The BIGGEST Beginner Photography Mistake
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
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Spending too much of your money on a camera - that's the biggest photography mistake you can make I think. Make sure your camera budget sits within a photography budget, and you stand a much better chance at creating the photos you dream of making :)
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I hope that sheep doesn’t know where I live...
James Popsys that sheep wants ewe 👍🏻
Probably she/he does, who knows ..
Shouldn't you have said "That sheep's making a baaline towards me"?
I expect your number is on every lambing shed wall.
James Popsys - you’re an interesting guy to watch. I already has knowledge of the issues you discuss, ........ but I find you a fun and funny guy to follow.👌
Excellent advice, James. After 50 years as a photographer, having owned and used Sinar 4x5, Hasselblad 6x6, Nikon F3, Canon 5D’s, in my retirement I am loving using an Olympus MFT and my iPhone. For me it’s all about the adventures and little about the camera. from 2007 to 2010 I rode a motorcycle from Alaska to Argentina, sailed to Antarctica, back to Cape Town and then rode up to Egypt. 3 years on the road, and my camera : a Canon S100. Published two books about the journey, containing 1500 photos, and no one has ever commented negatively on the quality of the photos.
Has anyone bought the book??????????????????????
It's time to pull out the old saying again:
The beginner thinks it's all about the camera,
The enthusiast thinks it's all about the lens,
The photographer *knows* it's all about the light.
Touche!
And professional Photographers knows its all about the photographer ;)
No, they know it's all about the light, without light it doesn't matter who you are, you can't take it beyond that. A professional isn't any better than an amateur, they just happen to make money, that is the only difference.
It seems these days too many photographers think i all about the Photoshop or Lightroom. By all means clean up an image and bring back some of the colour and contrast but to spend hours on an image is overkill.
lol the millennial photographer knows its about the filter
The biggest mistake. ''Don't take your girlfriend with you if she is not interested about photography''.
Yeah...they would ask: " darn, how many times you are going to take a picture of the same wave". Or "let's go, you have taken picture of that same flower for hours."
I agreed with you.
Agree 😂
I concur
You guys shooting digital need to stop actuating your sensors so much. Frame your shot, expose your shot, take your shot.
The sheer panic on your face when you spotted the sheep killed me! aha... great video
Excellent. If you’re not doodling you’re not going to be an artist. If you’re not scribbling you’re not going to be a writer. If you’re not grabbing snaps with your phone or crappy little camera you’re not going to be a photographer.
Some of my best shots were with my humble little smartphone camera ha!
My phone camera doesn't even work :(
Completely agree;
Some of my best shots were taken with my phones:(Nokia E52- Nexus S- iPhone 6-) and the reason is the absolute stunning moments that suddenly came up and deserved to be photographed and I had nothing other than my phone with me!
Peter Paul Chato well said.
Peter Paul Chato, Holy Crap! That’s one of the best aphorisms on motivation etc. I’ve ever seen - on RUclips or anywhere else! Is it your own? If not, do you know who said it?
Excellent advice.
I remember, when I started learning photography in the prehistoric film camera days, an experienced photographer once told me to forget about zooms at first and to only buy a single 50mm prime lens (35mm on DX). He then told me to learn basic composition skills and to start "seeing the light" using only that lens.
I did that for a year and it really helped me in getting a better understanding of what photography is all about ... a trained eye (and brain) is the best equipment you'll ever have.
The gear (camera, lenses) is just a tool to accomplish your vision ... you could buy the most expensive hammer ever made but that still wouldn't make you a master carpenter ... same with photography.
And the SECOND beginner "photographer" mistake: Paying too much attention to the hoodie string length uneven-ness... Really people?
OCD?
Gordon Warlow 😂😂😂😂😂😂
had to go back and check the length of his strings
Dude! You have to look good for the photo. Cant run around looking like homeless Joe Schidt the ragman.
@@diosito1553 OCD isn't a question. It doesn't need a question mark
If you are a beginner, hobby photographer or a pro it is always and of course a question of money when there is so much temptations, equipment that can be bought, and almost every day something new and better comes around. The RUclips posters would of course review the equipment and conclude that it is a must have. If you jump on the equipment wagon, you lose focus, remember there is a lot of good sound in an old violin. If it's your first real camera purchase, buy something that will cost you a little extra.
Excellent advice James, I get a fair few emails about this myself. I was thinking of doing a video on it but now I’ll just direct them over to your’s. Thanks mate! 👍
Cheers Andrew - and I bet! :)
The second-hand market is *full* of cameras people thought was all they needed.
Smaakjeks K aye hahahaha I have a 700 dollar camera and it’s perfect
+Blue
Awesome :-)
@@scallen3841 good for you allen...
And you can by what you think you need for a lot less than brand New
all the better for us
Don’t buy gear, buy plane tickets. -Yvon Chouinard
That shouldn't been the title! And the whole video :)
That quote is attributed to Audrey Sutherland, not Chouinard. Chouinard just used it in one of his books.
What about climate change? 😅
Don't waste money on plane tickets, just get up early in the morning.
