I want to start learning photography. is digital better than SLR? how about digital SLR?

Answer 1

The only advantage to an SLR camera is that you are composing your picture looking thru the lens. SLR digital cameras are super expensive. The middle level camera you can focus thru the viewfinder just as well as you can thru the lens........how much are you ready to spend?.................

Answer 2

If you truly want to learn about photography the single-lens-reflex (SLR) offers the most options for controlling your images. That type of camera allows you to see and compose your shot exactly as you see it through the lens, so it offers a distinct advantage over cameras that use a viewfinder that is separate from the lens. Digital is one form, and it has tremendous advantages over film cameras in that you can do all the darkroom work on your computer -- unless of course you have a darkroom or easy access to one where you can do your own film processing and printing. The digital SLR offers exceptional quality and control - and you can purchase a good quality entry-level one for about $600 - 700: the Olympus E-volt E500 and E300, the Nikon D-50, the Canon Rebel XT. Photography is thrilling and satisfying, but it's not as easy as many may think - it requires an understanding of light, motion, composition, esthetics and a lot of technical knowledge to gain confident control. But it's very rewarding. When I first started there were 90 in my class and we ended up with just 15. For me, it was worth it - nothing has satisfied me more.

Answer 3

There are two schools of thought on that...

Some believe that it is best to jump right into digital tech, and most of these would suggest that you start with a DSLR, like the Nikon D50 or the Canon digital Rebel XT...

I, personally, believe that you would learn more and faster by learning with a film SLR, like the Nikon N80 (the most versatile camera with features that you'll find in most modern DSLRs, like auto-focus, 3 kinds of light metering, manual exposure as well as full automatic exposure... etc) with the 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6D lens (the MOST versatile lens around) or the slightly older but more economical 35-105mm f/3.5-5.6D-macro lens.

My reason is simple: you learn about photography, use of ISO, parts of the camera, how to compose, crop, use filters, pose subjects, use of natural and artifical light, etc., instead of having to concentrate on the intricacies of digital technology while also trying to learn about photography.

Most instructors prefer to teach film technology since most of what you learn will carry over to digital tech. Also, they prefer a camera that CAN be used totally manual (like the Nikon N80 wich is extremely versatile and will NOT confuse you; built ergonomically and is considered the Poor Man's Pro Camera and the best camera for learning and for beginners but you will WANT to keep this camera long after you get into digital). The Nikon N80 has features that will help you grow but it is a camera that you will NOT easily outgrow as you learn, like very old cameras like Pentax K1000 or older totally manual cameras. Go to a camera shop and ask to hold a Nikon N80 and any other camera that you might be interested in and see for yourself (do not buy older cameras that have pic features like "Landscape, " "Portrait day," "Portrait niight," "Sports" etc... those are toys for once-in-a-while photographers and vacationers, not for avid beginners).

The best place to get a great price on a used N80 (which also has a built-in flash, like the Rebel film camera) and the lens at great savings is at
www.keh.com
and the best place to get the batteries for the N80 is:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070214195348AA3DCra&r=w&pa=FZptHWf.BGRX3OFMhjVQUaOzYEowmVRgn.kkmo.GX6mSLlrCm1ityc6Aqlgf_EeKAdS6HQO2I.TlyORVXA--&paid=answered#R8cqXTO1BWPFl8e6zWecYEr9G6y.E_7QQ1sHtnm6gsQI2xvZ50c1

Take a look at this site for more informatoin on the Nikon N80: http://bythom.com/d80review.htm

IF you decide to go with digital, consider the Nikon D50 with the kit lens; it's a very popular model with fairly good stats and popular among many beginners, too. Or, you can check out the digital Rebel XT by Canon; it is also very popular and has equally good stats and is likewise popular with beginners. Just make sure that you're not getting a "gray market" digital camera... the technology is NOT that stable and cameras have a tendency to go wacky or simply malfunction and you'd have to rely on the experience OR inexperience of the technician from the store where you bought the camera since the camera companies won't touch them or repair them.

In the final ayalysis, you WILLL learn as long as you find it interesting and fun, and a great deal will depend on the instructor. Stick it out and ask questions if you do not understand something or if you have doublts (you might be asking the same question someone else would like to ask). Familiarize yourself with the camera parts AND be familiar with the jargon, technical terms, used in phtotography and you'll find learning is much, much easier BECAUSE you'll understand WHAT is being said.

Good luck and very best wishes.

Answer 4

depends on your budget. i was shooting film slr for about 10 years. recently it became very expensive to continue shooting film. especially if you plan to use slide film. i ended up buying a nikon d200 and have learned more in the past 2 years from it than i thought was possible.

go with the digital. learn. but respect the film. it is much more respected in a fine art technical sense.

Answer 5

From photography and DSLR camera basics right through to advanced techniques used by the professionals, this course will quickly and easily get your photography skills focused! Go here https://tr.im/kCDpr
By the end of this course you will have developed an instinctive skill-for-life that will enable you to capture truly stunning photos that not only amaze your friends and family... but could also open the doors to a brand new career.

Answer 6

As you level of knowledge is reflected in your question, take thee to a library and do some reading.