Photography, Videography, etc

[goodatthis]

So I basically just have a couple of questions about photography and videography. I actually saw Chris Olson's glidecam video, and I thought that was really cool, so before I knew it I was subscribed to filmriot, I made my own steadicam (pretty nice too, has a gimble and everything, well balanced) for my iphone 4, and I want to get into it a bit more. I was always interested in photography, and I've taken some pretty good shots with my iphone, but I think it's holding me back a bit. If you want to see some examples of pictures I've taken, go to my instagram kierancavanagh1. No filters, don't worry, but a bit of HDR

So my first question: what's a good, cheap, starter DSLR?

I have a really low budget, like 400 max, and I want to get a decent DSLR to learn the basics of videography and photography. Also, I know nothing about lenses, how much do they really affect the quality/what are some good all-rounders? (Video, short and long range shots, etc)

Second question: what should I do to actually get into videography? Recently I've just been taking videos with my iphone and steadicam outside and around my house, testing it out and working out the kinks, and taking pictures whenever I see but should I actually have video ideas in mind, like short solo films or something?

Third question: what's the main forum for photography/videography? This way I could ask questions that might be answered a little easier.

Thanks!

 

[Lucas Garron]

If you're really passionate about photography/videography, do as much as you can with your iPhone.

A DSLR will have no benefits for you unless you buy good lenses, but even the cheapest DSLR + lens combination will be out of your range. (The only things you really get from a DSLR vs. iPhone are background blur and the ability to handle scenes with less light.)
If you insist on buying something, I usually trust the Wirecutter for evidence-backed technical advice.

(My personal suggestions: get any RX100 if you want nice quality you can take everywhere, get a GoPro if you want something sturdy and want to focus on action footage, get a Canon SL1 if you just want to get into the DSLR ecosystem, get a Canon 70D if you have the budget and want video autofocus that is actually awesome, get a 5D Mark III if money is no object and want the best quality for a "prosumer".)

But really, the camera doesn't matter. Just go and make art. (Or take pictures of your friends, if you value the memories.)

 

[brian724080]

With this stuff, you either get a good DSLR, or you don't get one at all.

 

[Rubiks560]

Cool to see that I inspired someone to get into videography/photography.

Personally if I were you, I would continue using your iPhone as much as possible until you feel like the iPhone is seriously limiting you from doing what you want to do.
I started out with an iPhone when I started photography in 2012 and I used it for about 6 months before my mom really pushed me to use a DSLR.

One really nice thing about the iPhone is that it really teaches you composition. You're basically stuck with one focal length. You can zoom, but any digital zooming pretty much destroys the quality of the picture. I really think the DSLR took away some of my creativity that I used to have with my iPhone. These days I'm more worried about making sure my image is razor sharp or exposed perfectly. I feel like composition almost comes secondary those these days. Where as with my iPhone I was much more creative and willing to experiment.
Also, with iOS 8 coming soon you'll be able to do quite a bit more with your photos on iOS. Having some control over the exposure will be a nice addition. Also the new editing features built into iOS should be enough to teach some of the basics of editing and allow you to correct minor flaws in your images.

Phones these days really can take great pictures. It's all a matter of understanding how to work it and understanding composition. Some great mobile photographers are WithHearts and Orbeq. They take very nice images and they are using an iPhone 90% of the time. Although Orbeq recently bought a DSLR.

Once you do feel ready to get a DSLR, be prepared to start spending a lot of money. A basic kit is going to cost you at least $550.
And eventually you'll want to get different lenses for different focal lengths or lenses that let in more light. And this adds up really fast.
I've probably spent nearly $3,000 on gear. Although, i'm a bit of a gear nut and I did buy very expensive lenses.
a good starting DSLR would be the Nikon d3300. That would be Nikons cheapest DSLR and it's a very capable camera.

TL;DR
Don't get obsessed with gear, go out, create images and have fun

also, shameless plug, if you ever want to see any of my work I post pictures on Flickr and Instagram

P.S. If/when you pick up a DSLR I would really recommend checking out FroKnowsPhoto. I learned a lot of my photography from him and even to this day I still pick up bits from the channel.