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.
525783
If you're a beginner or novice, you need to buy a Rebel and spend all your money buying professional grade L series lenses. I would say that since this camera has NO auto mode, this is probably a very bad option for a beginner given the other options. It'll take you 2 - 3 years before you're good enough to even touch the options this camera has to offer. If you're a beginner, I don't know how the hell you're spending $7000 on a camera with no knowledge about how photography works. This isn't like buying a Lamborghini where you can just sit in the seat and show off your car by pressing the gas pedal. Photography is like painting, where buying all the horsehair brushes, oil mixtures, and professional canvas stock doesn't get you anywhere if you can't even make brush strokes properly.
1003732
My first DSLR was a D3000. It actually was the perfect starter. I find the D7100 to be a little more intricate in its functions. If I were you, I would start with the 5200/5300, it will get your feet wet without overwelming you.
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.
1079349
No way! Read some reviews on a starter DSLR. Look at this site for an example. http://entry-level-dslr-camera-review.toptenreviews.com/
1820223
Just purchased the Canon SX40. It is truly amazing. There are not too many boats out on the ice right now, but I think it will do what I want. The picture quality is fantastic. Shortcomings? Since I'm a newbie I don't understand why some pics are blurry and others not; but that is probably more my inexperience than the camera. Also, it shoots 1080 video only at 24 fps. This is still pretty good, but there are some situations where a moving video is less crisp. But I could always switch to non HD if I choose, and have 30 fps that way. Thanks for your help.
1721899
The front camera shoots acceptable video. They call it HD but it sure doesn't look HD. The bottom camera is really bad. Looks like less than 1.3MP no matter what they claim. As far as still pictures go, you can snap them but they quality is low. I have an interest in video and photography myself. This unit is a nice starter but consider it to be a learner unit. You WILL crash many times. You WILL break it. The batteries WILL overheat and swell. You WILL have the unit take off and be uncontrollable. But it's relatively inexpensive for a drone so you WILL learn a lot. And for that, it's worth it. The front camera shoots acceptable video. They call it HD but it sure doesn't look HD. The bottom camera is really bad. Looks like less than 1.3MP no matter what they claim. As far as still pictures go, you can snap them but they quality is low. I have an interest in video and photography myself. This unit is a nice starter but consider it to be a learner unit. You WILL crash many times. You WILL break it. The batteries WILL overheat and swell. You WILL have the unit take off and be uncontrollable. But it's relatively inexpensive for a drone so you WILL learn a lot. And for that, it's worth... » Read More The front camera shoots acceptable video. They call it HD but it sure doesn't look HD. The bottom camera is really bad. Looks like less than 1.3MP no matter what they claim. As far as still pictures go, you can snap them but they quality is low. I have an interest in video and photography myself. This unit is a nice starter but consider it to be a learner unit. You WILL crash many times. You WILL break it. The batteries WILL overheat and swell. You WILL have the unit take off and be uncontrollable. But it's relatively inexpensive for a drone so you WILL learn a lot. And for that, it's worth it. « Show Less
928886
Yes. It can be a fairly complex camera, but can be used in the automatic mode , which makes it usable for beginners.
2044190
I'm no producer or anything, but this camera does take great video. It's got a decent warmth to the video also. If you're going amateur and would like a decent start up camera, I woul suggest this camera. Just keep in mind that you can use it only with a high powered computer. A regular computer won't be able to handle this thing... I am thinking of selling mine. My old MacBook Pro doesn't handle the files too well...
