Any photographers in the house?

There are some truly amazing takers of pictures in this thread.

I am looking for camera suggestion please. I have a 15 year old daughter who has always wanted to be a photographer. I have tried to decide on a camera via reading/research/reviews, but the more I learn, the more questions I have and the less I feel like I actually know. So, budget is 300-600. (new or used) I am looking for a camera that won't frustrate her into quitting, but also allow her room to really grow and expand her abilities. Thought about posting in tech, but I enjoyed reading this thread and felt the best answer would come from here. Any help would be much appreciated.

You can't go wrong with the current budget DSLRs. The kits come with an 18-55mm lens that is very versatile.

Nikon: D3100

If you wanted to go used or maybe pick up a deal on something similar, the older models are D3000, D60, D40x (what I have), and D40.

As for Canon, the T3i is a bit out of budget, but the T3 would be a great camera too. Basically, if you can find a newer digital rebel in your budget with the 18-55mm kit lens, it'll probably be good. You'd probably want to check a specific review just to make sure and get the pros/cons. I've found that the lower budget canon bodies tend to feel cheaper (as in more plastic-y) and be better for smaller hands comfort wise than the Nikon budget bodies.

All that said, maybe see if there is a photography class she could get involved in at school. The best place to start might be with film as it forces an understanding of the fundamentals. A school might have some old manual film cameras to use in a class.

Edit: I checked on ebay for prices on used Nikon budget DSLRs (buy it now), and saw a used D60 with 18-55mm lens for $375. You could probably get it for cheaper if you were patient. The D40x should be a touch cheaper as it is pretty similar but doesn't have as big an LCD plus a couple smaller things. I would stay away from the D40 because the image resolution is pretty low, but it would still be a fine camera, especially if you could find it for cheap.

The D3000 added in video and some other features. I think the screen might even be bigger than the D60s. The D3100 has a few improvements over the D3000, but I'm not sure what they are.

Unfortunately, as you may have noticed, I don't know as much about the budget Canons, although I did advise a couple people to get the Canon T2i over the Nikon D5000 when I did the research back in the day (over a year ago). It's a really nice camera.

I love my Canon T2i, and with the T3i's out now, you might be able to find a used T2i in your price range (I see a few for around 600 on ebay). When I got it, I didn't know much at all about photography and started shooting in full auto. Now I'm comfortable with all of the controls on the camera and can shoot in full manual if I want - the camera has really grown with me and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a good mid-range, starter DSLR. That being said, I don't know anything about Nikons and still have so much to learn about photography, so take my recommendation with a nice grain of salt

A few questions back to you Dexam that might help you get even better answers than the good start already.

- Do you already have a Nikon / Canon or some other SLR? When I started I was able to use some old lenses from my grandfather's camera. The lenses gave me some different creative options to try (e.g. a macro instead of the 'normal' lens).
- How much does she shoot already? My daughter is just a little younger and is comfortable using my camera when I'm around but likes having the flexibility of taking her smaller camera around. If she's still just getting started, getting in the practice of taking any photographs is more important than any one piece of gear. She can still learn composition even if she's trading off more finite control.
- I agree film can be great for learning the fundamentals but the instant feedback loop and low per picture cost of digital have their own merits if she's just starting.

Good luck to her. It's awesome seeing things through their eyes.

Whatever you do, make sure you run the camera you want to buy past someone who is familiar with the market. There are a lot of scammers in the electronics market. You want to make sure you're paying a decent price and not getting a years old, out of production model.

I love Amazon and order from them all the time, but it's amazing the number of really bad deals you can run into on their websites from people who sell through their site.

Haakon7 wrote:

So, as you guys are playing with Christmas glass, I'm getting ready to dive into a copy of Lightroom 3 that Santa brought.

Any tips?

Also a nice free resource I have been using is here http://www.slrlounge.com/category/post-production-tutorials/lightroom-tutorials

MonoCheli wrote:

Also a nice free resource I have been using is here http://www.slrlounge.com/category/post-production-tutorials/lightroom-tutorials

Cool. Thanks. I'll check them out!

Drexam wrote:

There are some truly amazing takers of pictures in this thread.

I am looking for camera suggestion please. I have a 15 year old daughter who has always wanted to be a photographer. I have tried to decide on a camera via reading/research/reviews, but the more I learn, the more questions I have and the less I feel like I actually know. So, budget is 300-600. (new or used) I am looking for a camera that won't frustrate her into quitting, but also allow her room to really grow and expand her abilities. Thought about posting in tech, but I enjoyed reading this thread and felt the best answer would come from here. Any help would be much appreciated.

I've got several old cameras I'd be willing to let go for cheap. First up is a Nikon F55 35mm film SLR, with a 28-105mm lens. Next up is a Canon Powershot G6 digital prosumer type camera (will let you shoot in full manual/aperture/shutter modes). Let me know if you'd be interested.

