total noob

[vincedea]

so guys im looking to get my first dslr camera. as my title says i am really a noob. my friend has the canon XS and i was thinking of getting the Canon rebel T3.

I plan on using this camera to take random nice pics of everything i see. also problly use the recording to make homemade movies.

doy ou guys have any suggestions? thanks

 

[twistedlogic]

doy ou guys have any suggestions? thanks

Start reading some photography books. Learn the basics of exposure and how light works.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

doy ou guys have any suggestions?

Best by far...

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Photograph...ref=pd_sim_b_1

JR

 

[Munky]

The camera doesn't matter as much as the skill of the photographer. Any modern DSLR can make great pictures - pick one that feels comfortable to hold, and then start reading up about what makes a good photo.

 

[Silenus]

The camera doesn't matter as much as the skill of the photographer. Any modern DSLR can make great pictures - pick one that feels comfortable to hold, and then start reading up about what makes a good photo.

This.

I'm a Nikon fan but it honestly doesn't matter. All modern DSLR are quite competent. I would lean toward a Canon for you if only for the fact that your friend has one. It they would let you use some of their lenses then having a compatible Canon body would be a bonus.

 

[shocksyde]

This.

I'm a Nikon fan but it honestly doesn't matter. All modern DSLR are quite competent. I would lean toward a Canon for you if only for the fact that your friend has one. It they would let you use some of their lenses then having a compatible Canon body would be a bonus.

Awesome point here.

Your creative eye will make the most difference in any photo you take. Being able to use a pal's lenses would be a huge plus.

 

[Lalakai]

As Munky pointed out.........at your level finding a camera that is comfortable and "fits" you is important. Get to a well stocked camera store and hopefully there will also be a salesperson with a bit of experience. Put 3-6 cameras on the counter and play with each one; which one seems to come most naturally to your hand? Talk with friends, what experiences do they have? Yes, you can try to plan for the future by starting with a brand that has good diversity and equipment options, but if you aren't comfortable with the camera, you won't use as much as you should. For a bit of time, you won't be using the camera's full abilities (even simple point-n-shoots are under utilized by most people), but by the time you start to realize the camera's weak points, you will have enough experience and knowledge to know what to look for in your next camera.

and remember, there are lots of used cameras and gear out there; just have to look in the right places.

good hunting

 

[Sp12]

Don't don't don't get the T3, it's a terrible value. For the same money you can get a 40D (if video capability isn't important, it's much more capable), a T2i from the canon loyalty program (which isn't as capable as the 40D, but has all the modern trimmings like 1080p movie mode).

Snapsort is an absolutely fantastic resource for camera comparisons.