[ADVICE] DSLR for the quintessential n00b

So I'm considering doing photography for my December hobby, and I am also deciding whether to do a course to teach me how to actually, yanno, *use* the darned thing.

I have never, ever used an SLR or DSLR and I only recently even upgraded to a digital camera.

Yes, folks, I still own camera film.

I have pottered around websites which try to help you pick a camera but it's all a bit overwhelming because I don't even know what brands I may or may not like.

To be honest, I'm not even sure what brand I own in my point and click!



Help?

What do you use? Why do you love it?

What would you use if you were completely new to it?

I take a lot of photos, both indoor and outdoor, and I do print off quite a lot (usually at least 100 a month... ) and I generally go by the principle that if you take enough photos, you're bound to have a lot of nice ones. And I keep them in albums, or make photobooks. I still have photos that I took back in the 80s - I got my first camera when I was about 7 (one of those little rectangle ones with the weird shape film cannister ...) and I've been attached to my camera almost ever since.

But it might be time for me to upgrade to a grown up camera ... if I can figure out what to buy, and what to do with it!

Oh no.

I found a red one.

I want the red one.

I don't even know what all the jargon means, all I know is that it's red, and I want it.

Must. Not. Buy. Red. Camera.


HELP!!

Peanutter we have been looking to get into the DSLR field too. We wanted something that will pretty much cover all our needs and also act as a video camera in a pinch. The problem was neith DH or myself have ever used one.

We went into some camera stores also looked online at the different features and capabilities and have decided on the Nikon D3100. As a bonus it has a built in guide that teaches you how to use the camera and make the most out of it. It seems like a good entry level camera.

The one big piece of advice I have been given is be sure of your choice as the lens are the costly bit and they are not generally interchangable between brands. Some Canon SLR lenses do fit on DSLRs.

Hope that helps a little bit.

ETA We are getting the red one too LOL

Thanks, BubbaT!

What do you use your camera for?

I mostly take photos of people, and the outdoors in general (both close ups and landscapes) and interiors.

I hadn't even thought of the video camera thing ...

If it's the Nikon you're talking about, yes, get the red one

'causer red goes faster?

or is there a reason that it's a good camera option for a SLR virgin?

I really just take photos of the hubby and bubby. I would like to get a bit more artsy though as photography really interests me

I'm sure there's all sorts of tutorials online ... I just need to make time to find them!

LOL, well red is good. But yeah, that's a good entry level DSLR and will do everything you need

LOL I almost bought the red one the other day just because it is soooo cool!

I've got a Nikon d7000 and love it.

The red one is a great entry level DSLR. But when buying a DSLR lots of people find themselves getting a bit obsessed and upgrading within a short timeframe so maybe consider if you should go the next step up to start with.

I know you see loads of deals with a camera and two lenses package but maybe consider getting a more expensive body and one general purpose lense to start with - you can always add more lenses later if you find you need them.

Dpreview has some great articles on lenses explaining the differences as well as a great comparison function if you have narrowed your search down.

But having said all that, go into a shop and see how they feel in your hand.

ETA - I have a friend who teaches classes and says that normally about 2/3 of the class have Cannons but he also says you get more bang for your buck with Nikon.

I have a Canon 550D. I looked at the Nikons but preferred the Canon when it came down to it at the stores. I waited it out until she came on sale then snavelled her up then and there.

I had a very basic DSLR before this one and it frustrated me to no end that I couldnt do what I wanted it to. So when it came time to upgrade I did so with the idea in mind that I wanted it to grow with me. So far it has done everything I want it to and more. In terms of features I wanted something that I could hand to my parents and know that I could set it to auto and they couldnt muck it up (very technical illiterate) but I could also take it and do so much more. After much research this one seemed the best of both worlds.

I occasionally take more arty photos, but mostly they are just your standard portraits etc. I never have her out of manual mode now unless she has been handed over to someone else.

I wish I had been able to keep my old point and shoot though (went to point and shoot heaven) as sometimes I find it a bit too much to take the DSLR to some places.

I have the cannon 550d too and its awesome. I was /am a noob but I've had great success with my cannon. I even attempted and succeeded with bokeh pics!
I'm a fan!

Thanks, girls!

Will have to have an online squizz, and then get hubby to check them out in store...!

Do you know if there's much of a price difference between online and in store?

Canon 550D fan here also. I did my 365 project with it and I love love love it. I'm a Canon fan as I just find they feel nicer to hold.
I'd say you'd probably get a better buy online, likely to save a few hundred

Re price - there can be a big difference between online and in store.

There are a lot of online stores selling "grey market" cameras out of Hong Kong for a couple of hundred dollars cheaper. They are the same camera but if there are warranty dramas you usually have to return them to HK and they often don't come with manuals or internal menus in English.

Firstly from a photographer, and I used to work in a camera store,
1. Go hold them. Canon or Nikon will do great, but nothing worse than an uncomfortable camera in hand, as if it is uncomfy, you won't want to use it as much.
2. Be careful buying online. Check Australian only sites. Buying from the o/seas sites can void warranties, and I have seen people get second hand ones sold as new ones.
3. Most DLSR's come in a pack. This usually has a great starting range of lenses. And great value.
4. Make sure you spend a little extra and get a good size memory card, UV lenses for your lenses (great protection) and an extra battery if you think you are going to take a lot of pics or use the video function on some DLSR'S.
5. If you are buying to learn, get a camera with more functions than you know how to use. As you learn you won't be limited by a basic camera, and it can be frustrating. If you just want a basic one then any of the entry levels will be fine.
6. Have fun! No such thing as a bad shot abs the great thing about digital is you can learn the specs of each picture and that also helps guiding as you get more confident.

P.s megapixels are sort if important, but anything over 6 will be fine as I don't think you'll turn your pics into billboards!!

Thanks heaps, ladies!

I just got a Nikon 3200 in a 2 lens pack from cameras direct and they were fantastic. I have no idea what to do so auto is my friend lol