That's WAY different "Beginner Photography Mistake" Video. Well done and well spoken, Sir Popsys!
This is something some of us need to hear, even if it does seem "obvious" as you said. I'm constantly trying to reassure myself that I bought the right camera. The cycle begins again when it comes to looking at lenses... But it seems that nothing beats good old hard work, since there's no way I've reached the full potential of my initial kit.
Thanks for the videos keep it up!
It does seem obvious but people tend to get GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) when shopping around for gear. They think they will need a full frame sensor when they have no idea how heavy and expensive it is. I'm happy with my 350usd APS-C Nikon D3300. I wasn't even into photography. I got it to start a RUclips channel and ended up loving camera channels when I was researching which camera to buy. Now I'm planning to travel this summer and take some great photos.
Rob Shane Sony a7,a7II and a7III. Not heavy or big at all.
For under 500 I bought a used Nikon d200 and d300s , both with shutter counts under 5,000
a long time ago I only had a basic camera , only option was flash on/off . going back to basics and concentration on what I was actually photographing really helped my photography
So true. I've heard other photographers say this in a slightly different way too - spend more on learning (photobooks of photographers or even fine artists who inspire you, attend exhibitions, workshops, time off to *actually take* photos, hang out and shoot with other photography enthusiasts).
This is a really good video trying to answer a question we all have faced.
While you hinted at it, I don't think you covered useability. Some cameras are just amazing to use, and they make everything easy. You want to do something and you poke at the button you expect to make the camera do what you want, and it happens, almost like it's reading your mind. Then there are other cameras where you need to study the manual to work out how on earth to get the headline feature that you bought the camera for to actually work. For example, Olympus cameras take better stills generally than Panasonic cameras, but Panasonic camers are generally easier to use. (Though Panasonic seem to be working on that.).
Mistakes I've made:
I've bought "Nah! You can't do that!" cameras, which don't do something pretty sensible that other cameras manage to do. (Example: Let the photographer set the shutter speed and aperture they want, and the camera sets the sensitivity automatically.) I've bought slow cameras, So whenever I wanted to do something, the camera is never quite ready for it and I miss the shot. Or it's spending an age writing to the memory card and locks the camera from use while it does it. (Two memory card slots, with the option to alternate between cards with every shot so one always useable would be nice.) Or the focus is slow. Or the turn on time is slow. I've bought poor battery life cameras, which are a pain. I've bought heavy cameras, which are literally a pain, and just got left at home. (Ha! So long, my old Nikon gear!)
I've bought a precious camera. The camera that cost a fortune and is dust-proof and water-proof and freeze-proof, but can I afford to put it to the test? "OMG what if I get sand all over the camera! What do I do?". So I'm too careful with it.
My buying advice is this.
1) Choose your system based on useability. The way the cameras work tends to remain consistent within brands, so find the brand you like. Be a Canon guy, a Nikon guy, a Sony guy, a Fuji guy, a Pentax guy, whoever. (Maybe be cautious with weird formats as they can come and go.)
2) Buy a good 2nd-hand, last-gen (or older) camera body from your chosen brand.
3) Buy an absolute kick-ass fast wide to medium zoom for the camera. It's likely to cost more than the body. Don't panic, buy it 2nd-hand if you need to.
Then you're good to go. If you decide to upgrade later , you get to keep your beloved lens (and you WILL love your amazing lens) on a fancy new body that you'll already be pretty familiar with, and you won't have lost too much on the old body because you bought it 2nd hand.
Beware of G.A.S. "Gear Acquisition Syndrome". If you're not careful, you'll spend more time shopping for camera gear than taking photographs.
Finally, consider this: NOBODY is impressed with your camera equipment, only your photos.
Great advice :)
Enlightening and insightful advice. Thank you guys!
As a beginner it is probably very difficult to figure out usability in first place. As a beginner things like back-button focus, different focus settings are likely not familiar yet and maybe as beginner you even haven't figured out yet what type of photography you will like. That will make it difficult to base the decision on usability. And the younger you are the more likely you are flexible enough to adjust to the cameras operations and quirks.
E.g. as not being a sports photographer I thought I don't need to care much for the speed of a camera until I figured out that actually I should have considered it: as I shoot RAW and always do exposure bracketing, the buffer of a Panasonic G5 could handle only 9 RAWs (which were 3 pictures for me with each 2 additional bracketed shots) and writing speed to even the fastest SD cards was very slow, like half a minute for writing those 9 pictures to SD card. So shooting the slightest action of e.g. my kids turned out to be not really working. So what I am saying is, you need to have tested all kind of scenarios before you will be able to figure out if a camera will be usable for you. As a beginner you are lacking exactly this.
So while your advice 1) of usability would be good, I think it is basically impossible for a beginner to make a reasonable decision based on usability.