Rahmen wrote:

A few questions back to you Drexam... It's awesome seeing things through their eyes.

Currently we don't own anything but a point and shoot. She also has her own point and shoot, and on average takes 50ish photo's a week (guessing). The content is mostly her, friends, or family, but watching her take the time to crop, edit, and share them with pride has made me willing to make the larger investment. Yes, the world through her eyes is awesome!

bennard wrote:

Let me know if you'd be interested.

Although right this second I am considering the G6, I am leaning towards the suggested D3100. I think I'd like to give her the option to experiment and utilize lenses if she ever gets that far along. I'd like this camera to be something she can really grow with if she chooses.

Thank you all for the information/insights and your time.

Drexam wrote:

I think I'd like to give her the option to experiment and utilize lenses if she ever gets that far along. I'd like this camera to be something she can really grow with if she chooses.

I think a lot of people are intimidated by the idea of a DSLR with all those bells and whistles, but in reality you can just set the switch to that little green box (full auto) and it's no different than using a point and shoot. Switching to aperture priority is a great step up from auto that gives you some control of your images, but not too much as to be overwhelming. As was mentioned, really any of the intro DSLR kits will server her well.

Drexam wrote:

Currently we don't own anything but a point and shoot. She also has her own point and shoot, and on average takes 50ish photo's a week (guessing).

An entry level Nikon or Canon would work, but take her down to a camera store to give her a sense of how big these things are. Something like the Olympus and Panasonic mirrorless series has less bulk and may feel more comfortable to someone who is used to carrying around a lighter camera.

What you want her to do is have control over the process and also get thrilled with the higher quality image you get with a larger sensor. The colors and contrast are typically richer and more detailed than in a point-and-shoot.

fleabagmatt wrote:
Drexam wrote:

I think I'd like to give her the option to experiment and utilize lenses if she ever gets that far along. I'd like this camera to be something she can really grow with if she chooses.

I think a lot of people are intimidated by the idea of a DSLR with all those bells and whistles, but in reality you can just set the switch to that little green box (full auto) and it's no different than using a point and shoot. Switching to aperture priority is a great step up from auto that gives you some control of your images, but not too much as to be overwhelming. As was mentioned, really any of the intro DSLR kits will server her well.

^this^

They're so easy to use and feel awesome. Every friend I have loves using mine and several have bought them. Being able to get new lenses that will work with any future Nikon body (or Canon if you go that route) is an excellent feature. I bought a 50mm f/1.4 lens for my D40x and use that most of the time these days.

The suggestion to go to the camera store is excellent. The budget Canon and budget Nikon DSLRs both feel very different in the hand. I like the Nikons because they are easier and more comfortable to grip with larger hands. That said, neither are actually uncomfortable.

I am a little scared to take her to the store because I am afraid she will talk me out of my budget :shock:, but that probably is the wisest decision for several reasons. Thank you all! I may be back for more input after the trip, or hopefully to post a picture or 2.

Don't forget to look at some of the mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras Panasonic, Sony, Olympus, and Nikon. They are small, fully manual (usually), and take great photos.

Funkenpants wrote:

An entry level Nikon or Canon would work, but take her down to a camera store to give her a sense of how big these things are. Something like the Olympus and Panasonic mirrorless series has less bulk and may feel more comfortable to someone who is used to carrying around a lighter camera.

EvilHomer3k wrote:

Don't forget to look at some of the mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras Panasonic, Sony, Olympus, and Nikon. They are small, fully manual (usually), and take great photos.

This is the way I went, and I have no real regrets. I have an Olympus PEN E-PL1, which I've been very happy with. It will not get as much detail as a bigger SLR, but the tradeoff in size means I actually carry it around with me to take pictures. I didn't even mind lugging it around Epcot with my 50mm-equivalent prime lens, which I wouldn't want to do with a bigger SLR, it'd get too much in the way.

The other nice thing about any of the mirrorless cameras is that by design, the mount is much closer to the sensor, so there are adapters for almost every lens type you can think of, if you're willing to do full manual focus and such. I got an adapter that lets me use the old Nikon lenses my mom found in the attic.

Can I shoot 10 pics a second? No, but that's OK. Other than that, the features are pretty comparable with most SLRs.

To back up, though, if you really are just interested in learning to have more control over shots, I'll second the recommendation to get one of the "prosumer" point-and-shoots which supports full manual.

First step would be to decide what you want. If removable/replaceable lenses is important to you, I can say I've been very happy with what I have. I used to go the prosumer way but I was fighting with low-light situations that those little lenses and sensors just plain can't handle, so I bit the bullet.

You might try going over to DPReview's camera search and just search for what features you care about, it'll help narrow down your options.

Ranger Rick wrote:

You might try going over to DPReview's camera search and just search for what features you care about, it'll help narrow down your options.

