Beginner DSLR

[Scars]

Im currently shooting with an 8mp 350d. It was the second digital rebel made lol. Cant compete with any new Dslr's. but it still taught me the fundementals and produces decent images.

[8foot6inchRod]

Originally Posted by meowschwitz

Went to Best Buy today and saw a few cameras. DSLRs are huge and heavy. I held a Canon D5100 in one hand for less than a minute and my arm was already straining.

Camera straps/slings are your friends! I believe most DSLR kits come with a basic neck strap. My Canon T3i did anyway! They are not only good to protect your camera from being dropped, but they also put the brunt of the weight on your body instead of your arms.

You can even use them to help steady the camera a little by pushing the camera out so the strap is tight between the camera and your body. Works good if you are shooting video handheld and can only use the LCD screen.

[Bettatail]

Originally Posted by 8foot6inchRod

Camera straps/slings are your friends! I believe most DSLR kits come with a basic neck strap. My Canon T3i did anyway! They are not only good to protect your camera from being dropped, but they also put the brunt of the weight on your body instead of your arms.

You can even use them to help steady the camera a little by pushing the camera out so the strap is tight between the camera and your body. Works good if you are shooting video handheld and can only use the LCD screen.

I put the strap on the lens, that is when I use the Bigma, not only the strap, have to take the picture like shooting a rifle in standing position, lol.

my camera is Canon Kiss X4(T2i), love it.
18mp camera is really good, but to take good pictures you need lenses, remote flash/flashes, a sturdy tripod and most important, spend a lot of time to fully understand the concept/settings and take control of them.
try not to use any auto mode, or better to get a PNS.
One of hobbyists, takes professional grade pictures, speedie408, his pictures are from his T2i, amazing quality, you can do the same.

[Bettatail]

BTW, a used canon 20D, 30D, 40D are really cheap now. The 20D is 8.2mp, low but that is about the digital resolution of good quality 35MM film, you can learn how to take good pictures with this camera, and once you are confident with your skills, you can step up with a better DSLR, and keep the 20D as a backup or to use it under harsh condition, the 20D is magnesium alloy body, toss it around it will still survive.