Well, lately I have been deliberating in my head that I would like to dive deep and get a D-SLR and start doing some proper photography. Only thing is, I have no idea to use one properly.

I thought to myself several options of learning. This is because I can get some courses reimbursed to a certain amount through work as long as I get a recognised qualification at the end of it.

1. Partake in a leisure / fun adult photography course at my local college which runs every Wednesday night for 8 weeks, but does not include a qualification at the end. This would most likely mean forking out £70 odd quid out of my back pocket (because work probably wouldn't reimburse it), but I suppose it could be worth it. However, there are no formal exams or assessments, so it would be a fun class to learn the basic camera functions I guess. The next course is in under 3 weeks time.

2. Enroll on a full course, which would last 30 weeks, but also cost me a considerable amount of money, but would result in a qualification at the end, therefore meaning I get some reimbursement. Now the problem with this is, I would only be able to do this during evenings, and there is a very good chance of me heading on to rota nightshifts soon, so there is another option out of the window. Also, additional exam work is something I can probably do without considering I am already on a college course for something else!

3. The third option I thought of, is there are a lot of private companies who offer 'photography courses', but I have no idea who is reputable and again it would be all at expense to me.

4. Play with the camera's different features and hope I get good - not my favourite option, but certainly the cheapest.

Now, another problem is obvious here - I don't have a D-SLR. After reading the reviews, the Canon 550d looks like an immense bit of kit, but it is a huge commitment plunging that amount of cash at a camera. Does anybody else have any experience of this camera, some sample photos, or recommend a totally different camera?

So any thoughts, feelings, etc on any of the above would be greatly received!

Cheers,

Stu.

I was in the same position as yourself so 6 months ago i bought a Canon 450D. Having never done photography before i wanted a good camera but also something user friendly for a newbie.

The 450D is a fantastic bit of kit for starting out and very easy to use,i can highly recommend it

Havent used a 550 yet but im led to believe its a fantastic piece of kit but not as user friendly as the 450. Best thing to be would have a play around with it in jessops or somewhere similar.

I've never been to any courses on photography and have just played around with it to get pretty good results. Also theres loads of websites that have great info on camera setup for folk in your situation.

Hope this is of some help to you bud,let us know what you decide on

Davie

As with anything else, there's always a price point where you can keep getting a few more features for a bit more money so try to suss out what you can 'make do' with for your first venture into photography before needing to upgrade again.

The big two makers, Canon and Nikon are thought to be the best but Sony and Pentax can offer more features at the same price point. Don't forget that each makers lenses are unique to their bodies.

As for getting the best out of the hobby - read lots of books and generally try out the camera before deciding on a course as self learning is usually a better way of grasping how to do different shots. The money saved could then be put towards another lens......

I suppose it depends how serious you want to get with what can range from being a hobby to a full time career. If you have a career goal then you have two options, get the qualifications so you can apply for jobs or learn yourself and run your own business.

There are many resources online with tutorials and tips from the whole spectrum of photographers (Manufacturers, professionals and amateurs).

Maybe have a look at some of the photography based forums and websites like cameralabs.com and dpreview.com

A recognised qualification will, ultimately, get you zip to be honest.

If you intend to make a career out of it, you'll be judged on your portfolio not your qualifications. If you intend to make a hobby out of it then a formal qualification will mean nothing but a bit of pride to you.

If it were me I'd either go the self learning route, or find yourself some photographers who are willing to give you a little tuition and/or tips. Or the adult course will give you a quick dip into the basics and people to bounce ideas off?

Once you have a fair grasp of what Aperture and Shutter Speed do to your exposure then it's just a case of taking photos and getting people to crit them.

I bought a Sony a200 (now replaced by the a290), I think it's a great entry level dslr. Sony took over the Konica Minolta brand so there are plenty of KM lenses in second hand photography specialists. Granted its not the best dslr at under £300 it's never going to get the results a £5000 canon eos 1ds will, but its good for me, who wanted a bit more than a point and shoot.

From my perspective I'd say don't rush in and spend a fortune to start with, as you may not have the time/talent/interest to take it further once you learn more. I'd take the 8 week course, which will give you the basics and let you meet other like minded folks. I've been using SLR's since around 1980, and I still learn from other folks.