@@stefanwagener Just my opinion, I'm sure other people have other ideas. :)
@@MrSonicAdvance Right, but if you have already tons of ideas, you are probably not a beginner anymore. For me a beginner is mostly defined by having no experience. So how can a beginner narrow down his selection by usability ... which implies having user experience with cameras/photography of what he needs ... which he obviously doesn't have otherwise he would not be a beginner.
a week ago I bought Sony a6500, returned 2 lenses bought on Amazon, learning my lessons (A-mount - E-mount)... I found myself enjoying the neverending search for better deals, better ideas, better advice...but also learning to keep my wallet closed until I find something better. Because in the end, everybody wants money! I am thinking of buying "absolutely nothing" from you! Love your refreshing honesty, love your sense of humor and appreciate your advice, subscribed!!!
Yes, all very interesting but you didn't answer my question ..... "Should I get a Canon 1DX or an Ari Alexa 4K as my first camera?"
😂
No way! Kodak Brownie all the way!
Nah. Get a red helium camera.
So many cameras so little time! Sigh 4K it is!
Alexa, please play Despacito 2
This makes complete sense. I almost got sucked into finance and cameras but didn't do it in the end and went down the second hand route. Best thing I ever did photography wise!
Great advice, you got this video perfect. I was a pro photographer for years, still have the 8x10, a case of Canon film lenses, and a Leica M3 I picked up used in 1974. But my two favorite cameras are my Olympus XA and my digital camera phone, they are always the cameras in my pocket. Don't need fancy, just need to see.
"Digital camera phone"? My, what a great/novel idea!
Yeah I snagged a GX85 with 2 lenses for $480 when I decided to take up photography. Wanted something decent to learn on to make sure it was something I really wanted to do.
I quickly learned composition, lighting and exposure are the most important parts of photography, and then learning post processing has been a joy too.
a simple but necessary thought. thank you for the effort and the sharing. thumbs up.
holy shit man... i haven't finished your video but i just had to pause it to thank you James and the sheep for a good and loud laugh. ok, continuing on...
😂Thanks mate!
Thank you so much for making this video. I loved hearing this and it made me feel a lot better about my search for a nice DSLR for me.
Best tip for beginners is: get a cheap second hand dslr or mirrorless (something like a 40D or Sony nex) with a kit lens.
That way if you start enjoying photography you can upgrade later on, and if you think it's rubbish you can resell and only lose 40/50€.
It makes no sense to buy a whole kit if you are new to it.
I do agree with this (buying a used/second hand camera) but I have met people that are very, very concern about the warranty of the camera and that is the main reason for some of them to get brand new cameras. I am all for buying used/second hand but there are some that wants warranty to have a peace of mind when they use it. :)
i love that when you aknowledge the sheeps existense it stopped. but i agree with your point. my father gave me his old slr and i was like cant wait to get an expensive camera but then i read about the camera my father gave me and how its perfect for beginners and decided to spend more for budget lenses and other gadgets.
Good point James, I was about to buy G9 but then I told to myself 'hold on you don't need to spent over 2k EUR for a first camera..' so I come to senses and I bought lumix gx8. Learn the craft first then look on more expensive shiny tools which will get you that extra edge which is important in professional world but not really in amateur context.
I have the GX8 and it's a phenomenal camera. It's my 3rd camera and after 1.5 years with it, I'm still learning how to use it and take advantage of all it's features.
I sold my gx8 and now I miss it. Was looking forward to the gx9 but even though it shares the naming scheme as the gx8, the gx9 is not a true successor to the gx8.
Drink coffee much??? :-))) digging the energy. But most importantly, great advice.
😂Cheers Dan, just a little!
First mistake I made was looking at other photographers work and the amazing stuff they were putting out when I should of just gone out and found my own happy pic place ....took me way to many kicking myself not getting my shots to the level of others to realise I needed to find my own style ......still not cracked it yet but loving the journey and the air 👍👍😊😊
All good advice James, which all too many people will chose to ignore. There are countless Forums and RUclips channels with people arguing over which camera is the best, many of whom don't have a clue what they are talking about...Assuming the you aren't a proper photographer unless you go out and purchase the latest camera.
This is my third attempt at replying (first two were crap). I think it doesn’t matter what you have got, just get out there and take photographs. I am more often than not leaving my DSLR at home and using my Panasonic Carry round and a GoPro. Great advice as ever. Just got to say, your best advice given was regarding Lightroom presets! It was how I found your channel.
Cheers Andrew - really appreciate it!
My personal opinion of a beginner mistake in terms of gear is buying a "beginner" camera, if you really love photography you will find that you will grow out of the camera very quickly and the features that you will need won't be there. I would get the best sort of enthusiast/pro body you can get, used or second hand if you must because then you have the tools to not miss a shot. if you don't end up liking it you can sell it and get the money back.
My first camera was a canon 700D, reasons I quickly moved on from it, terrible autofocus, small viewfinder, rubbish high iso performance etc. I am on a Fujifilm xpro 2 now and that camera has satisfied everything that I could have wanted. Amazing speed, weather sealing which has let me not worry about rain and other elements when out, dual cards, large evf, small lightweight body, awesome high ISO performance (which the 700d is absolutely trash at). I could go on but my point is you waste money earlier on when you could have saved that for the better gear that you will eventually need when IF you end up loving photography.
