Clearly, I know nothing about cameras. I want to start taking pictures of my daily adventures but I don't want to just use a plain old digital camera. Any suggestions on what camera I should buy to get professional quality pictures? Thanks in advance!
2007-10-01 20:29:38 · 10 answers · asked by mermaidnerd 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
First it is not the camera that takes those "Professional" looking pictures but the "Professional" Photographer. A good photographer can produce exceptional results with any type of camera. True the better the camera system the better the results but it still takes a good eye and technical know-how to understand if you can create the image.
Here is some more information that you requested.
Depending on how much you want to do in photography consider getting a Digital SLR camera and there are many to choose from that will give you good results.
I shoot on Nikons but some of the Canon cameras are good but I will let somebody else recommend those.
This is the Nikon D40 6.1mb camera with lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/47...
This is a Nikon D40x 10.2mb body only, with this camera you will not have to up grade for a few years
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/48...
1. You should learn the technical aspects of photography and your camera (composition, shutter speed, rules of thirds, depth of field etc), once you understand these you will be able to create better images.
2. Shoot in "M" (manual mode) because you will have more control over your camera and not the other way around. When you are in one of the "Auto" modes the camera will just read the highlights and shadow areas and try to get you a picture. The camera is not smart enough to know what you are shooting.
3. You can start reading all kinds of books on this subject and get information from the internet. This includes web based classes, manufactures web sites to personal blogs.
4. Buy the best DSLR camera that you can afford this also includes good lenses. Take out your camera and manual sit down and go over all the buttons and knobs etc.. this is the best way for you to learn what your camera can do.
5. Start shooting with your camera to get practice and from what you are learning from reading and doing you will get better. Practice does make perfect. Take notes while shooting and then look at your photos on the computer find the best one from that set and see what you did to get the shot and why you like it more than the others.
Since you have access to the internet here is a start: Some you have to pay for and some are free.. start with the free stuff of course.
http://www.photonhead.com/beginners/......
http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp......
http://www.shootsmarter.com/
http://www.webphotoschool.com/
http://www.lexar.com/dp/index.html?cmp=e...
Studio Lighting info
http://www.studiolighting.net/portrait-lighting-styles/
Photoshop classes
http://www.russellbrown.com/
Hope this helps,
Kevin
2007-10-01 21:39:15 · answer #1 · answered by nikonfotos100 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I am with the last post in saying, learn about photography and cameras before you make a decision. I really wish there was one camera that was perfect for all situations that I could reccomend for everyone but there isn't. One of the reasons as to why photographers have so many different types of cameras, is because each camera has unique qualities that work for a certain type of subject or style of shooting.
Anyhow, from what I understand you don't want to shoot digital, and you want to shoot your so called daily adventures. So more or less you want to take a documentary approach to your work which requires a camera that is somewhat fast. The problem is that you said you want professional results. Again without any kind of training or knowledge of photography even the best camera isn't going to be able to make your images look great. But lets imagine you do have a good understanding of photography. I would suggest a Mamiya 7 or a Pentax 67. The larger negative will yield a superior image as compared to that of 35mm film and will at the same time will out rival most DSLR's.
2007-10-02 03:40:31 · answer #2 · answered by wackywallwalker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a degree in photography and shoot professionally, let me say that it isn't the camera that takes "professional-looking pictures" it's the person. I have a $3000 Dslr with more $$$ tied up in lenses that I care to mention and then I have a 8mp pocket size point and shoot digital that I do carry in my pocket with me every where I go. If I showed you 2 enlargements, 1 from each, you wouldn't know which came from which. The camera is just a tool for capturing light, you are the artist. Don't buy into the mumbo-jumbo. Learn about photography, learn about what each individual camera can do and then invest your money and don't buy what some unknown person online tells you to buy. I won best of show last year in an art contest with a picture I took with a $2 disposable camera. It's so not about that.
2007-10-02 04:16:46 · answer #3 · answered by tan0301 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The most expensive, technologically advanced camera sold will NOT produce good results in the hands of an inexperienced photographer. It will only produce what the photographer is capable of doing. A mediocre photographer will produce mediocre results with any camera.
IMO you should first take a couple of photography classes. Check with your high school or community college.
Learn about f-stops and ISO and shutter speed and composition. Use a 35mm film camera only for your classes.
Processing and printing your efforts is a great way to learn. A film camera will also help you to slow down and think about each picture before you take it.
It is possible to teach yourself photography but its much harder. If your only option is to self-teach then start at your local professional camera store - not a store that sells 10,001 other things and cameras.
Explain to the salesperson what your budget is and your experience level. He/she will show you cameras in your price range and explain the different features and benefits of each one. Hold the different cameras and see which one "feels right" in your hands. Now BUY the camera from that salesperson. Some stores offer an hour or so of instruction with your new camera. Try getting that at Best Buy or Circuit City or Target or Wal-Mart or over the Internet.
2007-10-01 23:14:00 · answer #4 · answered by EDWIN 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
If you know nothing about cameras, learn something before you go spending hard earned money. Go to your library, borrow a few books on starting photography then think about buying yourself a camera. With respect, as phrased, your question is a little like saying 'what paintbrushes are best to buy to paint those professional looking pictures' As I often say on here in response to the many questions like yours 'the best camera is that between your ears' and if you haven't got it, the most expensive camera in the world ain't gonna give it to you.
2007-10-01 23:49:35 · answer #5 · answered by rdenig_male 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You need an SLR. Like Nikon D70 or something. Don't get the D40. Get a book on photography and learn how to use shutterspeed and aperture. White balance is also a great tool!!
If you get the NikonD40, its lenses aren't compatible with any other camera. On the longshot you end up getting a D70 later, then you will have to buy all new lenses (assuming you bought others). I had a Nikon N65 (film) and was able to buy the Nikon D50 body only and saved a ton. Had I gotten the D40 I would had to buy the entire thing. They don't make the D50 anymore so the next step up is the D70. Yes, also look into the Canon Brands.
2007-10-01 21:20:05 · answer #6 · answered by april_hwth 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
im guessing by your meaning of professional looking pictures, youre referring to DSLR or SLR cameras. if youre new at photography, i would suggest either a canon rebel xt or nikon d40, just becuase they have the best bang for your buck(that i think) and they have the greatest variety of lense choices. also make sure to do your research on photography; at least learn the basics to it.
2007-10-01 20:34:29 · answer #7 · answered by Derek K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
photography is a skill, cameras are tools
lighting is the key to professional images
a
2007-10-02 04:14:19 · answer #8 · answered by Antoni 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Get a Sony Cybershot. DSLRs need technical know-how to make full use of them.
2016-04-06 23:55:51 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you spend your money on an expensive camera and all kinds of filters, try to learn how to use them and see if you've got a turn for photography. You might discover that you don't, and that would save you some money and lots of time.
2007-10-01 20:39:32 · answer #10 · answered by mrquestion 6 · 5⤊ 3⤋