I took up photography as a hobby about 6 years ago and here is a few bits of advice that I can offer:
CAMERA:
I first started out by buying a second hand camera. However with bodies so cheap today you don't have to worry. Just remember that its never the camera or megapixels which matter.
Canon is what I use. I use a EOS40D, but for someone starting out you can buy a 450D or 500D, which will grow with you as a photographer. The base model is called 1000D and is a great way to get into SLR photography without breaking the bank.
LENS:
This is where you should not compromise. Set a budget, buy a cheap body but excellent lens. The "kit" lens they give you with the camera is good for beginners but will not give you really sharp images, which is what most people expect when they buy a SLR camera.
If you are buying Canon I highly recommend buying a 50mm f1.8 lens, which is about $100 and extremely sharp.
TRIPOD:
Get a good sturdy one. Buy one from Salam - Velbon is a good brand. Make sure the legs move independently.
WHERE TO LEARN AND SHOW OFF
Go to photo.net to learn
Go to flickr or pbase.com to show off.
WHERE TO BUY:
Within Qatar you can purchase SLR cameras at Carrefour, Virgin or Salam. There are other retailers as well.
Salam is overpriced and I don't recommend buying anything from it.
I would buy the body here, if they sell body only. This way you have a warranty to cover your investment.
I took up photography as a hobby about 6 years ago and here is a few bits of advice that I can offer:
CAMERA:
I first started out by buying a second hand camera. However with bodies so cheap today you don't have to worry. Just remember that its never the camera or megapixels which matter.
Canon is what I use. I use a EOS40D, but for someone starting out you can buy a 450D or 500D, which will grow with you as a photographer. The base model is called 1000D and is a great way to get into SLR photography without breaking the bank.
LENS:
This is where you should not compromise. Set a budget, buy a cheap body but excellent lens. The "kit" lens they give you with the camera is good for beginners but will not give you really sharp images, which is what most people expect when they buy a SLR camera.
If you are buying Canon I highly recommend buying a 50mm f1.8 lens, which is about $100 and extremely sharp.
TRIPOD:
Get a good sturdy one. Buy one from Salam - Velbon is a good brand. Make sure the legs move independently.
WHERE TO LEARN AND SHOW OFF
Go to photo.net to learn
Go to flickr or pbase.com to show off.
WHERE TO BUY:
Within Qatar you can purchase SLR cameras at Carrefour, Virgin or Salam. There are other retailers as well.
Salam is overpriced and I don't recommend buying anything from it.
I would buy the body here, if they sell body only. This way you have a warranty to cover your investment.
Then buy the lenses from the US.
Visit www.adorama.com or www.bhphoto.com
I have ordered from these places, very professional and prompt service. Much cheaper than buying it from here.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need anymore suggestions.