I went straight to a Mark 4, after 3 years of using my 70D. I did it because I saved so much money (it cost me $1300) and could not have passed the opportunity. So yeah, if you can find a great deal like this ... why the hell not?!
E PM how tf did you get a mark iv for $1300!! Im trying to find the best way to save for upgrades.
JustAnthony, total pure luck! My friend’s neighbor’s daughter was a photographer and had passed away. She had asked her if she knew of anyone who needed photo equipment. My friend called me while I was at work. I asked her if they had a camera, she said the mom said the camera was just purchased and never used. When she said it was a Mark IV, I almost died! I said how much, I was told and I left work to go get it. I got 2 points for leaving, but I did not gaf! 😂 there were so many things but couldn’t afford it all. I couldn’t pass it up
SebKobersy ,very true so true indeed. Thanks for the tip. I should have known this before indeed
Agree 100% with this bro, I was given a camera and used to desire to buy a canon 1D because I could “take the best photos” but then I realised photos aren’t about the best of the best but the creativity and practice
BINGO!
GREAT topic - so many people ask for advice online for "best lens" or "best camera" and get answers which head them towards "pro" kit - and nobody asks budget and planned use.
Thanks for this. Perfect timing. I’m absolutely in love with the G9 but the technical specs of the A7III keeps nagging me. I would be switching from a Nikon D600 and the low light ability and AF of the A7III is very compelling. The problem is the rest of the camera is horrid. Now what I mean by that is the ergonomics, button placement, menu system, functionality and super expensive and heavy lenses. Holding the camera (I based this off of the A7RIII and the A7II.) It feels so uncomfortable in my hands. So long story short, you are so spot on about shooting with something you enjoy because you will get better pictures. It means you will be more willing to take the extra time to shoot that picture, gain motivation to go to that new area to check things out and overall just enjoy photography. Because at the end of the day, we started out with photography for a creative outlet and a means of enjoyment. Buying something purely based on specs and an all rational way of thinking kind of contradicts the whole purpose of a creative outlet. Mistakes are part of the creative process and when you get it right, it makes it all the sweeter.
P.S. I really enjoy your channel and photography. You inspire me to start expanding my photography skill set. And I have been doing this since the film days.
Cheers Jason, I really appreciate it, and yep the comfort thing is a big deal!
For my ten pence worth, and for any other newbies who watch this video.
I used to use a point and click film camera, upgraded to a point click Nikon Coolpix - shot some good images with both.
Then I tried a small Nikon DSLR and two lenses, added a prime lens, upgraded to a Nikon D300s - loved it, it taught me to shoot manual.
Got fed up of carrying all that kit around. So bought a Leica X, fixed prime compact. Have shot thousands of images on it, love it, write articles about it, and would recommend it to any hobbyists.
My images seem better for having one lens, one option, and post processing where I need to.
Nice Dave! :)
Agree with this mate. I’m on my third camera in 4 years but I’ve only upgraded when I need an improvement in an area that my setup can’t offer. I started with an eos100d to see if I even liked photography etc and I’m now using a 5d mkIV because I wanted/needed 4K, Full frame, weather sealed. Lenses are the biggest ‘improver’ of photos imo.
Great info for those who only focus on the camera gear. Back in the day when I shot film. The cameras were cheap, and photos cost more to develop, print, and enlarge. And in that process, more than 1/2 the effort was spent in the Dark Room getting the print right. In digital photo land it's the same: the creative process is done after the photo is taken in Light Room, and photoshop. That's where the artists put their style into the photo.
That's what Ansel Adams did - he spent some time in the field taking "pictures", but most of the time in the darkroom creating "stunning".
If you're willing to spend a lot on a camera from the start, just get a cheaper camera and some better glass. I went for a Nikon D5500 with the kit les 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6, pretty low level in the DLSR world but with the additional money I was going to spend on a camera, I decided to get myself a 35mm f/1.8 and a 16mm f/2. All I need now is something with a bit of a longer range. No regrets after 18 months. The GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) is real though.
I made a similar choice, the Canon T6s -- 18-135 kit reconditioned from Canon, saved about $300. Over the past year I've been able to add three lenses, tripod, flashes and etc... I can't afford top of the line but I trust Christopher Frost's reviews, he hasn't recommended a bummer yet. I watched a lot of Mike Browne videos, he used a Nikon D300 professionally for twelve years and took fantastic photos. The best photographers always take great photos no matter the equipment they use (within reason). Cheers
My first camera I bought was a used Canon 50D which at the time was basically a metal-bodied version of a Rebel. Closest comparable model at the time was a t2i. It came with a fun but junky 18-200mm f/3.5 - f/5.6. I eventually bought a used Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 which was absolutely fantastic on that camera. Even shot salsa dancing events with it. Try that with a manual focus lens. ;-).
Years later, I still love the fashion and portrait work I did with that combination and use some of those images in my portfolio... Still.
Video about this soon me thinks :) - Great call - good glass will always be good!
