I bought my first DSLR a few weeks ago. I’ve been wanting a real camera since I was 13. It only took 10 years to take the final step to purchase one. I thought the process was going to be SO easy, but unfortunately, the universe said…YEET. I found out real fast that I needed a few key items to get started. These hot tips will have you buying your new camera in no time!
Do your research
Cameras are not all made the same…DUH! It is important to make sure you pick one that is right for you. DSLR is not your thing? Check this WikiHow to help you find a camera that suits you.
I chose a DSLR because I want to get started taking pictures of landscapes and friends. At this point I was willing to learn everything I needed to know, so that I can take pics like the pros!
Watch review videos on YouTube
I can’t recommend this tip ENOUGH. I spent hours watching review after review of the types of cameras I could be interested in. I was interested in photo quality and video quality. I wanted a camera that was beginner friendly with a nice internal microphone feature. I narrowed down my choices to the Nikon D5600 and the Canon EOS Rebel SL2. I finally chose the Nikon, purely because it was at the nearest store that I was willing to wait in traffic for.
If the price is too good to be true, you’re probably only getting the body
I was SO happy to find the a camera for $250 less than the same one I had been eyeing on another website. I honestly didn’t know that when it said “body only” it was literally the body only! When the pricing is too good to be true, make sure you’re not looking at “body only” if you are planning to buy a camera AND it’s
Yes UV Filter or No UV Filter
I thought it was a scam so that the camera guy could make another sale! Nope! A UV filter will protect your camera lens from unnecessary scratches and dings and that is something I NEED. After tons to googling “Do I really need a UV filter? I came across this article. One main point that stood out to me was
“I can’t count the number of times students have come to me thinking their lens was destroyed only to find out that they merely broke the filter and the lens underneath was unscathed”
– Wasim Ahmad
Filter sizing is all over the place and I had absolutely NO clue where to start! It’s simple to find the right size if you look at the lenses itself: you should see a number with mm and a little symbol that looks like an o with a vertical line going straight through it.
Buy an SD card
Seriously buy the bigger SD card. I regret not purchasing the biggest SD card. This would be a good time to splurge.
TWO batteries, please!
You will need two batteries at the LEAST if you want to keep your sanity. You can’t have your camera dying on you when you’re trying to take hot pics. Love yourself and buy TWO batteries when you buy your first DSLR!
I know this is one but buy two!
READ THE OWNERS MANUAL
Seriously…read it. I didn’t read the manual and it took me a day and a half to learn how to put my camera straps on. Owners manuals have pictures on them, use them!! Mind (BLOWN). This is for the lazy like me>>> How to find a DSLR owners manual
Now GET OUTTA here! Go find the DSLR of ya dreams!
Random but awesome things to practice taking pictures on
