Real Beginner

[gizzi_la]

I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on how to begin in photography. I've always enjoyed taking pictures and have come to a point in my life that I would really like to dedicate more time and effort to it. I don't really know anything at all - I have a small digital Canon 2100 cool pix. Is a digital camera better than film?
Any information that anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

[dlove]

Both have their pros and cons

A film SLR in much cheaper to buy, but you have the cost of film and developing. You also don't know how your pictures came out until you get the photos back from the processor. I find that I like about half of my shots on film, and consider 2 0r 3 worth enlarging

A digital SLR gives you instant gratification, on the LCD, and as long as you have a computer to view the photos on, but you still have to print out your photos somehow. If you don't like a shot you can delete it, and there's no expense, above your initial investment.

Either way you go, there is a learning curve. With digital there's better feedback.

If you don't have any lenses, you could get any system you want. There are plenty of people that will tell you one system is better than another, but when it's all said and done, they all take you to the same end.

If you haven't already checked it out here's a site that does some excellent reviews http://www.dpreview.com/ .

I know it can be really confusing, but do some reading, and experimant a lot with whatever you get.

Some of your more "affordable" choices are for Digital are

Canon
EOS Digital Rebel XT/350
EOS 20D

Nikon
D50
D70
D70s

Minolta
Maxxum 7D

Olympus
E-300

[COKE CAN]

I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on how to begin in photography. I've always enjoyed taking pictures and have come to a point in my life that I would really like to dedicate more time and effort to it. I don't really know anything at all - I have a small digital Canon 2100 cool pix. Is a digital camera better than film?
Any information that anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Well, let's get the name of your camera right! :lol: Nikon Coolpix, hehe.

[dkord]

Whether it's film or digital, the basic principles are primarily the same.
If you don't know anything about photography, get a book on basic photography or take a class.
The postprocess is where the two mediums really split. Because with film, most people just hand the film off to a photofinisher and hope for the best.

Here's a site with some info: There's lots, just do a google search!

http://photography.about.com/od/basics/

http://www.shortcourses.com/

The one good thing about digital is the instant feedback. You can experiment and look at the results right away and also all you're information is recored with the image.
Even if you don't get a high end camera, find one that will let you have full control of f-stops and shutter speeds, the ability to use filters. Any of the Canon Powershot A or G series for instance are good starter cameras.
If you're not on a budget get a Digital SLR. You will have greater flexibility and also won't out grow as fast.

[PhotosGuy]

Read the "stickys" & learn to get the most out of your cam. A lot of these point & shoot guys are taking great pics. Eventually get a DSLR. There are some good deals on the 300D now, if you're on a budget.

[Medic1]

Film or Digital I think is beginning to become more of a personal preference for each person. Digital is now producing some good images, as compared to when it first came out. Some people still like the look that film provides.

I agree with dkord, get a good photography text or take a class. I used the text route, and have been having a blast ever since.

Have fun!!

[gizzi_la]

you got me.. it would help if I got the name of the camera right