But that's a great Camera! You didn't go with the d3300 or a coolpix! I went from a nikonF to a Nikon D5100 it's a great camera i can use all my ancient glass! Granted some things don't work as well not being a full frame but I've learned to adapt
Make your own gear. That way, you only have what you REALLY need and want. My next project is making a back for my 7x5 to take 3 rolls of 35mm at a time to have the top and bottom in b/w and the middle strip in color. no one makes such a thing anyways.
I THINK I LITERALLY JUST FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS MAN. EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM.
+sugarimlost ☺️ Thanks!
GREAT advice....I'm getting lots of the same questions daily...It's that the gear is sooo SESSY.
Sound advice James! If I could have done it right the first time with a DSLR I would have rented between the 2 or 3 camera systems that peaked my interests.
So I'm doing that NOW with my 3rd inter-changable lens system in 13 years. Third time's a charm, right?
There's so many choices that I can easily imagine someone completely new to photography being overwhelmed.
So the best I can add are these simple questions before starting:
1. What type of photography are you mainly interested in taking? Landscapes / Travel? Your Kid's Sports? Vlogging?
2. What do you plan to do with your photos after you take them? Post them on social media? Print them? Sell as stock?
Great advice Michelle! Renting for a couple of days will give you so many more answers than Google :)
Great video, you have become my favorite YT photography channel!
Cheers Connor :)
I'm going to miss that wonderful hat.
That hat couldn't even be sold on Craigslist.
Yup. I have an a6000 and see no reason to upgrade yet. The image quality is superb.If I get into event photography such as weddings then I would upgrade to something with 2 card slots, better low light and a more advance focusing system.
I say this in all honesty as someone who has done photography and gotten great joy from it as an enthusiast- 1. you are right on about all of this stuff and 2. If you don't ,ind any time I see someone on a forum losing their mind over minutiae or stressing I am just going to link one of your videos. Or tell them to look you up- And sometimes I might just ignore them if I am in a bad mood.
Oh gawds, I wish one only needed a good camera to work towards taking good photos...
Blowing your budget (or worse, like you said, financing the gear to get even more/bigger gear) is also a really bad habit to get into... I love how you've explained it, because it makes a great deal of sense! A good example of not budgeting enough is with hubby's camera (Olympus EM-5 mk II) we got him what the internet seems to consider a good travel lens, their 14-150mm f4-5.6 II... He wasn't certain he would want to change lenses or not, so we wound up going with that one. And in broad daylight, he absolutely loves the lens. What he doesn't like though, is that once you start losing light (so say, near sunset, or once the sun goes down) it's effectively useless. He didn't quite realize (nor did I, being a novice as well) that he'd want to take more photos in the dark (something about winter and the early parts of spring and it being, well, dark after 5-6pm). So the fun part will be getting him a lens that will work with such.
And then there's myself... My Panasonic 25mm f1.7... Absolutely hate it during the day, because it feels like it takes forever to get to taking a shot I want to get, especially when out with him (joys of being able to zoom in!), or worse, like you mention in another video, there's a wall at your back and you can't quite get everything you want in the frame... But once night falls, for some reason I really like it (probably because it's nice to have the camera stay at ISO 3200 :P, but I also suspect it's because it does more of what I want it to do without requiring a tripod). One of the guys at a local camera shop has suggested that since I tend to sit around the 18mm (36 effective) mark with my kit lens, that such might explain some of my frustrations, and to give either the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 II a try, or the Olympus 17mm f1.8.
Definitely definitely agree with the "save money for travelling even if you're lucky", because you'll either want to take pictures of something different... (take for example, West Edmonton Mall. I've lived in this city most of my life, it's just another mall to me, one we affectionately refer to as "the tourist trap", but those from out of province (or even just a few hours away) have an appeal and are drawn to it. Better idea: Jasper is only a few hours away, and to those in my city it's a gorgeous getaway. To my uncle that lived there for a decade, it's a pretty, but expensive place to live).... Or maybe what you want to photograph is a few hours away (I'll use the hoodoos in the Badlands/Drumheller area as my example), and you have to rent a car (or refuel your own vehicle at least twice).
The decisions and compromises never stop! I love the 20mm 1.7 for the same reason, it keeps the tripod locked at home :)
Flirtatious sheep are becoming a real social issue that needs to be talked about. Spot on advice 👍
In Wales the are just stalked about.
#MeToo
I really appreciate you being so honest. Makes me thing again about what camera to buy. I watched ur video just in time.
ive got a old 1000d and a second hand sigma 18-50 f2.8 and loving just getting out and takings images, in every past time people get hung up on gear so your right in what you say, great channel by the way 👌
Beginners: I recommend the Canon EOS Rebel T6. Amazing camera at only $500. And when you move to intermediate it’s still relevant!
I was going to get that camera but I saved a little extra and got the t7i. I love it.
my suggestion is first asking yourself how serious are you and how quick of a learner are you.
if you are sure your enthusiasm for photography is real and will last a long time and you learn stuff relatively quickly, then by all means start with something that you won't out-grow for a long time, such as a high end crop-frame like D7500 or mid end full frame like D750/D810 (yes im a Nikon boy do your worst).
if you are not sure how serious you are and might be on and off during the learning process, just buy anything with interchangeable lens.
