Hey there

[kris_p]

Hey all, just signed up here. My name's Kris, I'm 18, live in Canada, etc. etc. ;)

Recently I have been getting very interested in photography. Just walking down the street, my eyes wandering everywhere, I see stuff that intrigues me and wish I could take a picture of it. The more and more I look at photos people have taken, I just want to get out there and take some myself. I'm hoping to pick this up as a hobby right now, and hopefully we'll see where it goes from there.

While researching cameras last night, I decided to take a look at the Canon Digital Cameras. After reading many reviews, and checking a few locations in my city for prices, I became very interested in the Canon EOS 20D. Anyone have some comments on this camera? I noticed quite a few people on the boards here have that camera as well. Looks like a very nice and dependable camera, and personally I'd think it would be great to start learning with (I hope? haha).

Anyways, I'm going to keep reading up on digital photography, see if I can find a few books as well, and hopefully I'll hear from some of you guys soon!

Cheers

Kris

[Tim23011407]

Hi Kris,

Just a suggestion if you are new to digital photography. I've been using the 20D since Christmas and really like it. However, there's a learning curve to using digital SLRs. You may want to start off with an advanced point and shoot (one with manual features) It may meet all your requirements. I was using the Powershot G3 for about a year and a half before I felt the need to upgrade to the 20D. I got to try one out for a day and was hooked (quick response, excellent image quality), but still resisted until the Canon triple rebates came around.
Good luck with your search.

[kris_p]

Thanks for the feedback!

I was wondering, if I honestly took the time to learn more about digital SLR's and the 20D itself, before anything else, will I have a very hard time grasping the knowledge and learning how to do it?

The thing with me is that, money is a bit of a factor here. I'd rather spend the money for the 20D, instead of having to buy one such as the G3, and then a more advanced camera like the 20D. I'm willing to learn/study as much as I have to to get the knowledge on a camera such as the 20D, even if it involves reading for weeks and not even taking a picture ;)

Anyways, more feedback is greatly appreciated!

Kris

[pjd83]

I guess its a knife edge too. You buy an expensive camera and don't get good results as the technique is lacking and that might put you off. If you work your way up the ladder then you won't be saddened and put off.

Or on the other hand, it might not put you off. Just make you work harder to achieve the results you want.

[GyRob]

IF you got the 20d a sharpish lens say the 50mm f1.8 (its not exspencive ) put the camera on programed mode you wont go far wrong on a lot of shots and then you can start to twiddle with a few settings as you go along .
Rob

[kris_p]

I guess its a knife edge too. You buy an expensive camera and don't get good results as the technique is lacking and that might put you off. If you work your way up the ladder then you won't be saddened and put off.

Or on the other hand, it might not put you off. Just make you work harder to achieve the results you want.

Good points. I'll know that if my pictures aren't looking good, it most likely isn't the camera's fault. It's my techniques, or lack thereof ;)

Like I said earlier, would it be possible to learn and build on the 20D? I've now realized that it is a fairly advanced camera to start with for beginners such as myself, and the price is generally steep (but luckily I can pay for it monthly, taking a bit of the load off my back).

I know it would take much time, and possibly much stress, to begin with a camera like this, but it's something I'm generally willing to endure. Soon as school is over, I'll have the whole summer off, with lots of time to be with the camera and learn as much as possible.

Anyways, I'm rambling off once again, haha!

Kris

[froman98]

I don't think it would be a problem. As long as your are dedicated to your work and don't get discouraged too easy, then there would be no problem. Have you had any photography experience or experience with an SLR camera before? Quite a few people would recommend getting accustomed to the functions and features of a cheaper camera so you can understand certain things such as an f-stop, depth of field, exposure and many other things.

At first, I started out with a Canon Powershot G5. I enjoyed the advanced features that it offered as well as the ease of use if I just wanted to point and shoot. The image clarity was great and the flexibility (low light shooting especially) was more than I needed . . . at first. Once I started understanding the basics and started to read more books about photography and desire more out of my camera, then I made the leap to a 20D.

I recommend you get the 20D if you feel confident enough for it. :) When I got it, I had to learn how to use a camera again because the dSLR felt much different than my point-and-shoot G5. If you have the ability to get it and start learning on it and not get bummed out if images don't come out to well at first, then go for it. Photos not coming out or turning out that good is a worst case scenario... you may very well be a natural at it and pick things up very quick!

I give you my vote and support to get a 20D. I've learned SO much from these forums and other online resources, that learning the features and functions of the camera will be no problem. Also, learning photography basics shouldn't be an issue since there are many websites and books dedicated to just that.

