Interested in getting into photography

[brikem05]

Hi all.

New member here. I'm interested in getting into photography and want to know what kind of camera I should get.

Someone mentioned the Canon Rebel XSi camera.

I mainly want to use it for general photography (family events, sporting events, etc.)

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks

[Frog]

All the major brands have good cameras. I think Nikon's have the best beginner cameras but I'm admittedly biased,
Whatever you decide on, remember you are buying into a system. If you buy a Canon, you have to buy lenses that fit Canon,(though not necessarily Canon lenses). Likewise for Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus.
Do all the research you can, look at our reviews section, read pro reviews and common joe reviews, go to a store where you can handle a camera and see which fits best.

Then when you decide on which camera to get, be SURE to visit our dealer feedback forum. There's way more crooks out there than good sellers but there are plenty of good ones to choose from.

After that, watch out or photography will get into you.

[zrfraser]

Frog makes some good points. I would also recommend taking a class through a local college. Most are doing digital classes now instead of film, and the classes will really help you. It forces you to go out and shoot, and to think differently, because every assignment is different. A camera really is just a camera. Its the person behind it that makes all the difference.

[brikem05]

I am taking a photography course next semester

[PRB]

I am taking a photography course next semester

WELCOME!!! Can't wait to see your pictures.

[zrfraser]

Good job on taking a course. Is it a film or digital course?

[brikem05]

Digital.

Can anyone tell me if the XSi is a good camera for a beginner to start with? Or should I be looking in a different direction?

[zrfraser]

Seems like a great camera to get started with. Get some good glass and you'll be all set.

[Frog]

Personally, I'm not much on "beginner' cameras, especially for someone that wants to be serious about photography. The xsi is more than a beginner camera I would think and in my opinion a better choice than a beginner camera. If you got a camera with only basic functions(do they make such a thing?) you'd soon wish you had those extra features.
I say get it as it does everything a beginner camera does and has stuff you get to learn to do.

[freygr]

Hi all.

New member here. I'm interested in getting into photography and want to know what kind of camera I should get.

Someone mentioned the Canon Rebel XSi camera.

I mainly want to use it for general photography (family events, sporting events, etc.)

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks

Go to a camera store, and look at Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony. All have very good lenses and cameras. Get the one which 1) feels the best in you hands 2) second the camera's OS (menu system) you don't feel over whelmed with. Rank all the cameras and purchase the one that is the highest ranking camera which you can afford. Also make sure you can get a spare battery and a few memory cards, and don't forget you will also need a good tripod for the photo class. You may be able to put off purchasing a tripod if the school has loaners.