hi.

i'm a beginner, and i really don't know much about cameras and other accesories/equipments used in photography.
what advice can you give a beginner like myself.
what brand of camera should i buy?
where can i take lessons?
i have no knowledge on cameras ( at all ), but i have always had an interest on photographs/phers.
looking on the photographs posted on here, made me want to take that first step (about damn time).
hope you guys can help.

thanks.

hi chris! like you, i started just like that. best thing to do is read -- lots of info on the net. ask around in forums. and try the cameras on hand (take reviews as references lang, not as a deciding factor). good luck!

Dex

Hey! Like you I am pretty new to the world of serious digital photography... I've had several digicams but I haven't been interested in much more than snapshots until recently. I've just purchased another camera; here's what I've learnt in the process of shopping around for it:

It is definitely a good idea to look around online as Chris suggested. However, before you do that, I think it's important to know what you want out of your photography and your camera, and of course how much you are willing to spend to get into the hobby. Do you need something small enough to use at parties and while going out, or are you qilling to sacrifice some portability and (arguably) fashion to get something larger and possibly more full-featured? I'd assume this is your first digital camera and thus you would want something that blends both of these needs together in a medium-sized package.

Just as important are the ergonomics of the camera - it's definitely no fun to play around with a camera whose manual controls are all buried in menus, or hard-to-press buttons! There's always an inverse relationship between ergonomics and size, though - the D-SLR's ("professional"-looking cameras) have awesomely easy-to-adjust controls, but they're freaking huge with a price to match, whilst point-and-shoots (the "normal" digital camera) are small but generally harder to adjust.

There are a host of technical terms (e.g. ISO, shutter speed, aperture, etc) that you'll be assaulted with the moment you start looking around online for a camera. Google "Photography @ Everything2.com" for a handy web dictionary of these terms (be sure to scroll down to the digital section!)

As for camera reviews, these sites are good to start with:
www.dcresource.com
www.dcreviews.com
www.stevesdigicams.com

It's important to keep in mind that these reviews are quite techincal in nature - they focus much more on the camera's image quality than on its practicability or ease of use.

I'm one to believe that brand alone cannot guarantee quality - but I do know that Panasonic's line-up offers a very good compromise between portability and features, particularly with the higher-end models (e.g. the FZ7). I personally have never owned one, but I understand from online reviews (read over the past few months whilst searching for my own camera) that they are quite good.


In the end, though, it boils down to what YOU feel best suits you. If you ever want to physically handle a model you're interested in, there is a gadget shop in Greenhills Theater Mall 2nd floor (can't recall the name) that has a large selection of digicams on display, and nice ladies who are quite willing to pop in the battery and a memory card to let you take a test drive :Grin:

I hope this helps,
Josh

03 July 2006

Hi Chris,

The suggestions I will be giving you is based on my experience and not on brand loyalty whatsoever. For a start, you need to know the basics like aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, ISO Settings and composition. It is best that you buy the right equipment from the start and that is a digital SLR camera like the Nikon D50. You can buy it for only Php 35k in Quiapo complete with a 17-55mm lens. You can later on upgrade your lens and camera as you learn more from your experience. I recommended the Nikon D50 because the dial controls is similar to a manual camera wherein it is user friendly. I've tried shooting with a Canon and it is more difficult to operate because some of the camera settings are found on the menu selection. Nikon D50 has also won the TIPA 2006 Award for the Entry Level Digital SLR Category. You can call Watson Photo Supply at Tel. No. 733-76-97 and look for Jomar. The store is located just infront of SM Quiapo and airconditioned with friendly staff.

With regard to basic photography seminars and workshop, it is best to enroll with a course that features both theory, technical aspect and hands-on like PCCI. If you are based in Makati, you can visit the website of pcci.com.ph. If you are based in Quezon City, you can also join the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines wherein you will learn from fellow hobbyists and professionals. Just tell me your location and I can recommend the best people around in your area. Until then. Happy Shooting. Everyone started as a beginner even pros like me.

Hi Chris

Welcome to the world of photography!

Here are some tips you might consider:
> when choosing which camera/brand to buy... its good to read some reviews (to check out their features and stuff).. but for me, handling is the critical part. its not really cool owning a high end dSLR if you cant lift it since its half of your weight :Grin: . "feel" is everything for me. so go borrow, rent and try out the cams you're considering.:)

good luck and have fun!

Hi Chris,

Thank you for joining the forum. With regards to learning about photography, you are off to a good start by joining forums and asking for information. Please feel free to ask anything that you may be curious about. We are open 24/7:Grin: Anyway, as the pp mentioned, you must READ, READ, READ before anything else. You may not undestand much since a lot of technical lingo is used..like aperture, shutter speed, focal length, depth of field, bokeh. ect. It will all be Greek to you in the beginning but you will become very familiar with them through practice. You must take Lessons. We will have a thread/section where in lessons that DPP Moderators are offering will be posted. You must take up basic and advanced photography prior to taking up "specialized" areas such as sports, food, nude, ect. Familiarize yourself well not only with the camera body you will invest in but also with the other gadgets that you may decide to by as well. Your camera manual will be your "Bible" until you are 100% comfortable with your camera. Good Luck!!:)

Here (http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/the_basics) is some basics that will teach you about exposure.

