Photographically Challenged. Need Help!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hi, I've been browsing through the photos here and so amazed and inspired. I really loved the discussion on refelctions and the one on 'dooling' with photos. I love the ones that were turned into paintings.

 

I've always loved photos and have always wanted to learn how to get better at it. But right now I am feeling pretty hopeless with my refurbished point and shoot that basically blurs every shot I take.

 

So, since there seems to be a lot of experts here, I would love your advice on how to get started. What kind of camera should I buy (not too expensive, something user friendly for a beginner)? What about software? what should I install?

 

any recommendations for reading? websites? etc. to learn some skills? I might even register for a community course in the fall.

 

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wow, lots of questions. We have an index at the beginning of the Group, entitled Where is it?, with tutorials and references to discussions on equipment etc. You could start there.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Doh! I didn't even see that. Very helpful. thanks!

[Linda and "Toby"]

Hi Sherri! I'm not sure what your budget it, but for what it's worth, I highly recommend getting a Canon EOS Rebel. (

There are quite a few models to choose from.) It's a terrific, entry-level Digital SLR camera that's easy to use, yet sophisticated enough to take amazing, professional looking photos.

[Jean, Rylee and Cooper]

Hi Sherri I agree with Linda.  This site is great and is helpful and fun!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Is this the one? http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=3529 

 

I went to the a local camera store today and it was $599. I think I will try to find a better price online. Any suggestions where I can look? Maybe on e-bay?

[Sue]

$599 is a pretty good price. B and H and Best Buy both have it listed for $699.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

oh, wait. I think it was the T1i, not the T2i. and now I see there's also a T3 and an XS. I'm not sure what the difference is. I will have to go back to do some more research.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Ok, I did some more research. Does anyone think these are a good  deal? They both seem like a good deal to me, it's just a matter of deciding if I want to splurge on a better camera, or stick with the basics for now.

 

Canon Rebel T2i

http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T2i-550D-3-Lens-Value-Camera...

 

Canon Rebel T3

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Canon-EOS-REBEL-T3-18-55-II-16GB-UV-Case-/170637... 

[Linda and "Toby"]

Hi Sherri! Check out Steve's reviews of those two cameras. (They are both on here.) It may help you make a decision: http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/canon/ :)

[Jess and Pippin]

Hi Sherri, I"m saving $$ for an entry level DSLR and I"m seriously considering the canon rebel T3.  Costco.ca has them listed (can't remember the price) but includes 2 lenses.  Basically you are getting the telephoto lens free.  Just wish I had the cash, cuz I would have ordered it yesterday!!