Seeing someone have the patience to save up 30,000 plus, I think one will do better if they take it a mile more to save up for mid-range or prosumer cameras.
Just because one is recently entering the world of photography doesn't mean one has to buy cameras labeled as "entry-level." Yes, I am very much saying or advocating that anyone who want to learn photography should first consider getting a mid-range camera before considering an "entry-level" unit.
Budget constraints is and will always be a point of discussion when someone asks for which camera to buy. Oftentimes we buy entry level cameras because our urges to get our feet wet into photography is stronger, and it is also stronger as our budget draws closer to that entry-level camera price range. But this is, imho, where we oftentimes get it wrong. Photography as a hobby and as a profession, not that I'm speaking as a pro, requires a good deal of patience to catch that amazing lighting and for strobist, create the desired lighting. Hence, one will do better if patience is exercised at the onset of choosing a DSLR.
I'm quite certain that you've already read the phrase "the poor man pays twice." Why? because one might want to upgrade sooner than one would expect. Then one ends up selling the camera for less than its actual value in exchange for funds to save up to buy a new camera body - to upgrade.
Here's what I think one should do on considering a camera body. Each of the statements I'll put down deserves a discussion or an expanded explanation on its own, but for the sake of brevity on this post. I'll leave it as questions and statements, I'll expand them when I can.
Consider that hard earned money is saved up for this:
* Do not to think about budget constraints. (Do or do not, there is no try. ;)) Budget constraints will always be there. Either way, photography using SLR is expensive. If it weren't we wouldn't have to save up for it.
- side comment: If it were not expensive those who are new to it and owners of entry-level DSLRs wouldn't be showing it off by hanging it around their neck in public places. Or you could say it's cheap because a handful can already buy it and use it as bling. But come on, most of us save up for it then we buy well-padded bags for protection, and oftentimes we couldn't bear someone holding it & be trigger happy with our cameras.
Examine how much patience you have:
* Can I wait to save up some more to get a mid-range camera?
Examine how much time will you be spending learning:
* How many times a week will I actually be shooting to learn the basics?
Examine what you will be learning during a practice.
* How many techniques will I practice and try out during the course of a practice shoot?
- Note: techniques and certain effects will require some gears, at a very least, a flash. Expect some more expenses here.
I'm quite certain there are other questions that can help out anyone who wants to get into photography and is currently considering buying a DSLR. But off the top of my head, this are on the top items to consider.
Patience, learning schedule, learning capacity, and dedication to the craft can be a great guide on choosing which camera to buy. I'm certain that for people with a good amount of time to learn, patience, and dedication - they'll find that the entry-level cameras just isn't enough anymore after a couple of month.
P.S.: I am also a photography noob posting out a tip. :)
The Photography Noob's Tip on Choosing a DSLR from Savings
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