New to this shit

rareison

rareison

Active member
Hey guys, photography is something I really wanna get into, as well as making edits. I'm looking to get a DSLR for taking pics and vids, making edits, etc. But, I am a complete photo/video n00b. I have never owned a DSLR in my life, so I have no clue how to use one, nor do I know anything about photography. Like nothing, all I know is how to take a picture on a camera, no effects, settings, anything. I've only previously used a GoPro and digital camera's/camcorders.

1. Should I go ahead and buy a T2i and learn about photography and how to use it? I'm taking a Grade 9 photography class really soon so I'll hopefully learn lots from that. My school has about 20 DSLR's to use (some random Nikon ones). So should I buy a T2i and keep it and just keep working at it and learn? Or should I buy a beginner DSLR? I would prefer the T2i because they're pretty good and everyone reccomends then, and somewhat in my price range, and I will have it a long time so might as well get a good quality one that will last and will still take good pics and videos.

2. If I do go ahead and get the T2i, is it better to just get the body then get a good lens that is good for photo and video? Also, what would the best lens be that does really well in both photo and video, and is in the $100-200 range?

Thanks NS!

 
Yes, when I got my T3i, I was dumb and got the kit. Id recommend buying a body and getting a decent lens as you mentioned.

As for a good lens in the $100-$200 range, good luck man. The best thing anywhere near that range is the Tamron 17-50, which is legit for both photo and video.

Also, Id want and get a T3i when the T4i comes out, unless you REALLY need it for the class.

ALSO, my buddy (Wiscofilmin) did a video class in HS and brought his camera to school alot, so you got the right ideas on that.
 
You have a few options here. 1. if you are set on getting a DSLR, then go for the T2i, with any DSLR there will be a steep learning curve. Be prepared to spend a lot of time practicing, learning, and studying settings and stuff. T2i's will be your best bet for a solid photo/video DSLR.

2. Your second option here would be to start a little smaller as far as video goes. You could start with an intermediate video camera like a Panasonic tm700. This way you can still learn the setting of a DSLR, but with less struggle and not quite a steep learning curve.
 
thanks so far guys. I'm thinking I'll just get a T2i. That way I won't have to worry about learning then buying another camera. This way I can learn it, and still have a good camera afterwards. Plus I'm in no hurry to learn, I have all the time in the world.

So what would the best lens options be? Also, does anyone know any good sites that have free shipping to Canada where I can find a good T2i body and a good lens (preferably new)?
 
B&H for everything.

Most people on here will tell you to buy the Tamron 17-50, remember its an EF mount.
 
Thats probably a good plan. As far as a lens for 100-200 dollars you arn't going to get to much. In all honesty the kit lens isn't a bad lens to begin with. If you have the money the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 will be a better bet. That will run you about 350 dollars. If you can only spend 100-200 then pick up a 50mm f1.8 from canon. The only problem with this lens is that it is rather tight for a crop sensor and can not zoom.
 
If you are not down to spend 350 dollars, then absolutely. I still use my kit lens and while it isn't a great lens. It is deffinetly a great lens to learn photo and video with. If you want some samples of stuff I have made with the kit lens let me know. I was in the same situation as you just about a year ago.
 
and did you learn all about photography and how to use a DSLR in that time? or are you still learning? or did you know before? and yeah I'd love to see some stuff done with the kit lens.
 
EF mount?

With every camera brand (Nikon, Canon, Sony) each DSLR has a different type of "mount." It's the shape that the lens fits into to attach to the camera. EF is Canon's mount system. Bayonet F is Nikon, im not sure on Sony's but you get it.

Heres a picture of the EF mount, this is the end of the lens that attachs to the camera:

Canon_EF_17-40mm_f4L_USM_lens_mount.jpg


Here is the side built into the camera body:

220px-Canon_EF_camera_mount.jpg


Were friends on FB so just message or write on my wall if you have any questions.
 
Well when I bought the camera I had little knowledge about DSLRs but now I can say that I can easily set up a shot successfully. But with camera gear you never really stop learning. I'll post up some examples tomorrow when I am not on my mobile. Let me know if you have any questions.
 
