New to photography

one-angry-dwarf

Hi, I'm new to photography and have a couple of questions
Basically I'm looking to but together a photography portfolio over the coming year with the intention of using it to apply to various photography courses at third level.
I'd be extremely grateful if anyone could recommend a decent first camera, not too expensive as im on a budget. Also would it be worth my while getting a digital camera and how would I produce good quality prints using a digital camera?
Thanks for any suggestions.

Raskolnikov

Originally posted by one-angry-dwarf
Hi, I'm new to photography and have a couple of questions
Basically I'm looking to but together a photography portfolio over the coming year with the intention of using it to apply to various photography courses at third level.
I'd be extremely grateful if anyone could recommend a decent first camera, not too expensive as im on a budget. Also would it be worth my while getting a digital camera and how would I produce good quality prints using a digital camera?
Thanks for any suggestions.

Most third level courses would probably have you start on a film camera. Unless you're using a €1,000+ digital camera, the quality won't be as good as a film SLR. Also, since it's likely you'll be using a film camera you've then got to decide between manual-focus and auto-focus. Since you're learning about photography it might be a good idea if you learned with a manual-focus camera, you've also got the added bonus of them being cheaper than auto-focus models. Manual-focus cameras tend to have been discontinued but tend to have a far better build quality and are cheap to pick up second hand. It's not necessary though, you can start on an auto-focus camera just as well. As for actual cameras? You can go for Canon or Nikon, there are other cameras but Canon and Nikon are the most supported so you're best plumming for one of those. Good manual focus Canon's are (from most expensive to least expensive) the F1-N, T90, A1 and AE-1. Auto-focus cameras for Canon are the EOS series, 3, 30, and 300. I'm not so familar with Nikon's but I'm sure someone else can fill you in. Lenses are also very important to consider, you're better off spending a lot on two good lenses then getting a load of crap lenses. Lenses made by the manufacturer of the camera and those that have a low F number are best. That's not to say you can't get good lenses made by other manufacturers. It can be a bit hit and miss though.

Phew, if you have anymore questions then feel free to ask.

Sleepy

I'm kind of similar, I'd like to get into serious photography as I often see things and think that they'd make great photos if I could capture them on a camera. However, I'm in a full-time job and there's no chance of going back to college to study photography full-time.

Does anyone know of a good photography evening course/classes that could give me a good start in the Foxrock/Deans Grange area?

Evil Phil

The Canon EOS cameras come with both Manual and Auto focus, the dublin camera exchange has some good deals on Sigma lenses for Canon and SLR cameras.

one-angry-dwarf

thanks thats gonna help a lot. Time to start shopping around now! Anyone got an idea of a price for a canon eos? also does anyone have any experience of buying on ebay? would it be worth my while?

Burago

I would suggest you do a portfolio preparation course. There are a number around Dublin and it's the way most people go about it.

Raskolnikov

Originally posted by one-angry-dwarf
thanks thats gonna help a lot. Time to start shopping around now! Anyone got an idea of a price for a canon eos? also does anyone have any experience of buying on ebay? would it be worth my while?

This thread that was stickied has all the shops you could ever need to buy camera gear. I personally recommend MXV.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92404

As for buying on eBay? There should be no problem with that. Just use common sense, only buy off sellers with lots of good feedback and if there is any ambiguity in an auction make sure you talk to the seller. Beware though, eBay is not as safe/reliable as established camera stores.

If you want recommendations on specific cameras or lenses then feel free to ask.

Raskolnikov

Originally posted by Evil Phil
The Canon EOS cameras come with both Manual and Auto focus

Of course, but start using auto-focus and you might never learn how to use manual-focus and there are situations when auto-focus can screw things up, give less control, etc

Merrion

Go to the camera shop next to the beanery cafe and pick up the second hand Canon EOS10 or one of the Nikons they have in the window. Good cameras and solid built - not like the modern EOS300 and the like.

one-angry-dwarf

Originally posted by Burago
I would suggest you do a portfolio preparation course. There are a number around Dublin and it's the way most people go about it.

I've applied to one here in dundalk. its not focused (bad pun) on photography but hopefully it'll be better than doing it on my own.

Originally posted by Merrion
Go to the camera shop next to the beanery cafe and pick up the second hand Canon EOS10 or one of the Nikons they have in the window. Good cameras and solid built - not like the modern EOS300 and the like.

Whats wrong with the eos300s? this page is from ny-cameras.com and there seems to be some decent cameras there that are within my price range. Anyone got any opinions on these cameras (or the eos10) or experience using them? thanks for all the help btw.

norma

I too recommend a film camera. Some colleges do insist on it at first.

I recommend Canon or Nikon brand too, as they have a good system of accessories that will allow you to expand into any area of photography. However, note that the older manual focus Canon cameras have FD lenses that are incompatible with the newer EOS cameras. So, if you decided to upgrade to a new camera later, your lenses would be obsolete. I don't recommend the older Canon cameras for that reason, but the new ones are fantastic. A Rebel is a good starter camera on a budget, or any of the EOS range. I'm not so familiar with the Nikons, but they're a reliable brand.

I think you should opt for a camera with a choice of auto-/manual focus. Always buy a little more than you think you'll need, if you can afford it. You can always grow into a camera, but it's very frustrating if you find yourself wanting to upgrade a couple of months after you splashed out on a new camera (voice of experience!).

Norma.

Valentia

What kind of budget have you?

Furp

I would recommend a Nikon or Canon, if your looking for info in Nikons (my preference for better feel) and a great user support group which will tell you anything you want to know about picture taking and Nikons have a look at www.nikonians.org and go to the discussion groups.

DotOrg

firstly don't buy a digital camera unless you spend over about €1500 on a digital SLR

but film is the way to learn if you want to spend as little as possible initially
i prefer canon and its a good base as lenses can be used when you buy a better camera body. buy a cheap old second hand eos body or a canon eos 3000 which are about €100 cheaper new than the 300 but quality & features are almost identical

i've been taking photos with SLR cameras for about 15 years and the most important thing i've learnt is, it's better to spend money on lenses rather than camera bodies

start off with a really wide angle, say 18mm-35mm, a 50mm fixed fast lens and a good zoom of maybe 70-300

many newbies to cameras want to buy a big long zoom lens but unless you're taking lots of sports photos or are doing press photos you'll find you have more fun with the wide angle lenses

www.aaaphotos.org