beginner photographer

Hey guys,
I have always been interested in becoming a photographer and while in an art gallery i was talking to a photographer that recommended this website for the question i asked him, saying "it will be better to get more than just my opinion on it." The question was "What is a good beginner camera that i will be able to keep for a long time and only have to change and upgrade the lens?" Any ideas? Preferably a camera that is not outrageously expensive

"becoming a photographer" covers a lot of ground. Do you have any photographic experience up to now, any idea what you'd like to take pictures of & what your starting budget will be?

I have a little experience and am currently going to take a photography class soon. I would like to take pictures of nature, architecture, and people. I know this is super broad . i believe my starting budget would be no more than 1,500. I'm mostly just looking for a good camera which will last a long time and later i will end up upgrading lenses by selling or trading.

charlie15 wrote in post #17619843
I have a little experience and am currently going to take a photography class soon. I would like to take pictures of nature, architecture, and people. I know this is super broad . i believe my starting budget would be no more than 1,500. I'm mostly just looking for a good camera which will last a long time and later i will end up upgrading lenses by selling or trading.

Typically a beginner misunderstanding, it exactly the opposite you need to do. With your budget buy the best lens/ses you can and and with the left over buy a cheap body or why not a second hand body
Nowadays ALL DSLR are excellent, but the light pass ALWAYS first by the lens before to hit the camera sensor, put a coke bottle in front of your camera sensor and you will get what you had paid for even if your camera is the best in the universe

Any ideas on what lens and body to buy then?

$1500? I think the best camera to really learn photography and grasp the basics of exposure is with a a used 5D classic for about $600 or $700. For lenses, go for a 35mm L prime for about $800 or any of the options for a 50mm (Canon f1.8, Canon f1.4 or Sigma f1.4) at various prices. The Sigma is pricey, so consider getting the Canon 1.8 or 1.4 and have some money left over for a flash and tripod.

So will this body and lens be able to take city night shots too? And what do you think about the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Lens for Canon

Get a used body. 5D, SL1, Rebel T4i, T3i, 50D etc. along with an inexpensive medium range zoom kit lens. Pick up the new EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, a Yongnuo flash and wireless triggers, an inexpensive umbrella and stand and a set of reflectors. This should be more than enough to learn with. Next, learn the craft. YouTube is your friend. At this point you will know when you'll need to purchase and what you'll need to purchase. Master the craft, then shop with knowlege and confidence.

..........Tripod too.

charlie15 wrote in post #17619950
So will this body and lens be able to take city night shots too? And what do you think about the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Lens for Canon

This lens work only on APS-C bodies, meaning the 1D, 5D and 6D series won't work with it, but you don't care because those camera are out of your budget.
reading the comments on B&H or Amazon, It seems to be an excellent all-around lens, plus it's an extremely fast zoom lens which is rare at a constant aperture of f/1.8 means also that this lens is excellent for very low light situation, portraiture, etc ...

With a 700D($500) or a 750D($700) or a 760D($800) or any second hand APS-C Body and i think you will enjoy photography, and later on in months, just get some lenses like an ultra wide angle when you will know you real needs after practicing.

charlie15 wrote in post #17619950
So will this body and lens be able to take city night shots too? And what do you think about the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Lens for Canon

Fantastic lens. I started the sample photo thread, but didn't think about it because it's made for a crop body. It's huge though. Plus, I think you'll be better off having a flash and tripod.

City night shots can be taken with long exposures. The cameras ISO is not as capable as newer cameras. However, I like the idea of the body's stripped down features to give you to learn technique. No high ISO to rely on, focusing takes a deliberated approach, no movie mode to distract you, just a solid camera. I owned one until I outgrew it.

Getting the best body and a cheap lens is definitely backwards. I also think that getting a mediocre body and really pricey lens isn't the best option either. I would get something like a Sony a6000 or mid range DSLR like a Canon t6i, t6s or Nikon d5500 and a couple of decent lenses. A good standard zoom like a 17-50mm f2.8 suits many people, with that I'd get a decent 28mm or 35mm prime lens to learn the advantages of a standard prime lens, the old Canon EF 35/2 (non-IS) can be had for under $250 and is fantastic.

Take a look at this video though; https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=hk5IMmEDWH4

Whatever camera you start with is going to be a decent camera if you put effort into learning core concepts of light, exposure, and general composition, but odds are you're going to be considering some upgrade to the body before too long. Picking up pretty much any entry level camera will be more than enough to explore and learn on. Personally I started with a cheap little Canon T3 a few years ago but fairly quickly upgraded to a 7D because as I explored more I got drawn into sports and wildlife.

Before you buy a camera, go join your local photo club. Ask around and figure out what systems are being used in your area. If nearly everyone shoots Nikon then it makes less sense to consider a Canon body as that will mean you won't have as many potential lenses to borrow or buy on the local used market.

Upgrade and expand your collection of glass. Good glass will last you decades if you take care of it, while digital camera bodies are going to leave you feeling dated in a few years.

I'd grab something like a nice 70D or 7Dm2 and enjoy the classes and ask for critiques like crazy and keep an open/humble mind =]


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have fun and enjoy it!

charlie15 wrote in post #17619827
Hey guys,
I have always been interested in becoming a photographer and while in an art gallery i was talking to a photographer that recommended this website for the question i asked him, saying "it will be better to get more than just my opinion on it." The question was "What is a good beginner camera that i will be able to keep for a long time and only have to change and upgrade the lens?" Any ideas? Preferably a camera that is not outrageously expensive

Cameras, being digital devices, really don't hold value, but lenses for the most part do. So what to invest in? considering you talk of the possibility of future "upgrades", look at what the high end offers and if it will suit you in the long run, as there is little that separates low-end cameras:

Canon currently makes the fastest DSLRs in terms of autofocus speed and capture rate, plus the lens selection is top-notch, but the sensors are old.
Nikon is no slow-poke either, but their focus is on sensors with high detail and dynamic range, although the lenses are a bit less impressive than Canons'... in my opinion.
Sony makes exceptionally compact and quiet cameras, but the lens selection is only just starting to get filled out, although you can use adapters to attach almost any kind of lens.
Pentax often gets overlooked due to the fact that they haven't had a full-frame camera offering, but their cameras pack a lot of features for the price.

Canon cameras are very easy to use, and it's the brand I learned photography on, but it's your choice. For what it's worth, in 2015 I wouldn't buy a Canon myself... 5~6 years ago, I would, but the competition has really brought out their best in recent years.
Consider a used Sony A7 perhaps, it's cheap, full-frame, has modern features, and it won't burden you with size or heft. The batteries don't last as long as some other cameras, but not enough to be a problem for a beginner I think, get a spare in any case, it's always a good idea.

Kolor-Pikker wrote in post #17627218
Pentax often gets overlooked due to the fact that they haven't had a full-frame camera offering, but their cameras pack a lot of features for the price.

But what is fuller frame than full frame? Medium format...