As with anything new, my best recommendation is to get the 20D and atleast a 1GB compact flash card and maybe an extra battery (I picked up a few extra's for 12 bucks a piece @ sterlingtek.com.. they last much longer than the canon one's too). Once you get it, shoot as many pictures as you can wherever you can. :)

I'm anxious to see your first photos. :)

Keep us updated.

- Andy

[Tim23011407]

Kris,
You obviously have a lot of enthusiasm for photography. I don't think you will have too much difficulty learning how to use the camera. In fact, you probably have lots of fun.
Forums such as this one contain a wealth of information that will answer many of your questions.
For me, I had better shots from my point and shoot camera initially, but I have far more flexibility and better shots now with the 20D.

Also. I see where you are coming from... why spend redundantly by upgrading the camera from a simple one and eventually winding up with a camera like the 20D (and a collection of cameras to boot). (sounds too familiar :oops: )

The other route to consider may be the Rebel XT. :lol: (Budgetary concerns are always on my mind.)

[kris_p]

Thanks again for more feedback. I've always been slightly interested in photography, but never gave it much thought. But just recently, as I look at more professional photos I want to be able to (eventually) do something like that myself. On a previous field study I had to do for school, I spent an hour on the bus just staring out the window, watching as everything went by, thinking "that would make an awesome picture". Sounds a little weird, and slightly spontaneous...but since that day I have just spent more and more time reading up on stuff like this, looking at more pictures, reading up on cameras and the such, and well, here I am! haha

Kris

[skade]

On a previous field study I had to do for school, I spent an hour on the bus just staring out the window, watching as everything went by, thinking "that would make an awesome picture". Sounds a little weird, and slightly spontaneous...but since that day I have just spent more and more time reading up on stuff like this, looking at more pictures, reading up on cameras and the such, and well, here I am! haha

Kris


Oh no... you've got that same bug that we all have in here. Lol. We all do the same thing, so dont stress about it and just start shooting. As much as I love my camera, I am aching for a 20D. The more shots I see on here that come from the 20D, the more I want one. Im thinking the end of August I might just have one!

[skade]

Oh yeah .... and welcome to the forum Kris. All the info you will need, you will mostly be able to find here somewhere. Everyone is sooooo helpful here!

[aam1234]

I'm on the "get a DSLR camp"...it's a lot cheaper than buying a P&S then few months later you want a DSLR (that was my route...not good).

[CyberPet]

I saw in a store that the Nikon Coolpix 8700 was priced the same as the Canon 350D. The DSLR's are dropping in price and those compact cameras (some which are great and easy to use) have no chance if you got the "photo bug". The limitations of the compacts will show up very soon and if you pay just a little bit more you'll have that 20D and a decent lens. That gives you the choice to go nuts later with more and more lenses of all sorts... something no compact camera have, you're stuck with ONE lens, usually not a very good one.

Plus, if I'm not mistaken you don't have to start shooting in Manual right away. I'm sure the P-mode will work to begin with, and the more you experiment with the different settings the more you learn. Since you're shooting digital, the film is free, so you can test every aperture and shutter speed combination you can come up with without it costing you more than some harddrive space (unless you clear the images off after you've learn your lessons).

I say GO FOR IT! :D

[liza]

You've gotten a lot of excellent advice from everyone thus far. Let me add that you will need to purchase Photoshop or something similar, as DSLR images require some post-processing. Photoshop Elements 3 is inexpensive and should meet your needs for the time being. Also, read everything you can get your hands on and practice, practice, practice! I not only recommend this forum to help you learn, but also fredmiranda.com. Both have friendly and helpful members.

As a high school yearbook advisor, I wish I had you on staff. Your desire to learn and create is refreshing! Best of luck to you in your endeavors.

[am_pitbull_terrier]

Hi Kris, Welcome to the forum :) I have had my powershot G3 for about 2 years now. It's a great camera. I think you should think about one of the G series cams unless you are sure you are going to continue with the hobby. You don't want to have a 1,200 paper weight on your desk :D I have taken almost 30,000 shots with my G3 and it still works great. I'm just now going to buy a Rebel XT, mainly because I'm trying to get more into "professional" photography. I just got my photog/art studio done and hope to have it open in the next couple weeks.

And again, Welcome :) I think you will really like it here.

[sixshot]

I have used a film SLR and am saving for a 20D and gonna get a L at the same time. I know that it will take me a while to learn the ropes of the DSLR but I know that this is what I want to learn and spend many hours doing. So if you are willingly to take it step by step and learn as you go along then get the 20D. Time is required, take a look at this thread to see how much time people spend on this:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=576207#post576207

This forum will supply all the help needed. All you need to do then is shoot shoot and shoot. Learn from mistakes and join the other here doing the same. I have to put off my purchase til early July now due to cashflow problems!!