Looking for good start-up camera - is this the one? Would this be a good camera for a beginner and would it take me into a semi-pro career?
1275273
Let me start with a few obligatory questions: how much experience do you have with photography, what do you want to photograph, and how much are you willing to spend?? The Rebel XT is a great camera. You can start learning on it, and continue with it for a long time. I currently use one. The biggest limitations this camera has are: Slow fps (3) Extremely small buffer if one shoots RAW (I shoot RAW exclusively, and the buffer only holds 4 shots) Small(ish) screen - the 2.5 on the 30d makes me drool... Rear wheel on higher canon models seems more efficient than four buttons Smallish, and plastic construction. Don't let these turn you away - I am a sports shooter, and that is very demanding on the equipment. You said you want to do a little semi-pro; for that reason, I would reccommend the canon 30d for you if you can afford it. The higher fps, bigger screen, larger buffer, better build quality, and rear wheel would all be of benefit. But if you don't want to splurge on the 30d, the rebel makes a fine choice. Don't forget that the newer 400d has come out - it is an upgraded version of this camera. And most of all, remember that the camera can only capture what a lens sees. Invest in some good glass.
597147
If you can afford it, get it. There is no such thing as "buying the crappy, just to learn" If I could I would own one.. Probably the only thing you can worry about is the size, some people don't like big cameras.
1953827
I have no complaints. Love the camera. Took amazing pics underwater!!! And happy with the indoor pics as well. It isnt a professional camera... If your looking for professional quality pics then shop on. I am a photographer and know this is a point and shoot and it does its job very well!
525783
If you're a beginner or novice, you need to buy a Rebel and spend all your money buying professional grade L series lenses. I would say that since this camera has NO auto mode, this is probably a very bad option for a beginner given the other options. It'll take you 2 - 3 years before you're good enough to even touch the options this camera has to offer. If you're a beginner, I don't know how the hell you're spending $7000 on a camera with no knowledge about how photography works. This isn't like buying a Lamborghini where you can just sit in the seat and show off your car by pressing the gas pedal. Photography is like painting, where buying all the horsehair brushes, oil mixtures, and professional canvas stock doesn't get you anywhere if you can't even make brush strokes properly.
147212
Yes. It's a great camera - I'm still learning how to use it properly though. Lol!
687392
Hi.I think that if you are looking for a point and shot like that, it is better to buy a DSLR entry level and consider buying a lens zoom, at the same time or when you can. You will appreciate my advice.
1324959
I would have considered it a starter camera possibly 2-3 years ago..but now since the firmware is at it's highest revision the camera is limited to older SD cards up to 4GB, no further. Those are becoming harder to find. I have gone from a D50 to D80 to a D7000 currently. The D80 or D90 would be good choices to learn on. I hope this helps!!
1681729
It is about as good as your are going to get without investing a huge amount of money (8-10k). Might need a monopod too. New D750 or other high performing low light DSLR is also advisable.
588557
In my opinion, this camera is more than acceptable. It has amazing lowlight capabilities, incredible image quality, etc. My girlfriend is the publisher of a Parenting Magazine and has shot covers with it. It is hands down one of the best cameras she or I have used for still photography and the absolute best in this price range. We're thrilled with it, and it is absolutely a true professional grade camera.
2071623
Yes, it is a good starter camera. It has flexible settings and options without the expense of a digital slr. The zoom is excellent (optical 20x - equivalent to a 200mm lens (old school)). It has good low light features for taking pictures which can be a mixed blessing on how not to use flash. It takes also good video as well. It has auto setting and several settings to make taking pictures easy. The only limit on the auto setting is it does not pick up fast objects in sports mode (blurred images). It changes the setting you press the button for focus (besides the picture screen).There is no view finder with the camera just the picture screen to frame the picture you want. Yes, it is a good starter camera. It has flexible settings and options without the expense of a digital slr. The zoom is excellent (optical 20x - equivalent to a 200mm lens (old school)). It has good low light features for taking pictures which can be a mixed blessing on how not to use flash. It takes also good video as well. It has auto setting and several settings to make taking pictures easy. The only limit on the auto setting is it does not pick up fast objects in sports mode (blurred images). It changes the setting you press the button for focus (besides the picture... » Read More Yes, it is a good starter camera. It has flexible settings and options without the expense of a digital slr. The zoom is excellent (optical 20x - equivalent to a 200mm lens (old school)). It has good low light features for taking pictures which can be a mixed blessing on how not to use flash. It takes also good video as well. It has auto setting and several settings to make taking pictures easy. The only limit on the auto setting is it does not pick up fast objects in sports mode (blurred images). It changes the setting you press the button for focus (besides the picture screen).There is no view finder with the camera just the picture screen to frame the picture you want. « Show Less
1556754
