What should a beginner buy for landscape photography on about a $400 budget?

Asked 12/27/2016

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I’m new to photography and currently only shoot with a Google Pixel. I’d like to move up to an interchangeable-lens camera for learning landscape photography.

What should I look for when choosing a first camera? Do I need any accessories to get started? Is about $400 enough for a beginner setup if I buy used? Does camera brand matter much at this level?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

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Any used DSLR or large sensor mirrorless camera would be fine for any general photography introduction. Specifically, if you want to learn to use ISO and aperture values a larger sensor is important, as aperture has little effect in smaller sensor devices ( phones, tablets, most point and shoot cameras ), but is much more significant with large sensor devices.

Do not get distracted by megapixel counts. It's not so long ago that a 6Mp image from a DSLR taken by a pro would have been happily used in a full page magazine spread. I still have large prints on my walls that came from a 6Mp DSLR and kit lens ( mine, of course ).

Starting out a basic kit lens ( like an 18-55 ) is fine. They're actually pretty good lenses optically nowadays, and well suited to introductory landscape shooting.

The temptation to buy accessories and more lenses is normal. Resist it, as you'll most likely be wasting money until you have a solid understanding of your basic kit. Resist the temptation to blame the equipment for your problems in your photos - look for problems in your technique instead. Experience has taught me that it's usually my technique that messes up a shot and not my equipment.

Originally by user46861. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user46861

9y ago

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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

For a beginner, a used DSLR or large-sensor mirrorless camera is a solid place to start. The main advantage over a phone is the larger sensor, which gives you more control over aperture and depth of field and helps you learn core settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

For landscapes, don’t obsess over megapixels. Even older cameras with modest resolution can make excellent images and prints. A basic kit lens, such as an 18–55mm zoom, is usually good enough to begin with and works well for landscape shooting.

Accessories matter: a tripod is one of the most useful purchases for landscapes, since it helps with sharp images at smaller apertures and longer exposures. Using a self-timer or remote release can also reduce vibration.

Important things to consider are overall image quality, dynamic range, and whether the camera system gives you room to grow with lenses later. Brand matters less than buying a capable used camera in good condition with a lens you can afford. Choose a system with lenses available within your budget and focus on learning technique.

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9y ago

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