I have a Nikon 1j5 and use it for weddings and street photography, and I love it. It cost me £300. It gets cracking images with an 18mm lens.
Great topic and message to beginners. I still remember when I was starting out I always wanted to have full frame cameras and lenses, but in the end, I stuck with aps-c because I was able to make my shots using that format. And ways easier since the smaller the sensor, the faster it is to focus.
Baaaaaaa! Sorry could not resist it lol.
😂
Did you take a picture of that sheep? I love Sheeps! I just love them!
I got the D3400, reasons why I chose that camera:
1. it's in my price range
2. I had a hands on feel on the camera, not enough to get emotionally attached to it, but just enough to get a feel for it's weight and slight amount of features, the feature limitations I discovered I can live with
3. I read reviews before committing to see if there were any real downsides and I found very few among professional photographers... that's the important part, if you're going to have a review of a car best you get one from a car enthusiast, not just c-net because... they use the cameras and not just toy with them for a week and send them back.
4. I needed to commit to a kit and quickly, this was on special less than a Chinese import and U.S. pricing ($400AUD vs $450USD that's ticket prices, duties, shipping and taxes would be capped onto USD price whereas AUD is tax inclusive)
5. I got sick of point and click "MEGAPIXEL!!!" gimmock model cameras and wanted something of better quality rather than Auto settings (yes, all DSLR's have it, but if you're looking for that feature, why buy a flagship model when you can be happy with bargain bin at pawnshop model?)
I needed a kit, any photographer will agree a base+lense is beter than either on it's own and starting with both is better than trying to break your bank getting the best of both, the kit isn't great but... if I give my camera to a photographer they would take great shots and make them better in processing.
I'm a tourist and beginner that doesn't want to waste $450 on a camera, that's why I'm here looking at mistakes before I make them and looking for tips and tricks.
is this a recommendation for D3400? from my point of view, I would say rent or get your hands on cameras before purchasing them a review can tell you a lot, but a test drive can how you more... and you can cut through some of the BS, like Mercedes and GM's faults will be present and in your face rather than watered down with money.
Im practicing with a eos 200d with a sigma 18-50 f/2.8 and I'm loving it! It's about the getting in touch with the art form that will make you improve, not buying better and better gear.
Please loose the beanie.
That sheep saw it and thought he knew who gave up the wool for it. And he ain't happy.
😂
Big Nasty ...😆😆😆
Hmm
Victor Mace hmmmm
@Victor Mace Victor, if the beany is "loose" enough, hopefully a strong wind will blow it away, hopefully somewhere over the rfainbow.
Sensible comments. I am shooting 8 year old camera bodies and have spent many more dollars on travelling to shoot them in that time than I spent buying them. I doubt you'd have a clue how old the bodies were when you look at my work.
I can believe that mate - good on you!
James Popsys To be fair I am buying a pair of G9s because I'm fed up with lugging the Nikons around the world. Heading back to the UK for a visit shortly and looking forward to less baggage!
Only just came across this video. Great fun to watch and good advice too. My add-ons:
1. Buy second-hand, last year's or longer running camera's - usually great price
2. As a beginner forget about full-frame (or even medium format as I was asked a while ago) - doesn't give you any benefits over a decent APC-C or MFT camera. My tip: Fujifilm E-X3 with one prime (no zoom).
3. Join a photography club in your home town: they can help you find great nearby locations and teach you a thing or two
4. Buy a few good books on art, architecture, models, photography... (just not the instruction ones) - just inspiration
Agree to a point. My best pictures are taken within probably 50 miles from home don’t need to scout locations to take pictures of friends and family, nature is in encouraged into the garden. A camera goes every where with me on work trips to capture new scenes before and after the working :)
I almost made a comment on your hoodie thingy length! Thanks for adjusting that! Seriously, that was a great video and the truth about beginners and gear. I know because I did it... I hope that sheep doesn't get you in trouble with your lady! That would be baaad!
😂Cheers Sean! :)
Guitarists face the same head pickle. You can make just about any guitar sound good once you start doing it. It is exactly the same. This guy is bang on right.
agree 100%
I was only 15 when i started my interest in photography and only had a very old Canon powershot, but it was enough to increase my interest. After high school i worked painting some apartments and used the money to buy a used Canon rebel xti, and that was awesome! Had to sell it years ago when an expensive vet bill came up, but now Im saving up for a Nikon D3400, in the meantime i have been using my cell camera!
I'm no professional, and am just a hobbyist so i dont feel like i need anything more sophisticated.
Get out there and take pictures and play with techniques, thats how you get better :)
(not to say gear doesnt help, just that it isnt worth putting yourself in mass amounts of debt for)
Facebook just reminded me of it being 4 years, since I bought my first hybrid. Moved up from an old super-zoom back then. Thanks to the _feel_ I went for a SONY NEX-5, instead of an Olympus. Have not regretted that choice I must say. Have now been on an a6000 for 2 years and still not seriously considering upgrading. Pretty much close to all my gear has been bought used or on sale and thanks to that I’ve had the opportunity to shoot all this time instead of saving up for a way too expensive and capable camera compared to my skill-set for 2 years.