This camera has a powerfull zoom and has also a steady image mechanism, plus, you can take several pictures in one click. It's also very appropriate for non-professionals, since the focus is automatic and works pretty well, you can also customize the programs the camera software has, you only need to spend some time reading the manual to be able to take awesome pictures.Buy it also with a large memory card - 16 Gb or 32Gb Class10 cards are affordable and recommended for high resolution pictures and HD movies.I think this camera is a strong choice for non-professionals (professionals should go DSLR).Cheers! This camera has a powerfull zoom and has also a steady image mechanism, plus, you can take several pictures in one click. It's also very appropriate for non-professionals, since the focus is automatic and works pretty well, you can also customize the programs the camera software has, you only need to spend some time reading the manual to be able to take awesome pictures.Buy it also with a large memory card - 16 Gb or 32Gb Class10 cards are affordable and recommended for high resolution pictures and HD movies.I think this camera is a strong choice for... » Read More This camera has a powerfull zoom and has also a steady image mechanism, plus, you can take several pictures in one click. It's also very appropriate for non-professionals, since the focus is automatic and works pretty well, you can also customize the programs the camera software has, you only need to spend some time reading the manual to be able to take awesome pictures.Buy it also with a large memory card - 16 Gb or 32Gb Class10 cards are affordable and recommended for high resolution pictures and HD movies.I think this camera is a strong choice for non-professionals (professionals should go DSLR).Cheers! « Show Less
1633805
This camera is a great crossover from point and shoot to having full control of the shot..a great training camera for the beginning photography enthusiasts. .however..it is far from a professional camera..images are grainy..auto focus is slow..and auto mode images are pretty much unusable without a lot of editing.
456321
The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode. Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera... I hope this was helpful
687391
Hi. I think that if you are looking for a point and shot like that, it is better to buy a DSLR entry level and consider buying a lens zoom, at the same time or when you can. You will appreciate my advice.
1365589
I have that exact model, the Olympus E510, purchased right here from Amazon about 4 months ago and I LOVE it. It is an excellent camera. The live view works quite well (though in certain modes you can't use it...but that's ok..you don't always want to use "live view" mode and there are reasons for that which will become apparent when you get it and start learning the camera.) One of the selling points it had for me was the four thirds sensor. It allows the lenses to be shorter (and lighter!) and it also is a closer ratio to standard paper sizes such as 5x7 and 8x10. the four thirds ratio doesn't require zealous cropping to fit that ratio whereas a two thirds does. The four thirds also gives a greater depth of field compared to it's two thirds kin. It's a responsive, sturdy camera with plenty of features to keep you busy for a long, long time. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine. I am an artist an I purchased this camera to take reference photos. I have multiple sclerosis so I cannot work from life since I can't stand long enough to paint a picture plein aire or with a live model. I CAN, however, walk around and take lovely pictures for use in my comfortable studio later. I am also a portrait painter and I wanted a camera that would take beautiful portraits without washing out and dramatic lighting (which digital cameras tend to 'want' to do). So, an affordable, very well constructed camera that is capable of everything from beautiful scenic landscapes, dramatic portraits including under candlelight or at night, and even some macro work for some fun semi-absract paintings...it does them all terrifically. You will want to invest in some better lenses, though, if you got the kit. Not because they are bad, mind you. The two lenses it comes with are quite decently made and solidly constructed just like the camera body. It's just that once you get the camera's basics down and play you're going to be so tempted to go out and get those more expensive lenses because you will be having so much fun with it.
774987
Hi Mr. Hewitt (I wonder if we have any relation?) Anyway, for a true beginner (as in you've never used anything but a point-and-shoot) I'd recommend you get a Nikon D40 and an 18-200 VR. Keep the 18-55 kit lens, you'll find it lighter when your just taking snapshots of the family or whatever. The D40 is an excellent starter camera, it has almost all the tweaks of this much more expensive camera without the weight and cost. The D300 has many advantages over it, but I really feel you'll learn a lot faster with a simpler camera, and step up to this when your ready. I actually started out with a D40 a bit over a year ago, it made starting out quite fun. The 18-200VR will follow you as a great lens on the D300 too, and you can use any newer AF-S lenses on it. If you have older AF-D Nikon lenses lying around that you want to use, a D80 is also a good place to start. It's easier to make the custom tweaks you'll learn about in your photography classes on the D80, but it still has Auto modes as well to get you started. Checkout www.kenrockwell.com, especially his recommended camera page. He's a bit more eloquent than I am. And I wouldn't be so fast to recommend the D60 to anyone, it's just the D40x's guts (plus active D-Lighting, but without the other enhancements of the D300/D3) with a different name stamped on it. I wouldn't recommend the D40x or D60 to anyone, they exist to fill a price point to compete with Canon. If your eyeballing either, jump to the D80 and don't look back.
1094069
If you are just starting out it will work. But if you become professional you will want to get a more expensive one with more features. As you get comfortable with your photographing you will want to be able to adjust various settings to your taste rather than just using a point and shoot camera.