I live in the Canon camp, so I'd say get a 1000D, but Nikon etc have their own entry level SLR's. try a few and see what fits your hands -my first DSLR was a 400D, which I found more comfortable to use than the Nikon equivalent. I also had a Canon Compact, so I was familiar with the Canon menu system.

Oh, and have fun. And watch out, as it's a slippery slope if you get into it. (Says the man who just spent a fortune on a 24-105 L lense )

Phil

dont really know why you feel the need to have a "recognised qualification"

surely its all about your skill with a camera.

my son is 2/3rds through a degree in fashion photography at london university of the arts.

its costing him an arm and a leg.

we know he is a superb photographer from his portfolio so why does he need a degree ??

The recognised qualification would be so work could pay for it, therefore I learn how to do it for free / reduced price.

It would only be for a hobby, not a career.

Due to lots of other things on plan at the moment, the idea of buying an SLR will probably take the back burner for a while.

Thanks for the replies though, keep them coming!

If you want to be able to pick from the widest choice of lens, I would definatley say go for Canon of Nnikon, but the other makes are pretty good to and third party lenses are becomming aviable for them.

I used a 550D at work a couple of weeks ago and stuck my 17-55mm f2.8 lens on it for some indoor pictures. I thought the image quality was better than my 40D, but the downside is the camera doesn't handle like a professional camera (I think this is the same for the smaller Nikons too), whereas my 40D leans more to the Pro feel. The camera is also smaller in your hands and if you have big 'man hands' you might find it too small. I loved my 350D (similar size to the 550D) and after a few years moved up to the 40D. Once you get a taste of the bigger, metal bodies with more of a pro layout and features you will appreciate the differences more, but when starting out these things don't really matter.

Personally I reckon the 550D is a fantastic deal at the moment as the 600D has just come out and the 550D produces great images.

I've been into photography for a while now (only hobby level) and it's a great fun activity - couple of points I'd make would be:

1) Be prepared for the cost! Yep, it can be an expensive hobby...as you're probably already finding out! If you've never really done it before and this is something of a tester to see if you like it, I would definitely recommend trying as much as poss before buying - i.e. have you got a friend who might be willing to let you have a play with his/her cam kit? If you then decide you like it, you still don't need to go ballistic with the £££'s on a camera body - in fact I would recommend you look for a second hand model to start with....not quite as glitzy as a shiny brand new one, but you can save yourself a fortune doing this, esp as there are a lot of people out there who upgrade to the latest and greatest every time a new model comes out, and therefore sell their old model when it's hardly been used. Seriously, you can get some great bargains in the second hand market. I've heard a lot of good things about the 550, but I suspect you'd be able to get some good bargains on second hand 450's....and the 450 is also capable of taking some great pics. Another possibility is a Canon xxD - I have the 40D and it's a great cam, but then so were the 30D and 20D and you'll defo get some great second hand prices on those models. And this might seem like a trivial point, but people with bigger hands tend to prefer the xxD range over the 450/550 - bit of an aesthetic sort of observation but it might be relevant in your case (i.e. you might have massive hands! )

One area where I would say that spending more is good is with lenses - you can have the best camera in the world, but if you put a naff lens on it, you'll get naff results. So I would recommend economising on the body and using the money you save on that to get a better lens.

Once you've had a cam for a while, you'll be in a much better position to judge whether you need something bigger/better. But bear in mind, there are a LOT of features on various camera models out there but for the vast majority of the time, you'll only ever use a very small subset of those features. I'd say only upgrade your cam body if you find you're being restricted by the lack of features (or quality) otherwise you'll just get sucked into an upgrade cycle - belive me, that's easy to do!

2) Learning curve. This can be pretty steep if you've not really done photography before, and I'd imagine this is probably one of the reasons you're thinking of doing a course? My own opinion would be that the best thing you can do is (once you've got your kit) get out there and use it, use it, use it!! Couple that with a good book (or two) that explains the basics of photography and you'll learn an awful lot. Be prepared for a lot of <deep sigh> moments when you look at the pics and think "sheesh that's awful!" - it happens a LOT when you're beginning! But if you stick at it and persevere, you WILL get better.

Re doing a course...well, as has already been mentioned on here, unless you're going to do it professionally, a qualification doesn't really give you much. If you can get it free through work then great, but I wouldn't let it stand in the way of just getting out there and using your cam.

