Beginner Hobbyist Camera and Lens Recommendations

3 years 10 months ago #688753 by CropItLikeItsHot
Hi! I’m finally at a place in my life where I can explore photography as a serious hobby and want to make sure I make a strong investment in my first camera and lens. Ideally, I’d love to find the best camera and lens for a beginner that I can grow with in the future (maybe even be a professional one day).

I know I want DSLR, but am open to opinions. My price range is $400 to $1,000 max. I’m thinking architecture, landscapes and portraits will be the first subjects I photograph but I don’t want to get too hung up on those, as I’m sure my tastes will change as I learn more about photography and progress into my hobby.


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3 years 10 months ago #688766 by garyrhook
You want to get to a store that has (at least) 2-3 choices available, that you can hold and play with. Examine the menus. See how the body feels in your hands (big/small, heavy, awkward/comfortable).

The camera you want is the one that makes sense and that you cannot put down.

Remember that you're buying into a system, not a single product.

N.B. Landscapes and portraits generally mean two different lenses, depending upon how you define each. Your budget is modest, and the lenses are where you will spend your money. Do your homework on products before heading to the store, and look at the used market to see what options exist.


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