But I do also suggest that you familiarize yourself about photography terms. Yuo can start by doing a research on the terms you come upon as you move along. The link provided will contain lots of new terms...

ei follow up question lang about photography class... i only know 3 ( more or less near qc) UP diliman, pcci and intramuros... i tried taking UP photography class,,, intramuros palagi sila ubos ang slots and i can't take a sunday class,,, pcci is too expensive ( around Php8000 for 3 days,, i'm not sure ).. are there other schools that offer photography class?

my only problem in UP is that they only use manual cameras... sayang tuloy 350d ko that time,,,

ei follow up question lang about photography class... i only know 3 ( more or less near qc) UP diliman, pcci and intramuros... i tried taking UP photography class,,, intramuros palagi sila ubos ang slots and i can't take a sunday class,,, pcci is too expensive ( around Php8000 for 3 days,, i'm not sure ).. are there other schools that offer photography class?

We will be updating you constatly with classes/lessons being offered within the week. Price range, location and facilities will also be indicated.

if you're into photography, i suggest that you read the magazine as well. you also have to learn photoshop, it's a must in digital photography.

hi! it's nice to hear from you guys . i really appreciate the information and websites posted. i'm sure it will be of great help.
i've been reading and getting more information online. but i'm still having difficulty understanding some (ok most) of the terms like shutter speed, aperture, and the list goes on ( i'm a bit slow ). =) i will check out the websites posted in awhile. thanks again! =)

03 July 2006

Hi Chris,

The suggestions I will be giving you is based on my experience and not on brand loyalty whatsoever. For a start, you need to know the basics like aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, ISO Settings and composition. It is best that you buy the right equipment from the start and that is a digital SLR camera like the Nikon D50. You can buy it for only Php 35k in Quiapo complete with a 17-55mm lens. You can later on upgrade your lens and camera as you learn more from your experience. I recommended the Nikon D50 because the dial controls is similar to a manual camera wherein it is user friendly. I've tried shooting with a Canon and it is more difficult to operate because some of the camera settings are found on the menu selection. Nikon D50 has also won the TIPA 2006 Award for the Entry Level Digital SLR Category. You can call Watson Photo Supply at Tel. No. 733-76-97 and look for Jomar. The store is located just infront of SM Quiapo and airconditioned with friendly staff.

With regard to basic photography seminars and workshop, it is best to enroll with a course that features both theory, technical aspect and hands-on like PCCI. If you are based in Makati, you can visit the website of pcci.com.ph. If you are based in Quezon City, you can also join the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines wherein you will learn from fellow hobbyists and professionals. Just tell me your location and I can recommend the best people around in your area. Until then. Happy Shooting. Everyone started as a beginner even pros like me.

hi! thanks for your suggestions! i really appreaciate it! :) Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines? where is that located? i live along araneta ave. thanks in advance.
-Chris

what do you guys/girls/men/women :) think of canon brands, particularly the canon350d?

i'm really anxious to buy my own camera, but i don't want to get ripped off.

one more thing, how old were you guys when you started serious dig photography. i'm almost 21 btw. i don't know if i'm too old or too young. not that it matters.
just curious.

sorry if i ask too many questions. :Grin: i'm just really anxious to learn and get started.

personally, i'd look at something else rather than the 350D, i'd go for a bargain 2nd hand 20D. :D

why naman mr jondexter? hehe....

a 350d is more than capable in producing vibrant pictures. You just have to sacrifice speed and some settings but it is still a very good camera.

If you dont have the money i suggest you get a 50d nikon or 350d canon, it will introduce you to the great world of digital photography but it wouldnt break the bank.

also, if you spend less on the body, you can spend more on the glass which is really the reason you get great pictures.

the 350d image quality has been shown to be very very comparable to the 20d and even the 30d. its hard to get brand new 20ds here in the phils. if you go online and use coupons you can actually get a good deal but you have to wait and avail of mail in rebates.

Oh and what i usually do is to search not just the reviews because those can actually be biased. Try searching for problems and issues that the cameras may have. People who are not satisfied with the product will try to draw attention, then try to gauge how serious the problems can be and if you can live with them.

Example, the d70s can sometimes be problematic with its moire problem. Some people dont have this issue or some people dont care or just because of their shooting style and subject selection, they are not even aware of the problem.

But after researching, youd find out why it happens and how often, and then you can make your own decision whether the issue is acceptable or not.

opps, i meant a d50 nikon hehehehe

why naman mr jondexter? hehe....

a 350d is more than capable in producing vibrant pictures. You just have to sacrifice speed and some settings but it is still a very good camera. ...
hi chris cortez -- I have nothing against the 350D's picture quality. My friend used to have the 350D (naka 20D na now) and his pictures were amazing! it's just that after the release of the 30D, a lot of 20Ds are for sale at bargain prices with lotsa goodies pa. and on the build quality, the 20D has a sexy and cold mag body (after using the E-500, the D70s and now the E-1, i don't think i would want to go back to plastic if quality is and feel is concerned) and the 350D has, the least liked plastic body among it's generation of dslrs. so spending a little bit more for that very attainable used 20D is more worth it (for me) coz i know in the long run, I'd want it (and maybe need it). but chris, nothing against the 350D. :Grin: and we haven't even touched the feature advantages, say like 5fps? :)

also if you think photography classes are rare in Manila, think of us in Cebu :(

also if you think photography classes are rare in Manila, think of us in Cebu :(

and us further south in Davao :Oops:

hi mr. johndexter, i agree the 20d is a lil package full of surprises and i almost bought 1 but returned it due to some items i didnt like about it. im trying to satisfy myself with a 350d in the meantime and think of the better lens i can buy with the difference. you can prolly find used 20ds for 50k here but ive only seen 1 in the past month.

if you can get one for less than 50k then grab it but if youre on a tight budget then the 350d wont disappoint, granted youll prolly be much happier with the 20d/30d. those 2 dials are really a godsend!