To sum up, I completely agree with what you went through on this video!
I just want to upgrade to a Sony Alpha 7r II or III because I can. I love taking photos and I love taking photos of the best quality possible from myself as a person and from the camera :D
I know how to edit, I know how to take good photographs (creative view on things, trying things out etc) and I know what I want and I build up to it since two years now (buying lenses which are full frame, buying new lenses, informing myself about cameras, buying equipment which is almost useable across different brands etc) :D
But I have to wait until I really earn money because me as a student is not able to spend a huge amount of money :D
ouh yeah and I got to shoot with the a7 and a7r and the a7r II due to friends :D
Upgrade? Sony, LOL.
Upgrade would be to a Fuji XT3, far better camera and more fun to use the Sony could ever be.
"Me as a student"? Take a course in English, please.
@@usernamemykel the great thing about written English is that poor spelling and grammar does not impact the readers comprehension or understanding of the authors intent. Stay on subject please.
@@airgliderz Whether or not it impacts the reader's comprehension or understanding, is up to the reader to say, not you. You are only one person, with your level of education, with your experiences, with your emotions - all unique to YOU, and therefore you cannot imply that ALL readers are not impacted.
Welcome to the internet, BTW, where one has the freedom to stay "on subject" or stray.
Now, mind your own business, please.
@@usernamemykel staying on subject is impossible for so one line you who has such a, short attention span. The fact is only you are bothered yet as proven many times spelling, punctuation sentence structor errors clearly do not impact the readers comprehension Nland understanding of the authors intent. Go crawl back into the liver swamp btiny bubble of reality you live within.
That ewe looked at your collar and thought "So that's who nicked my coat last year!"
😂I didn't even think of that!
Can really see that sheep with a proper chav accent :"OI m8! You fink its funneh stealin me coat do ye?! Just walkin up and turnin me on me back and everyfin! Oi know ehere you live m8, don fking think anyfink else! Watch it or il steal YOUR fookin coat you bloody puffta!" XD
Awesome video m8, really good advice! Subbed.
The camera, lenses, et. al, are only the bag of groceries. The software is the kitchen where the meal is cooked.
I cannot agree more! I have a 10 yr old DSLR and it takes the most amazing pics.. mostly because I go out and find amazing things to take pictures of.. especially things most others ignore or don't see.. you have to explore the world!
Very good advice James. Nice to see the girlfriend in the vlog..... Atb
😂
That is Baaaaaaad!
It's a shame that she kept her sweater on, darn.
Everyone should just get the Sony a6000, 500 euros for a really good camera.
I just bought another fabulous Absolutely Nothing! I was the first one to buy one and I was so pleased with it, I just had to buy another one. I encourage everyone to add an Absolutely Nothing to their collection of other types of Nothings. You won't be disappointed!
😂Thanks so much! So pleased you have a back up :)
Good tips man. I definitely get that. I just got a rebel t6 and that was in my budget. Now working on getting different lenses. Photography is definitely not a cheap hobby.
Great video =)
I think beginners should alsways look at used gear first. I bought all my stuff used and never had even the slightest problems with it. It saves you a lot of money that you can then add to your photography budget.
Cheers from Germany =)
Sören
Trembich Moving Moments eBay Kleinanzeigen is a blessing, man
Jenny Darukat absolutly! also pages like rebuy.de when you buy more expensive stuff and want warranty.
Trembich Moving Moments same im starting out with canon rebel t5
Fantastic tip mate!
Buying used is how I was able to afford most of my gear.
Beginner: Spend all their savings and bring a heavy big camera anywhere.
After a while: The cellphone will be good enough, a camera will just make me miserable and awkward there.
I think it's someting to learn, being comfortable with a big heavy camera in the public...
If you ever feel awkward holding a camera in public, quit photography.
Nice one and you're so right. Besides a camera you need money to spend on lenses too. Check which focal lenghts you like, zoom or prime. When you're planning to spend lots of money it is worth checking which system / brand best suits you. Buying used gear can help get quality gear for reasonable price as well.
Great advice, James! I'd like to add that for a beginner it is hard to properly evaluate a camera even holding it in real live, because only experience can teach what is important to you in a camera. Hence I would suggest to go as cheap as you can reasonably go. And if you think you need to upgrade to an expensive camera, rent it for a specific project an see how it suits your needs instead of just holding it for a few minutes in a store.
there are literally dozens of cars passing by behind you:)
Shhh! Don't tell anyone - wilderness...
Can you take a picture about the nature? If you can, it's wild enough. You think are such a good observator but you don't see the important things.
Kuntal Halder hahah
I can see a road in the background... such wilderness... lol
That sheep looked pretty wild! ;-)
He did have to get there somehow...
