What should I look for in a used entry-level DSLR for outdoor photography?
Asked 9/3/2012
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2 answers
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I'm getting into photography and want to buy a used DSLR on a budget of about $350. I'll mainly be shooting outdoors, and I probably won't buy another lens anytime soon, so I'll likely start with a basic kit lens. I'm comfortable learning camera controls in depth.
What features or specs matter most on an older entry-level DSLR? I'm considering models like the Canon Rebel XT, Rebel XTi, and EOS 30D.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
5
Any. Really, this is the good news! Any DSLR is good enough to learn photography. They all have manual controls including manual focusing, custom white-balance and shoot both JPEG images and RAW files. Sure, some are better than other but this is all you need to take control of the photographic process and will give you plenty to learn.
There are two features which are worth specifically looking for which are available in a good number of entry-level DSLRs, but not all of them:
- Spot-Metering: Lets the camera meter from a small zone in the scene which is great to have when learning to expose creatively and learn about things like the zone system.
- Depth-Of-Field Preview: Lets the camera show you before the shot an approximation of what the depth-of-field of the final image will be like.
You budget is obviously a limiting factor when you include the lens, so while you will be able to get a generic zoom, I suggest you go for a bright prime lens such as a 50mm F/1.8 (even new it's only $120 or so) or wider 35mm F/2 (or similar depending on the brand). This is more restrictive for framing but the bright aperture lets you play much more with depth-of-field and lets you work in lower light. Not only that, cameras focus faster with a bright lens.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For learning photography, almost any DSLR in this class will work well. The key is not chasing specs, but making sure the camera gives you solid manual control and room to learn.
Prioritize these features:
- full manual exposure control
- RAW capture
- manual focus capability
- custom white balance
- spot metering, if possible, for learning exposure more precisely
- depth-of-field preview, which can help you understand aperture and focus
- auto bracketing can also be useful for outdoor shooting
For outdoor photography, a basic 18-55mm kit lens is fine to start with, especially if you won’t be buying more lenses soon. Don’t overthink the lens at first; learning exposure, composition, and timing matters more.
Also consider accessories, especially a tripod, since outdoor photography often benefits from slower shutter speeds and careful composition.
Between older entry-level DSLRs, differences are usually smaller than they seem. Condition, included lens, battery health, and whether the camera has the features above often matter more than small spec differences.
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