If you're only planning on dropping enough to buy a body and $200 lens then you should not get a DSLR if you want a fun video making experience.
 
definitely go with the t2i if it is something you even remotely want to get into. my buddy was the same way, he and i both got some 60Ds and they were good investments in any case.

i am of the opinion that you should just start out with the kit lens and learn how to use the camera to its fullest potential before you spend lots on nicer glass. i think this helps a ton because when you do get a better lens, and already know how to get a good picture out of your camera, then your pictures just jump up to the next level. thats my take on it anyway.
 
Buy a second-hand Canon 40D if you ask me. Forget about video for a while. Learn about settings, how your DSLR works, composing, post-processing, what you're able to do with your camera and what not.

As soon as you have 'learned' photography and know how it works, then is the time to take the plunge into video if you ask me. Especially composing and making your shots interesting is really important.

Also, your budget doesn't really allow you to shoot video with a DSLR.
 
this. bare minimum for video would be:tamron 17-50 f/2.8

manfrotto o55x legs and 701 hdv head

and eventually a glidecam, prolly a 2000 pro

thats $800+, not even including the camera. but you can definitely start practicing with the kit lens and work your way up. thats what i and several others on this site did

 
So you're "getting into smoking" AND "getting into photography?" nice

Try this:

1.) GET an idea of what types of shots you want.

2.) RESEARCH lenses that can get you those types of shots.

3.) BUY T2i body and the lens you found (probably a telephoto ie. 15-50mm range.)

-don't be afraid to spend money here.

4.) BUY a 50mm prime because they're awesome.

5.) TAKE a shit ton of photos playing with every bit of the camera.

6.) DECIDE whether or not you like your new hobby.

7.)IF NOT, sell your stuff to me for cheap.

8.) GO SMOKE weed "occasionally."

Oh, and be sure to post your photos on here so we can see them.
 
i kinda disagree... just because everyone else on this site has a tamron 17-50 and the same 701/55x manfotto setup doesn't mean thats what you NEED for video.. i have made several videos now with just the kit lens, and yeah it has a few shortcomings, but its how you use the camera, position it, etc.

buy the t2i, get it with the kit lens, start practicing and learning and see if you are even interested in it before you dump a bunch of money into accessories and lenses you might not even NEED for different projects
 
Get fast sd cards, like 30mbs minimum. I use transcend cards for phoo and there a little bit sketch but I haven't had problems and I fill my 16 with RAW files all the time. For video you might be better off with scandisk or any of the other main brands. I've heard that off brand china batteries are just as good but I'd stick with te canon ones, they will probably last through a lot more recharges. Buy a bigger camera bag then you need so you have room to expand, trust me I have a tiny bag and 6 cameras (film) with 9 lenses, two flashes, and it's all scattered around my room because my bag isn't big enough to hold what I'd need for a shoot.
 
Henrys is your best bet for in Canada and thy ship free if you spend over $250, b&h will nail you with duty, Henry's also has a good used store.
 
definitely get a good and fast memory card right off the bat too. those are key. and a case would be a good idea as well. that will get you started enough to go around and take pics and vids to really get a feel for the camera and a good idea of how it works
 
Ok I have two examples with the kit lens. First off I will post my last video using the kit lens. The second video will be my first video I filmed with my t2i.

1.

Just another day at Durango Mountain Resort. Nice slushy conditions and a fun atmosphere. Let me know what you guys think.

Camera- Canon T2i-kit lens

Software- Sony Vegas Pro 11

Music- Salt skin By Elle Goulding.

2.

 
The kit-lens is just fine. Don't let people tell you otherwise. Just because everyone here recommends a Tamron 17-50, that doesn't mean the kitlens is SUPER GOOD VALUE.
 
Yea go with this, if you can find one they're usually way cheaper and work better than new ones.
 
Yeah I don't get why everyone on here gets so wet over the T 17-50. With all the glass out there, I think it's funny that every fucking "What lens should I get" thread is filled with like 20 people saying the same lens.
 
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