520386
Absolutely! If want to get serious about your skills, it does make sense. Consider the size and weight though. The D600 is bigger and heavier, but it is also a much better performer with most of the Professional features. I upgraded from a fabulous D7000, and have not regretted it one bit. The star rating is at 4 stars, due to lots of ppl who apparently got units with sensor dust. The other complaint from ppl is related to the focusing points being mostly in the center of the frame. I have not even noticed it to be honest. Other than that, this camera ranks # 1 if you look at price, build quality, features, and of course image quality. Absolutely! If want to get serious about your skills, it does make sense. Consider the size and weight though. The D600 is bigger and heavier, but it is also a much better performer with most of the Professional features. I upgraded from a fabulous D7000, and have not regretted it one bit. The star rating is at 4 stars, due to lots of ppl who apparently got units with sensor dust. The other complaint from ppl is related to the focusing points being mostly in the center of the frame. I have not even noticed it to be honest. Other than that, this camera ranks # 1 if you look at price, build... » Read More Absolutely! If want to get serious about your skills, it does make sense. Consider the size and weight though. The D600 is bigger and heavier, but it is also a much better performer with most of the Professional features. I upgraded from a fabulous D7000, and have not regretted it one bit. The star rating is at 4 stars, due to lots of ppl who apparently got units with sensor dust. The other complaint from ppl is related to the focusing points being mostly in the center of the frame. I have not even noticed it to be honest. Other than that, this camera ranks # 1 if you look at price, build quality, features, and of course image quality. « Show Less
1465878
This camera is perfect for beginners to advance photographers. I'd take the GH3 over any Canon or Nikon entry level camera anyday. You'll be perfectly comfortable as a beginner with this camera but don't be afraid to wander in the semi-manual and manual modes, that is the only way you are going to learn. :)Buy it, you won't regret it.Enjoy
1633805
This camera is a great crossover from point and shoot to having full control of the shot..a great training camera for the beginning photography enthusiasts. .however..it is far from a professional camera..images are grainy..auto focus is slow..and auto mode images are pretty much unusable without a lot of editing.
1008023
In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on from there. In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on... » Read More In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on from there. « Show Less
1017811
thanks Emily,Your reply made it clear to me. I had this problem where I was a total newbie to DSLR photography and finaly deciding to buy the D40 as everyone said it is easy to use for a starter.however, I later found my self so in love with photography and I wanted to go further... I started to take photography classes and when I reached to level 2 I found my self lacking the regular features a normal DSLR usually have such as the inquires I mentioned in my previous question.Now I need to upgrade, and I thought to what this new D60 might have!a D80 is a better solution indeed. thanks Emily,Your reply made it clear to me. I had this problem where I was a total newbie to DSLR photography and finaly deciding to buy the D40 as everyone said it is easy to use for a starter.however, I later found my self so in love with photography and I wanted to go further... I started to take photography classes and when I reached to level 2 I found my self lacking the regular features a normal DSLR usually have such as the inquires I mentioned in my previous question.Now I need to upgrade, and I thought to what this new D60 might... » Read More thanks Emily,Your reply made it clear to me. I had this problem where I was a total newbie to DSLR photography and finaly deciding to buy the D40 as everyone said it is easy to use for a starter.however, I later found my self so in love with photography and I wanted to go further... I started to take photography classes and when I reached to level 2 I found my self lacking the regular features a normal DSLR usually have such as the inquires I mentioned in my previous question.Now I need to upgrade, and I thought to what this new D60 might have!a D80 is a better solution indeed. « Show Less
2056138
How easy is this camera to use for a novice? I bought my husband a smaller pocket sized camera and it is very difficult to get it to focus on what YOU want it to focus on. It is always trying to be smart. I need a camera that I can set up some default settings and he can just point at shoot at moving grand children.
1161574
If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong. It ONLY accepts CompactFlash and only recognizes limited capacities; 2GB is plenty for 6MP. If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong.... » Read More If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong. It ONLY accepts CompactFlash and only recognizes limited capacities; 2GB is plenty for 6MP. « Show Less
788649
Hi, I bought this camera for my mom. She loves it...said it is a very versatile. My brother is a professional photographer. He loves the camera and even though he has 3000 dollar cameras thought this would be a great everyday camera. He was impressed with all the features it has for such a compact camera. Hope this helps. Have a good day.