Well, that's just a few of my thoughts - hope they help. Either way, it's a great hobby and a lot of fun and I can defo recommend giving it a try

Edited 14 April, 201115 yr by slicendice

Do you have a camera at the moment?

If it were me I'd take the evening local course and if you have an existing digital camera that should be sufficient to cover the basics.

Then decide where you want to take it. I'd cover the basics, with relatively basic kit - then make a decision.

I have a 450D and a few lenses, but I've drawn the line there... for financial reasons! There's constant temptation and as Lady E says, the draw to more advanced kit is quite strong. But at this price point I'm more than happy with what I have, and think I make pretty good use out of it and capture some decent images.

I have quite a few books and as already said, you're constantly learning. In some ways, it's the perfect hobby as you'll never run out of things to photograph and experiment with.

I also have quite a few eBooks on photography basics if you're interested. And if you're at an NW meet soon I'll bring my setup along and you're welcome to have a go.

Steve

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have a Lumix TZ-10 at the moment.

The college course says specifically you need an SLR.

I am currently playing with my mates 450d as we speak! Not doing very well though

For what it's worth, I bought John Shaw's quartet of books (Nature Photography Field Guide, Landscape Photography Field Guide, Closeups in Nature and Focus on Nature), along with Freeman Paterson's Photography and the Art of Seeing 5 years ago, along with a Nikon D70 (D90 in today's line-up) and self-taught myself (website in profile, if you get bored). Being a bit on the geeky side (software engineer) I found it relatively easy to get a grasp on the technical basics, and being able to play at my own speed is ... convenient. There's a list of good books here: http://www.bythom.com/Bookrecs.htm

I have a Lumix TZ-10 at the moment.

The college course says specifically you need an SLR.

Hmm ... I'd have thought that any camera with manual shutter speed/aperture and ISO controls would have done :S SLRs do tend to give you better image quality and more control over depth of field, but I've seen some great images from "compacts", especially the Lumix series.

Edited 18 April, 201115 yr by martinch

Hmm ... I'd have thought that any camera with manual shutter speed/aperture and ISO controls would have done :S SLRs do tend to give you better image quality and more control over depth of field, but I've seen some great images from "compacts", especially the Lumix series.

Perhaps it is also to do with interchangeable lenses. It's hard to teach depth of field differences between long and short, fast and slow lenses. Plus things like more advanced metering and external flash might be involved?

Mind you, my little compact has 'wink' control for self timing pictures.............sheer genius and make everyone laugh, which is a benefit

Perhaps it is also to do with interchangeable lenses. It's hard to teach depth of field differences between long and short, fast and slow lenses.

I thought the Lumix series had around a 10x zoom, though? For a given aperture, the difference in depth of field between wide and tele lenses is nill, unless you're at/near the hyperfocal distance (it's more down to the reproduction ratio and aperture). Having said that, compacts aren't very good at limiting depth of field due to the small sensor (although a lot of people with SLRs tend to have f/5.6 zooms...).

Plus things like more advanced metering and external flash might be involved?

Yeah, could be - forgot about those.

Mind you, my little compact has 'wink' control for self timing pictures.............sheer genius and make everyone laugh, which is a benefit

Brilliant!

I find things like bokeh on at 200mm f2.8 is so much better than closer up with 55mm f 2.8 at least for portraiture. But the subtle differences of flattening of the subject features and things like that might be looked at? I find I can use my compact a lot better now that I understand what my DSLR is doing. Having said that, the convenience factor of the my compact means I often don't bother

I find things like bokeh on at 200mm f2.8 is so much better than closer up with 55mm f 2.8 at least for portraiture. But the subtle differences of flattening of the subject features and things like that might be looked at?

Yup. I just thought you would generally see those roughly the same with a reasonable-ratio compact zoom as a slow consumer SLR lens.

I find I can use my compact a lot better now that I understand what my DSLR is doing. Having said that, the convenience factor of the my compact means I often don't bother

Hehe ... yeah, the 50mm f/1.4 or 35mm f/1.8 live on one of my bodies - carrying a 70-200mm or 300mm gets old quick!

Could well just be to stop people turning up for the course with a £20 Taiwanese special?

