Quick DSLR recommendation.
Discussion
Im planning on buying a camera for business use mostly but should come in handy for personal use.
I originally planned on employing a professional to follow my company taking pics of our work but in reality this has been a real hassle to organise.
So, Im thinking Ill buy my own DSLR, and see how it goes. Im not expecting professional quality but so long as they are decent enough for my website Id be happy ( current versions are iPhone quality )
I know absolutely nothing about cameras but enjoy a challenge. Pics will showcase our work, a lot of which will be lighting ( electrical ), and often outside when dark. Will also take portrait pics of me etc and maybe some arty ones of us carrying out work etc.
I dunno what my budget should be £200-300?
Thanks in advance.
I originally planned on employing a professional to follow my company taking pics of our work but in reality this has been a real hassle to organise.
So, Im thinking Ill buy my own DSLR, and see how it goes. Im not expecting professional quality but so long as they are decent enough for my website Id be happy ( current versions are iPhone quality )
I know absolutely nothing about cameras but enjoy a challenge. Pics will showcase our work, a lot of which will be lighting ( electrical ), and often outside when dark. Will also take portrait pics of me etc and maybe some arty ones of us carrying out work etc.
I dunno what my budget should be £200-300?
Thanks in advance.
I'd go Canon / Nikon, so something like a Canon 1100D or Nikon D3100?
There's loads of reviews on http://www.dpreview.com
You mention product photography, so depending on what this is you may want a 'proper' (non-pop-up) flash too? Something to keep in mind anyway (a massive part of product photography is lighting)
As you mention portraits I'd also buy a 50mm f1.8 lens for whichever camera you decide on. These are prime (non-zoom) fast lenses (wide aperture, lets in lots of light, very narrow depth-of-field for that professional look) and aren't hugely expensive.
Hope this helps
There's loads of reviews on http://www.dpreview.com
You mention product photography, so depending on what this is you may want a 'proper' (non-pop-up) flash too? Something to keep in mind anyway (a massive part of product photography is lighting)
As you mention portraits I'd also buy a 50mm f1.8 lens for whichever camera you decide on. These are prime (non-zoom) fast lenses (wide aperture, lets in lots of light, very narrow depth-of-field for that professional look) and aren't hugely expensive.
Hope this helps
Jamster123 said:
I dunno what my budget should be £200-300?
Hang on, there!How much were you going to pay on a Professional to do this job?
If you multiplied by ten you'd be quids in - so go and spend ten times as much on some secondhand Nikon gear and then flog it back for 80% of that on Fleabay when you're done!
Secondhand Nikon D700, a 50mm AF f/1.4D and a 105mm f/2 DC and a brick-built-solid old tripod and head!
NEXT!!!
rottie102 said:
K12beano said:
NEXT!!!
I still want to recommend a 200-400mm f/4 and a TC17, though. "What'd'ya mean it's over your 50p budget?"
But - really - it's right that people should get stuck in. And especially if their £200-300 professional isn't going to do too well against expectations........
Jamster123 said:
Pics will showcase our work, a lot of which will be lighting ( electrical ), and often outside when dark.
I dunno what my budget should be £200-300?
Have you been speaking to my accountant? I dunno what my budget should be £200-300?
Seriously, you are not anywhere near the amount of money you need to spend, either buying or employing, to get the sort of results you should be after. £300 buys a decent point and shoot. But not even the best point and shoot.
The area you're looking at.. Lighting, night shooting and portraits are all tricky subjects that requires a lot of skill to shoot well regardless of gear.
As for gear you can do it on your budget if you don't want big magazine adverts, but it's knowing what gear and more how to use it.
A used entry level DSLR and kit lens plus tripod and perhaps the nifty fifty, add a remote capable flash and you're on.
As for gear you can do it on your budget if you don't want big magazine adverts, but it's knowing what gear and more how to use it.
A used entry level DSLR and kit lens plus tripod and perhaps the nifty fifty, add a remote capable flash and you're on.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D3200-Digital-18-55m...
Nikon were doing £30 cashback on these, don't know if they still are.
Nikon were doing £30 cashback on these, don't know if they still are.
RobDickinson said:
Stuff
Really? I mean can you even comment ?
With the sort of light you deal in!
No - OP take some tips - not from me - but some people who know! Give it to a specialist or be prepared for more expenditure and a learning curve steeper than the white-balance cliffs of Dover.......
Thanks..
Id prefer to get the pros in, but the problem is we are travelling from job to job each day. Id need to organised with customers for my photographer to visit afterwards, get access to their house etc etc.
So plan is get a decent camera and keep it in the van with suitable tripod etc and shoot on the go.
Looking at the Nikon D3200 or Canon EOS 100D, any thoughts ?
Id prefer to get the pros in, but the problem is we are travelling from job to job each day. Id need to organised with customers for my photographer to visit afterwards, get access to their house etc etc.
So plan is get a decent camera and keep it in the van with suitable tripod etc and shoot on the go.
Looking at the Nikon D3200 or Canon EOS 100D, any thoughts ?
Jamster123 said:
So I know its not top end but I bought the Nikkon d5300...Messing around mostly on auto , getting some ok-ish shots ( to me )...so what now should I read a few books ?
At the very least, you should understand the exposure/aperture/ISO triangle.And composition.
And lighting.
And post processing.
Seriously though, if you know nothing, then read this lot :
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kelbys-Digital-Photography...
Its quit easy reading and explains a lot in simple language.
Jamster123 said:
So I know its not top end but I bought the Nikkon d5300...Messing around mostly on auto , getting some ok-ish shots ( to me )...so what now should I read a few books ?
The default recommendation :'Understanding Exposure' (£13.39) http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0817439390/
If it's mainly for web usage I don't think the body will be an issue but you need to think about lenses, for interior on a crop-sensor you'd probably want a 10-20 (Canon) or the 11-16 (Tokina). For long exposure night shots a decent tripod is a must.
Don't think you'll do the job justice with a £200-300 budget, at that budget get a decent p&s.
Don't think you'll do the job justice with a £200-300 budget, at that budget get a decent p&s.
If it's mainly for web usage I don't think the body will be an issue but you need to think about lenses, for interior on a crop-sensor you'd probably want a 10-20 (Canon) or the 11-16 (Tokina). For long exposure night shots a decent tripod is a must.
Don't think you'll do the job justice with a £200-300 budget, at that budget get a decent p&s.
Don't think you'll do the job justice with a £200-300 budget, at that budget get a decent p&s.
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