you get it and start learning the camera.) One of the selling points it had for me was the four thirds sensor. It allows the lenses to be shorter (and lighter!) and it also is a closer ratio to standard paper sizes such as 5x7 and 8x10. the four thirds ratio doesn't require zealous cropping to fit that ratio whereas a two thirds does. The four thirds also gives a greater depth of field compared to it's two thirds kin. It's a responsive, sturdy camera with plenty of features to keep you busy for a long, long time. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine. I am an artist an I purchased this camera to take reference photos. I have multiple sclerosis so I cannot work from life since I can't stand long enough to paint a picture plein aire or with a live model. I CAN, however, walk around and take lovely pictures for use in my comfortable studio later. I am also a portrait painter and I wanted a camera that would take beautiful portraits without washing out and dramatic lighting (which digital cameras tend to 'want' to do). So, an affordable, very well constructed camera that is capable of everything from beautiful scenic landscapes, dramatic portraits including under candlelight or at night, and even some macro work for some fun semi-absract paintings...it does them all terrifically. You will want to invest in some better lenses, though, if you got the kit. Not because they are bad, mind you. The two lenses it comes with are quite decently made and solidly constructed just like the camera body. It's just that once you get the camera's basics down and play you're going to be so tempted to go out and get those more expensive lenses because you will be having so much fun with it.
456321
The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode. Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera... I hope this was helpful