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Buying a New Camera for Noob....

Posted on 4/8/16 at 10:24 am
Posted by Jizzamo311
Member since Dec 2008
6344 posts
Posted on 4/8/16 at 10:24 am
I do not know anything about cameras or photography...

I don't want to break the bank or get something that is over the top complicated with a steep learning curve.

I want something $500 or less, prefer $300 or less, that is user friendly. I will mainly be using it for Real Estate Photography, so indoors as well as outdoor shots of property.

All recs are welcomed!! And please the more detailed info the better.

Posted by wickowick
Head of Island
Member since Dec 2006
45809 posts
Posted on 4/8/16 at 10:35 am to
quote:

I will mainly be using it for Real Estate Photography, so indoors as well as outdoor shots of property.


You need a wide angle lens,

quote:

I want something $500 or less


You can get a nice Tokina 11-16mm wide angle lens for a little less than that. Might be best to get a used body off of craigslist.
Posted by TU Rob
Birmingham
Member since Nov 2008
12738 posts
Posted on 4/8/16 at 10:56 am to
Go to Sam's club and look at their D-SLR selection. They have Nikon and Canon, and some other point and shoot stuff if you don't want the big body. We bought our last one from there, with a 2-lens kit. It also shoots video, but that eats up SD card space in a hurry. I think we paid around $400 for it on a special. We already had a Canon and a couple different lenses so that's why I went with them over a similarly priced Nikon.
Posted by BritLSUfan
Member since Jan 2012
661 posts
Posted on 4/8/16 at 10:59 am to
For real estate your ideal camera has to be a DSLR with ultra wide angle lens.
Example: Nikon D7000 with 10-24mm zoom lens.
Problem is, this setup is not in your budget.

You're going to have to settle for the widest angle point and shoot you can find.

Typically these point and shoot cameras widest focal length is in the 24-25mm range. For general photography this is ok, but for indoor real estate, not adequate in my opinion.

This website illustrates my point.

LINK

I can't recommend a specific point and shoot camera model for you in this case. Do your research or go to a local store and see what they have.
Your search criteria is this:
The camera focal length (35 mm equivalent) must be as small as possible. If you can find a 20mm wide angle point and shoot, that would be acceptable.

Update:
You can get into a DSLR with ultra wide as follows:
Nikon D3200 body only Refurb: $250
Tokina 11-16mm (older model): $380
Search on Amazon for these deals
This post was edited on 4/8/16 at 11:26 am
Posted by BabySam
FL
Member since Oct 2010
1504 posts
Posted on 4/8/16 at 11:14 am to
Just bought first DSLR for wife. She has been interested in photography and shoots weekly pics of clothing inventory. She had been using her ipad for awhile and it was ok, but this entry-level Nikon D3200 seems like a great starter for all she needs. Was able to get the camera and 3 lenses plus additional accessories for $329 on ebay. She's excited and reading up on it, so that makes it easier with me not having to provide "support" for a new electronic device. She's very happy with it.
Posted by Shotgun Willie
Member since Apr 2016
3780 posts
Posted on 4/8/16 at 12:31 pm to
quote:

I want something $500 or less, prefer $300 or less, that is user friendly. I will mainly be using it for Real Estate Photography, so indoors as well as outdoor shots of property.



You are going to need a good tripod, software (lightroom/photoshop), a wide lens (tokina 11-16, as mentioned is what I use), camera that can take bracketed pics. Its gonna cost you a little more than $500
Posted by Bmath
LA
Member since Aug 2010
18670 posts
Posted on 4/8/16 at 1:24 pm to
quote:

I will mainly be using it for Real Estate Photography, so indoors as well as outdoor shots of property.


My last realtor said he was just going to use his phone. I decided to use my DSLR and send him the pictures.

The biggest issue you are gong to run into is getting proper lighting when shooting the inside of a home. I used a few settings on my DSLR to compensate for lack of a good flash. The other drawback I had was not owning a wide angle lens. However, you could invest in one after you get used to your camera.

LINK

Posted by LSUPhreaK
LaPlace, La.
Member since Dec 2003
10911 posts
Posted on 4/8/16 at 1:29 pm to
If you get a Canon body and you're interested in the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens, I have the newer version I would be willing to part with. Bought it in December and used it for a Disney trip. It's in perfect condition. Includes box, both caps, and hood. $390
Posted by Five0
Member since Dec 2009
11354 posts
Posted on 4/8/16 at 4:51 pm to
Here is another good source for recommendations: LINK
Posted by Jizzamo311
Member since Dec 2008
6344 posts
Posted on 4/8/16 at 9:16 pm to
Thanks for the recs guys

I have a lot of research to do.
Posted by LSUShock
Kansas
Member since Jun 2014
4917 posts
Posted on 4/9/16 at 1:04 am to
Make sure to check out fredmiranda.com when you are ready to buy. Great deals on used stuff. I bought a Canon T5i off there as my starter camera for ~$500 with 2 lenses, carry bag, 2 batteries, etc.
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