MY FIRST DIGITAL SLR
I'm currently a university student and I'm looking into doing an online diploma for photography at the institute of photography in Australia. I'm very interested in starting a course of photography, however I need to buy a digital SLR camera to complete the course. I asked one of the staff members if there was a particular camera I should obtain, but he only said anyone will do but preferably a digital SLR. The unfortunate side to this answer means I have a WHOLE range of cameras to chose from now!
My budget is only around $800, $1000 if it really needs to be.
I think I'd like canon, or a Nikon, I heard they are they have been the top two for a while.
Which one should I chose? How will I know how to chose it when I know NOTHING about photogrpahy?
The staff member said to wait until I start the course to read the first few chapters which go into great detail about cameras and will help me chose what I'd like.
However, what is your experience? Begginer level camera? What camera is your favourite? What do you recommend for me!
There's 50, 60 identical questions here. I stick by my own and rather unpopular answer. Go to a shop, handle a few. See which allows changing of iso, shutter speed, aperture and AF focal point in a way that feels the best to you. Buy that.
You know nothing about photography, but you're interested in majoring in photography? Before spending any money on a camera, you need to actually learn about photography - Your local library can help you with that… You're going to need a lot more than an entry-level DSLR w/ an 18-55 kit lens.
I would recommend a Nikon, probably the D3100 model. This camera is not as big and bulky as many D-SLRs but has all the bells and whistles that a beginner will ever need. They run about $500 with a 18-55mm lens and the 55-300mm lens is another $250-300. You will also want some filters for your lenses because it is better to scratch the filter than the actual lens for budget sake. Also, be on the look out for a sturdy tripod, something light but stable because you won't be able to hold your camera still for more than 1/30 shutter speed.
I recommend you use Nikon D3100. When you start making photos you can participate in a contest on the site I mentioned in source. It is a site that promotes photography.
I recommend getting a Canon EOS T3i with the 18-135 kit lens. You won't grow out of the camera too quickly. It is perfect to learn with.