So, you want to buy a new camera. You think you might like to get into the world of digital SLR photography. You have seen them reasonably cheap at local camera stores. But, before you do, you think it is a good idea to ask for some advice at a photography forums you have seen on the interweb. Is this a good idea? Yes and no. What? hang on, yes AND no?

Lets talk about the yes first. Yes, because talking to people about a topic they are interested in will nearly always teach you something about that particular topic. They will usually have quite a bit of experience. I say usually, because the interweb is full of experts, or so called experts. Some of the suggestions I have seen on photography forums have been bordering on insanity. More on that in a bit. It is also a good idea because people will have experience with a wide range of gear. Different brands, different levels of equipment and differing skill sets. Which leads me onto the NO arguement.

Do you really need Leica on a Canon?, originally uploaded by norbography.

No, it isn’t a good idea. After what I have said for the YES case, you might be wondering why I would say there are negatives to asking the questions you want answered. Quite simply, there is a very good chance you will be getting advice off someone who is far more interested in photography than you might be. Or you might be as keen as mustard, but someone who owns a digital SLR and uses it at weddings and parties starts handing out advice, when they never take their camera out of Auto mode.

People need to weigh up the advice they are getting, and even ask the people they are discussing it with what their level of photographic skill and experience is. Time and time again, I have seen people told to get X lens and Y camera because that’s what the person giving the advice has got or used. This doesn’t mean the person asking for help will get the same use out of said piece of equipment. Why a learner needs a full framed camera that shoots 10 frames per second and the latest L series prime lens is beyond me. For people unsure of how far they will go in photography, I always advise them to grab a cheap second camera and lens, and see if the bug bites. They can always upgrade later. But if you tell someone to go out and get the latest and greatest camera and lens, camera especially, what happens in 6 months if they find they just aren’t into photography like they thought they would be? They will lose a stack of cash on the camera body, after all, it has probably been superseded, and they might get their money back on the lens if they are lucky.

I am sure some people will argue, but I am glad this is the approach I took. I bought a second hand Canon 300D and a couple of kit lenses. About 6 months later I found I loved photography, had some spare change laying around, so sold the 300D at a small loss, and upgraded to a 30D. The photography bug has since buried itself deep inside my brain and I have bought and sold all sorts of gear.

So before you go off asking for advice, find out who you are talking to. If they are rampant gear heads, it might be best to temper what they say. If they are people who bought a DSLR because Uncle Bob told them it would make them better photographers, a grain of salt may be needed. Try and get a cross section of views and it might make things just a little bit clearer.

Good luck. 🙂