I have a feeling if you were to enquire if you'd be able to use your Lumix with the course, the answer would be favourable

Could well just be to stop people turning up for the course with a £20 Taiwanese special?

I have a feeling if you were to enquire if you'd be able to use your Lumix with the course, the answer would be favourable

Steve did you know that Calumet are doing an Open Day next month and if you get there very early on, they are doing free sensor cleaning

Good to know, cheers

I'd say there are a few elements to getting better:

1 - Understand the basic physics of it. Understand what effect shutter, aperture, ISO, etc have.

2 - Understand how to use the camera, how to set it up, switch modes, etc.

Those two are mainly the technical side.

Then it's understanding composition, exposure, etc.

After that, it's appreciating what makes a good and bad photo and why.

Finally, it's the combination of understanding the technical side and knowing how to compose and set up the camera to give you the result you want.

I'm doing it professionally, but have never taken on a paid course. I've done it all myself. The best thing I can suggest, is get a cheap dSLR. Stick it to manual mode (and that's not negotiable!) and learn from there. Get some pointers, read up on forums.

When you think you have a thick skin, post some photos for critique on some more tog-based forums and be prepared to be torn apart. I have on several occasions, and whilst it was tough to accept at first, there's no question I have improved as a result.

I admit I've spent a lot on camera gear - it is more expensive than modding Fabias! and whilst I haven't given up my day job just yet, it's something I've been thinking of doing and setting up a studio and portraiture business.

The reason the college probably insist on having a dSLR is to ensure all students have a camera with full manual control which some cheaper point and shoots don't give you. I don't know what the Lumix gives you. However, if funds are limited, I would look at the second hand market. For example, a D70 will be dirt cheap and offer you far more control than an entry level camera today It might not have the megapixel count or low light ability but dual dials will help you master the technicalities very quickly.

Ooh and I also highly rate Thom Hogan's work and understanding of photography. He is a reference for Nikon gear (I've bought a couple of his e-books). Bryan Peterson's "understanding exposure" is a great read too.

edit: sorry, realise I'm probably too late to the party :no:

I'd say there are a few elements to getting better:

1 - Understand the basic physics of it. Understand what effect shutter, aperture, ISO, etc have.

2 - Understand how to use the camera, how to set it up, switch modes, etc.

Those two are mainly the technical side.

Then it's understanding composition, exposure, etc.

After that, it's appreciating what makes a good and bad photo and why.

Finally, it's the combination of understanding the technical side and knowing how to compose and set up the camera to give you the result you want.

I'm doing it professionally, but have never taken on a paid course. I've done it all myself. The best thing I can suggest, is get a cheap dSLR. Stick it to manual mode (and that's not negotiable!) and learn from there. Get some pointers, read up on forums.

When you think you have a thick skin, post some photos for critique on some more tog-based forums and be prepared to be torn apart. I have on several occasions, and whilst it was tough to accept at first, there's no question I have improved as a result.

I admit I've spent a lot on camera gear - it is more expensive than modding Fabias! and whilst I haven't given up my day job just yet, it's something I've been thinking of doing and setting up a studio and portraiture business.

The reason the college probably insist on having a dSLR is to ensure all students have a camera with full manual control which some cheaper point and shoots don't give you. I don't know what the Lumix gives you. However, if funds are limited, I would look at the second hand market. For example, a D70 will be dirt cheap and offer you far more control than an entry level camera today It might not have the megapixel count or low light ability but dual dials will help you master the technicalities very quickly.

Ooh and I also highly rate Thom Hogan's work and understanding of photography. He is a reference for Nikon gear (I've bought a couple of his e-books). Bryan Peterson's "understanding exposure" is a great read too.

edit: sorry, realise I'm probably too late to the party :no:

Thanks mate, you are not late to the party at all!

It is going on the backburner for a while though, funds, etc

Thanks for the advice.

You're welcome Stu. If you want to have a look at my photo stuff, it's http://www.xavimages.co.uk

Feel free to ask away or PM me.

Cheers

You're welcome Stu. If you want to have a look at my photo stuff, it's http://www.xavimages.co.uk

Feel free to ask away or PM me.

Cheers

Just had a look mate, some really good and interesting pictures on there!

Especially like the America ones