I have just enrolled in a photography course, what camera is a good starting point?

[fidlstxy]

Hi i'm new to the forum :).
I just enrolled for a Diploma in Photography, the course outline recomends a Canon 550D, is this good value for money? Could i get by with something a bit less pricey, what would you recomend for a beginner?

[tomberkley]

Hi i'm new to the forum :).
I just enrolled for a Diploma in Photography, the course outline recomends a Canon 550D, is this good value for money? Could i get by with something a bit less pricey, what would you recomend for a beginner?

This is a good value for money.
It really depends on your budget and how much you want to spend. If it were me i would try find one that is second hand as the price will come down quite a bit.
Also most beginners tend to go for the camera with kit lens bundles, but to be honest its better to buy the camera body and lens/lenses separately.

Here is the 550 brand new http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Digital-cameras/Digital-SLR/auction-378641128.htm but if you cant spend this much, go for a 2nd hand but make sure you check it out before you buy, have a play with it, find out the shutter count, if there are and dead pixels, hot spots on the sensor, things like that.

As a rule you are going to be spending more on good quality lenses than you are on the camera its self, with a few exceptions.

Again if it were me I would go for this lens http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Camera-accessories/Lenses/Canon/auction-378562846.htm . There are heaps for sale on trademe this is just one. When it comes to lenses there are a few things to be looking for: Sharp, size and weight, how fast it is ( f stop), and the focal length you are looking for.

Tho it can be a bit intimidating, go to a camera store near you, and ask to try some cameras out. There are the two main brands canon and nikon but there are others that offer good gear at a good price, go with what suits you and your budget. The staff really know there stuff, they can tell you what you should be prepared to pay for what you need.

Hope this helps

[Redal]

Hi i'm new to the forum :).
I just enrolled for a Diploma in Photography, the course outline recomends a Canon 550D, is this good value for money? Could i get by with something a bit less pricey, what would you recomend for a beginner?

If you have to have video, then this is what you need, if you dont need video, get ANY DSLR that fits in your budget, and as the other poster recommended spend more on lenses.
You could spend $500-600 on a camera and lens combo, that will get you through any photography course.
Photography is about light, enjoy your course