Muhammad Ahmed I was thinking that but was too lazy to make a Comment haha
he did say the parking lot was like 50 meters away or so *shrug*
Lol well, considering I live in the desert of Cali, this is wilderness hahaha
I started with a Canon 1200d years ago, took loads of rock band photos and just gotten a 1300 with my own photography logo and trying to start a business all from experience and learning what/how I can take great photos. Today I took 3 shoots with a full lighting rig and dark room and loved it and I've got another shoot lined up for next week 👌
Really love this video so much , the advice you give is so correct and 100% true , it’s never the camera that takes the amazing shot , it’s the photographer! I bought the canon eos 700d and before my purchase I learnt everything you could possible know about cameras and lenses , and I am so grad i did so , otherwise I wouldn’t be where I would be today 😊 thank you for making this incredible video :)
How bout 'The biggest Mistakes You-Tubers Make'
1. Not bullet pointing
1. Not Bullet pointing
1. Not Bullet pointing
Your early success at capturing sheep out in the field (pardon the pun) was always going to come back to haunt you. It would seem word has got out amongst the sheep fraternity. You’ve only got yourself to blame if you now find them flocking (pardon the pun) towards you 😆
😂Cheers Tony!
How would you feel if you see your precious coat on someone else as a hoodie or hat?? This is serious theft here Tony. How can you make puns? you should be feeling baaaaad for the sheep.
They want to flock him. "Herd" it through the grapevine.
I started 6 months ago with my first DSLR, a Nikon D3500 with a kit lens, for about £350. I've invested in a 35mm prime and a 10-20mm since. I borrowed a tripod, or use my keys to steady the camera (shh!). The way I figure it is to become as good as I possibly can be with the kit I have. Once I've learnt more, that's when I'll know what to spend my money on. I'll try a technique or style, see if I can get it to work, learn (hopefully) from my mistakes, and most importantly just keep shooting. Really liking your uploads!
Very good advice thanks! Subbed! I have always enjoyed photography and looking forward to spending more time with it.
The biggest beginner mistake of vlogging: make the 1st half of your video the intro... Yawn.. Cut to the chase dude!
Dollars? Is that now the official currency of Wales?
TranslatorTuber That surprised me, too. (And I'm in the U.S....maybe all those questions came from here?)
Joe Marano ah, so it's a lot like here in Oregon or in New Zealand 😂😂😂
I'm realising that nobody know's how much pounds are worth :)
Tell them to type something like this into their browser: "convert pounds sterling to us dollars" you can convert gajillions of things this way.... (It was USD$1.40 today...)
No, just the currency of RUclipsrs.
It also depends a lot on what you mean to do with the camera. Do you go out a lot? Prefer macros and close-ups? Or maybe animals? Or low light like concerts and night time pictures? Or perhaps portraits and candid shots? Another thing is that sometimes different geographical areas have models that differ slightly between each other but they're technically the same, and you may notice the difference (or not) on the field. This is more obvious with laptops than with cameras, but exists and can be very confusing when researching.
Different cameras have different settings and highlight some features but leave others out. Some people may find a higher quality for video recording a must, others can live without it but would prefer a dedicated button for the flash, or a bigger sensor.
Really good video, fun to watch. Thanks!
Some of my most appreciated photo's have been done on old gear with no bells and whistles - very good point to make bud - people should start off with a 'reasonable' camera that does most things well then when people find their niche they can focus on gear that supports that. Main thing is to get out there and shoot, and worry about stuff when it becomes an issue.
I hear you mate!
first again
Cheers mate! :)
Thx for that brief James. It definitely brought me back down to earth.
Human Machine Interface is the most important for me.
After that, I don't mind between 1", M43, APS-C, FF or Medium Format sensor.
If the lens line-up and camera are cheap and light, it's good for me.
That's why I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless, I gain some money :)
Thank you so much fabulous timely advice. Much appreciated. M
Excellent video! Often youtubers can make you feel like you need the latest and greatest sony A7-whatever, but the feel of the camera does play a huge part for me. I have a Canon M5 that I just love shooting with, it doesn't have the greatest specs but it is just so much fun! I don't think I would trade it for a "better" camera!
i am currently using an old Canon 450D which i bought 10 years ago but hardly used. This camera has been a good trainning wheel for the past 4 months of understanding the basics of photography. I am now more than ready to invest in a Nikon D850 with a 24-105mm and a 50mm glass. Thank you sharing
I really like this approach. I started small. Canon Rebel from Amazon and some other accessories. It does what I need it to do. It's not the best. It's far from it but I'm brand new at photography and it's a step up from my mobile. In a year or two I might upgrade. For now, I'm content and taking pretty pictures of pretty things.
I jumped from a T-3 to a 7D Mark II ONLY because I wanted a faster motorized shot sequence for shooting "birds in flight". I can use my superb "L" series lenses on either camera. There's nothing wrong with the T-3, as it is a very capable machine. You probably checked it's great reviews and purchased it based on them, as I did.
In my opinion, it was worth waiting for this last video, James. It is much more espontaneous and sincere!
You just reach the point: go visit, travel or simply pass by, keeping your mind free, your eyes open and have fun capturing the best of scenes & light 📷
Of course, you need to get a camera (can start with a cell phone or a simple DSLR w/ exchangeable lens) and, later on you can decide where to improve (basing on your growing knowledge, as well as defining your favorite style - landscape, portrait, street etc) 🤙