Any photographers here?

[oxymoron]

I had a few questions that maybe you could answer. I want to get into photography but I don't know how to operate anything aside from a point-and-shoot. What would be a good camera for me to get? I was looking into the Nikon D3000 or D3100. Are they any good? Also, are there any websites or places that you think are good for teaching beginners? Lastly, what exactly do you think someone needs to get started. Thanks.

I know RB probably isn't the most optimal to ask this question but why not?

[Metal Jesus]

I shoot a lot of photos for my video thumbnails as well as b-roll stills of game boxes, controllers, and random stuff. Honestly, a modern iPhone or iPad (or other new smartphone) has amazing quality for amateurs. Obviously controlling the depth of field and exposure are huge limitations, but that can be faked by using slight blurs on a background which I do a lot. The other thing to keep in mind that LIGHTING is key to getting good photos, so consider investing in a softbox light if you plan on shooting indoors.

All of the photos on my Instagram page where shot with an iPhone or iPad:

http://instagram.com/metaljesusrocks

I HIGHLY recommend you check out and subscribe to the YouTube channel: PHLEARN when you wanna dive into photo editing:



Hope that helps!

[oxymoron]

Thanks, Metal. I'll check out his channel for sure. Btw, I love that zombie sign on your Instagram.

[fastbilly1]

Semiprofessional wildlife photographer* here, though I do alittle bit of everything and use unconventional gear. The camera and gear you need is based squarely on two factors:
1. Budget
2. Intent

These are important for a variety of reasons, like if you are planning to do landscapes the best cameras are all film and heavy. By mentioning the D3000 and D3100, that means you are looking in the $500 range to get started, am I right?

For general knowledge, read the forums at DPreview. For specific knowledge, find a photographer you like and read up on their methodology.

So what are you trying to do?

*meaning I have sold photos but do not consider it my profession.

[Metal Jesus]

Thanks, Metal. I'll check out his channel for sure. Btw, I love that zombie sign on your Instagram.

That photo was taken with an iPhone 5S and then cropped/color corrected with Pixelmator. Turned out pretty well! I was happy with it.

[oxymoron]

My budget is $350. Unless I've been looking at the wrong camera, you can definitely pick up a D3000 and maybe a D3100 in my budget. Used of course. I don't really have a specific genre I'm into as I'm totally new but I really want to try landscapes and a little street photography.

[prfsnl_gmr]

My budget is $350. Unless I've been looking at the wrong camera, you can definitely pick up a D3000 and maybe a D3100 in my budget. Used of course. I don't really have a specific genre I'm into as I'm totally new but I really want to try landscapes and a little street photography.

Those are fine cameras. They are certainly good enough for someone starting out in photography. (My wife and I use a D5200, but I honestly cannot tell much of a difference between it and our old D3100. My wife is the photographer, however, and I am certain she can explain the differences.)

[fastbilly1]

Gotcha, alittle bit of everything.

So here is the big secret to photography: Your gear is only half the battle. A good photographer can take an amazing photo with a crappy camera, but give a bad photographer a Hassleblad and they will still take bad pictures, just more expensive ones. Dont fall into the game of Nikon or Canon is better. They are all tools. The only thing that matters is the pictures at the end. Like Metaljesus said, smartphones have really good cameras on them.

My primary camera is a Lumix GH1. 2009 DSLR panned for being the "new at the time" Micro4/3s standard. To this day I get scoffed at when I have it by "real photographers." It is considered by many to be a womens camera since it is lightweight. However it mounts all classic lenses and I can shoot handheld a 400mm lens with it for run and gun. I used it at a tractor pull a couple months ago and the guy with the Canon next to me got jealous. But that is the camera that works for me. Before that I used an Olympus OM1 (a film camera from the 70s). The reason I bought a GH1 is because I could use my OM lenses on the new camera. That is not something most people will do, but I had some very nice OM lenses and they are amazing on the new camera. Also because it was bought to be a movie camera and you can mount a Cine lens on it super easy.

For what you want I suggest going to KEH and buying this:
https://www.keh.com/284007/nikon-d3100- ... a-14-2-m-p

It is a used D3100, with battery, and an 18-55 lens (what is commonly called a kit lens). Then grab yourself a couple 8 gig SD cards. When you can afford it, buy another battery.

My family have bought literally hundreds of thousands of dollars of gear through KEH over the years. They are one of the best companies I have ever dealt with, with the best prices.

I highly recommend reading the work of Ken Rockwell and any book by Ansel Adams.

[fastbilly1]

My budget is $350. Unless I've been looking at the wrong camera, you can definitely pick up a D3000 and maybe a D3100 in my budget. Used of course. I don't really have a specific genre I'm into as I'm totally new but I really want to try landscapes and a little street photography.

Those are fine cameras. They are certainly good enough for someone starting out in photography. (My wife and I use a D5200, but I honestly cannot tell much of a difference between it and our old D3100. My wife is the photographer, however, and I am certain she can explain the differences.)

If I remember correctly. The main differences are that the 5200 has a slightly better sensor (extra half stop I believe), better Auto Focus, and a better screen. Granted my little brother is the big Nikon guy and he is shooting with a D800 and three D7000s (the d7000s are for video with the 28-300mms on them - which I do not recommend for photos, neither does he).

[oxymoron]

Thanks a bunch, dude. Do you think eBay is a safe place to buy a used camera? Aside from the authorized resellers.