I've always LOVED taking pictures, and I would really like a nicer camera to take better photos. What would you suggest? I've always loved my Nikon cameras, and I know Canon is also a great brand. But specifically which ones should I look at? At first, it will just be for fun and practice, but if I love it as much as I think i will, I may later turn my hobby into a small business.
Thanks, everyone! I'm still not sure exactly which one I'll go with, but this definitely helps to narrow it down! iluvmylife, that is a great resource that you linked, thanks!!! I've been looking at photography blogs, and I'm going to get a couple books, too. This is something I've always wanted to do, but always found some excuse not to get started. No more excuses! : )
Definitely either a DSLR, or SLR.
While my dream camera is the DX3, my next one is the D7000 (nikon)
I also have the Nikon D5000 and love it. I'm not any good at taking pictures and it makes my shots look amazing, so I can only imagine how great they can look by someone who knows what they are doing. The D3000 is also good but it doesn't have the same capacity and it doesn't shoot video like the D5000.
I totally agree with the Nikon D5000 suggestions! They are very easy to figure out, but give professional quality photos.
I'm not a professional but I have a kodak and a nikon and the nikon takes superior pictures.
I have the Nikon D5000, It is amazing! You really can't go wrong w/ Canon or Nikon. If you want to get into photography make sure you get a DSLR camera and not just a point and shoot camera. When I was deciding which camera I was going to get, I went to this site http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/index.html
I have been doing just that: turning my hobby into a business. I LOVE Nikon. I know Canon is great too though. I started with my Nikon D3000 which was great! I photographed a wedding with it and the pictures turned out beautiful. One of the big reasons I upgraded was becuase I needed a camera that didn't make the "sound" when I took the photo's. I upgrated to a Nikon D300S which is incredible. If you want to see some photo's I have taken with them, you can go to www.suziehenryphotography.blogspot.com. The wedding photo's and older were taken with the D3000 and the ones before that were taken with my D300S. Hope that helps! I know seeing sample photo's always help me when looking to buy a new camera!
Good luck :)
S.
I'm a Canon girl, but I think both brands have their advantages. I would have to say, if you go with an entry level DSLR, get either the D3000 or the Canon XS. They are the basic models. The next model up would be the D5000 (Nikon) or the Canon T2i, but they just have more megapixels and that's about it. Both the D3000 and the XS have 10 mp and that will be just fine as long as you can compose your shot well and avoid cropping too much. 10mp will be fine for going up to, say, 11x14 print size. Plus you can save the extra $200 and get a decent extra lens, like a f/1.8 50mm.
I have learned SO much from photography blogs. Two in particular that are extremely helpful for people just starting out are:
Elizabeth Halford Photography http://www.elizabethhalford.com
Fro Knows Photo http://www.froknowsphoto.com
Good luck with your business!
A nice camera won't automatically take nicer pictures =) Like someone else said you really have to learn how to use the camera - and have an eye.
I shoot Nikon (a Nikon d700 - but you won't need a $2400 camera right off the bat, LOL).. but I do recommend the Nikon d90, or else you will be replacing your entry level beginner DSLR within a few months to a year to accommodate a wider range of lenses.
The entry level Nikons do not include an internal auto-focus motor - which helps keep cost down & the body lightweight. You have to purchase AF-S lenses which can be $$ - especially since the kit lenses that are cheap can only do so much.
I started my own business 2 years ago - and there is A LOT to starting a business. The second you accept money, is the second you pay taxes - state sales tax + self employment tax + etc etc etc - small business or large business =).
Anyway, I can answer Nikon questions: ____@____.com
Aside from a good camera, you need to learn how to use it, adn how photography works. The book 'Understanding Exposure' by Bryan Peterson is an awesome book for beginners. I have been into photography for 15yrs now and I still page through it sometimes. Mine is full of notes, highlights, sticky notes, and the pages are dogeared. :)
As for the camera, I've always been a Nikon girl. :)
I have a Canon 50 D and love it.....but choose now, Canon or Nikon and stick to it!