I recommend dpreview.com as well. I always check the reviews there before I decide to buy or recommend something. If you don't want to spend a long time reading a review, the last page always contains an excellent summary of the review and lists the pros and cons on each product. They generally compare products to other similar products too, which is very handy.

I have the best kind of dilemma. An embarrassment of riches.

I've received a $150 gift certificate to a camera store but I'm not sure what to use it on as over the past year I've accumulated a modern camera body, a 50 prime, a 70-200, a solid flash and have a serviceable macro lens and tripod.

Suggestions?

Remote trigger? Lightroom?

Haakon7 wrote:

Remote trigger? Lightroom?

Great suggestions but I have the trigger and Aperture which suits me for now. I'm leaning towards some polarization filters.

Did a little photoshoot at home yesterday with the 50mm f/1.8 lens. This time I set the max ISO at 800 but still let the camera pick. As I was shooting mostly wide open, the ISO stayed around 200 or so most of the time. I'm happier with these pictures than I was the last set. Also, I downloaded the free trial of Lightroom. I've played around with it a bit and really like the feel of it. That being said, I don't really know what I'm necessarily trying to achieve, and so I end up randomly clicking stuff and trying things out.

These pictures are actually untouched in Lightroom, as I really wasn't sure what to do to improve them (although I'm sure they can be improved).

IMAGE(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5t0EjlZ2lNQ/TxNB-vW7WVI/AAAAAAAALb0/7chk82aNnjw/s640/IMG_6194.JPG)

IMAGE(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EAKaWxJPV5c/TxNBRBqwJPI/AAAAAAAALaQ/LETKjrh3TxI/s640/IMG_6052.JPG)

IMAGE(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rHofPX7Pvbo/TxNBu315lyI/AAAAAAAALbE/5XLF3EJdcJg/s640/IMG_6114.JPG)

Sheazy wrote:

That being said, I don't really know what I'm necessarily trying to achieve, and so I end up randomly clicking stuff and trying things out.

Look good! That last one turned out especially nice.

Sheazy,
If that all turn out that nice you won't need any software to help and I agree the last one is especially sweet.

I noticed your location says you are in Portland as well. Have you taken any classes locally? I've taken a few here over the last year and found them to be a nice way to push myself.

Rahmen wrote:

Sheazy,
If that all turn out that nice you won't need any software to help and I agree the last one is especially sweet.

I noticed your location says you are in Portland as well. Have you taken any classes locally? I've taken a few here over the last year and found them to be a nice way to push myself.

I haven't taken any classes at all. It's an idea I've been thinking about for a while, but baby plus busy job doesn't leave me too much time for stuff like that, unfortuantely. Maybe we should take this to PM, but are there any classes you've taken in the area that you'd recommend?

Ranger Rick wrote:

Look good! That last one turned out especially nice.

Yeah, that's sharp.

I'm think I'm going to try and get a start into astrophotography this year. Maybe just get off the ground with an astro-mount and a remote trigger. Anyone have any suggestions for either?

I am giving Smugmug a try and wanted to see if it will post to the forums nice.

IMAGE(http://popspond.smugmug.com/Amanda-Steve/Best-of-2012/Best-of-2012-01/i-34PQmcj/0/L/12-01-16-1128-Leland-L.jpg)

A few from this morning:

IMAGE(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tPP4JBt1SEk/TyRrqUlDV_I/AAAAAAAALe4/JE1TLgY8jZ8/s640/IMG_6381.JPG)

IMAGE(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EQ3ItqP0Yqw/TyRrqxd-5OI/AAAAAAAALfI/ugxZNTjuEf0/s640/IMG_6394.JPG)

IMAGE(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bysUUPxYvJs/TyRrrlgbwYI/AAAAAAAALfY/WQh1_GcNnFA/s640/IMG_6407.JPG)

IMAGE(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YZoTp6c20vI/TySoTzGaelI/AAAAAAAALfs/b8lN6Tl1yZk/s640/IMG_6401-RGB.JPG)

Also, is there any interest in a thread for posting and critiquing photos? I'm not sure that was the original intent of this thread, although I suppose it could be (and even has been) used that way if that's what people would prefer.

Those look like newspaper photos... I'm sorely tempted to put news-ish captions on them.

Sheazy wrote:

Also, is there any interest in a thread for posting and critiquing photos? I'm not sure that was the original intent of this thread, although I suppose it could be (and even has been) used that way if that's what people would prefer.

I'd be interested in doing a bit more of that in this thread. Picking some of the ones we see as our 'best' and seeing what others think, or throwing out 'challenging' photos and seeing if other can help tackle them? It might be helpful to show the thought process with those.

I would like doing that as well.Helpful critiques are always welcome in my book.

MonoCheli wrote:

I would like doing that as well.Helpful critiques are always welcome in my book.

Just a short critique. Usually people type with their fingers/hands.