Which camera to get?

[WasntMeMum]

I have always wanted to get into photography but it was one of those things that just "never happened". This year I am hoping to get a good, mid priced camera to use to start getting into it that is easy to learn with.

So I thought I would ask:

What camera do you have?
What lenses did you get and why?
What price did you pay?
What should I be looking for in choosing a decent camera?

Thanks for taking the time to help me choose a camera by helping answer my questions.

[Shanaynay]

Hey there,

I have a DSLR (as opposed to a little compact point and shoot camera). The most popular brands of DSLRs are Nikon, Sony, Canon, Olympus and Panasonic.

Zoom lenses are usually what people start off with.... because they can be quite versatile. It really depends what sort of photography you think you might end up doing most. If you really want to photograph a lot of birds, then you are going to need a different lens than if you want to photography kids, or bugs :)
If you have a short zoom (<100mm) and a long zoom (>70mm) then you should find that those two lenses can cover pretty much anything you want to shoot, and then once you discover what you like most, you can invest in specialist and more expensive lenses.
I photography mostly people, and I use a short zoom and a long zoom both equally.

What price did I pay? You don't want to know that :freakingout: But you can get a decent camera with two lenses for under $1000. Try digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au for good deals.
The lenses will be very basic and cheap lenses though, but a good starting point.

When choosing a decent camera.... they all are pretty much the same, the DSLRs. All cameras are pretty good now days! Most people tend to go for Canon when starting out because they tend to be a tiny bit cheaper with more affordable lenses. There are a LOT of lenses available for Canon camera because it is such a popular brand, so that can be an advantage too - you have far fewer choices for something like a Sony. But you'll probably be less poor then :D

A DSLR is not your only option, there are also 'bridge' cameras such as the Olympus PEN and Panasonic GH1 which are sort of half way between a compact camera and a DSLR. They are pretty awesome. But not really cheaper than a DSLR.... their main advantage is their smaller size and their funkiness :froggy:

[MrsTwith3]

Freeranger is exceptional with a camera and definatley knows her stuff.