New to photography

I have just received a little inheritance and my treat is going to be a NICE camera.

I would like to take up photography as a hobby, and would appreciate any advice you could give me a a beginner. I've only ever used a point and shoot before but would like to advance to a SLR.

What would be a good to start with do you think? Sadly I live in a small rural town in the USA, so no classes available to help me along.

Right now I take pictures of scenery and the occasional insect, but one day would like to advance to wildlife. Right now baby steps though.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Hi Sue, I dont know a lot about the SLR market in the USA, but if you have a library close by, there are many books on the subject to help you.

I am sure that questions specific to cammera opperations, will soon get an answer from one of our more experienced photographers on this wonderfull site.

Good luck in your quest, and I hope you find the cammera for you.

Peter Evans.

Are we talking about film SLR or digital SLR?

Whichever way, personally I don't think it's necessary to attend any classes. Just get a good book (or a magazine) and learn the basics.  And there are so much resources on the net.

Good luck! 

Thank you Peter and Gemm.

I did indeed mean digital, and I've narrowed it down to a Canon Rebel XTi, called a Canon EOS 400D in England.

I will play with it for a few months and hopefully have a ton of fun in May and June when I get to come 'home' to England.

I just found out today that Canon are coimng out with a new model in March, think I might as well wait for that one.

 Oh happy Day!

Sue

Thanks for your good wishes regarding our wedding anniversary.

The new canon camera that you mentioned will be out on sale here in england in the next few weeks, it isto be known here as the 450D. There has been a bit of talk about it in the photo mags.  It seems that it will be good bit of kit with 12.1 Mp, but it could  be rather complex for the first time user.  The cost is expected to be rather high.  Body only is quoted as being £600.00. The price of the lens will be anyons guess. That compares with £400.00, for the 400D and that price includes the lens. You might find that the cost of the 400D will fall in the next few weeks as the shops try to get rid of old stock, so there could be some good bargins to be picked up on the old model.  So far i am finding the 400d a joy to use and easy to get to grips with. There will be a couple of pictures of my first attempts with the 400D posted in the next few days.

Regards Roy Jackson..

Thank you Roy, I am seriously taking this advice to heart and  will go ahead and purchase the 'older' version, as I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. I truly am a beginner in every way and would hate to get discouraged and overwhelmed with a piece of equipment that is too advanced for me.

I will keep my eye out for your new pictures.

SUE