Somewhere_In_The_Clouds' Project 365 Thread ~ 2026

[azurbanclucker]

I don't yet have my photo for today but I do have a question for any photographers following along... This whole thing has gotten me thinking about finally investing in a camera in a few months or something, after all I still have 350+ photos to take this year But I don't do tech or anything similar so does anyone have an pointers or suggestions for a beginner looking for a decent camera to use for hobby? Please, if you can, explain the simplest as you can, cause I struggle with comprehension sometimes

What's your budget? Most of the things I'm going to recommend are entry-level DSLR/mirrorless setups for someone who's looking to develop photography as a hobby. They're not necessarily cheap. Several hundred dollars in the US market, not sure in the AUS market but I'd expect more.

Honestly, any modern cell phone is as good as an inexpensive point-and-shoot today. To step up from that you're going to be looking at a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. At that point you have to decide if you want to put the time and money into it as a hobby. Lacy made some good suggestions, among them finding a good DSLR refurb on the used market. 2-3 generation old gear is every bit as good as modern kit, just less shiny features. it's also typically a lot cheaper.

 

[Somewhere_In_The_Clouds]

How much are you looking to spend? I typically suggest the Canon Powershots as a good first camera, but they don't have quality. They're just rugged. If you have $500+ that you could spend, I'd recommend one of the cameras I got. They take great pictures, are good entry level, and aren't too complicated. (You could also ask me any questions on them and I could probably help. )
I have a Canon EOS Rebel T5 and T7. The T6 and up (not so sure on how high up) started having some issues, which I have with my T7, so though I'd still recommend one, I'd actually more of recommend going on eBay (if you have eBay) and getting a T5 still in the box. I have absolutely loved my T5, and it's been a really good camera for me. (It is getting pushed past it's retirement, as I am dealing with a lot of issues with it right now, but considering what it's been through, I'm still considering it a good camera.)

(If any of this confuses you, feel free to speak up.)

What's your budget? Most of the things I'm going to recommend are entry-level DSLR/mirrorless setups for someone who's looking to develop photography as a hobby. They're not necessarily cheap. Several hundred dollars in the US market, not sure in the AUS market but I'd expect more.

Honestly, any modern cell phone is as good as an inexpensive point-and-shoot today. To step up from that you're going to be looking at a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. At that point you have to decide if you want to put the time and money into it as a hobby. Lacy made some good suggestions, among them finding a good DSLR refurb on the used market. 2-3 generation old gear is every bit as good as modern kit, just less shiny features. it's also typically a lot cheaper.

Thank you both! I will try to have a look around today if I have time. Budget wise, don't really have one. I dont spend money on myself so that means I *can* but also because of that fact I need it to be on the lower end, just because I don't like making large purchases to begin with I'm in no rush, I will probably put it off a few months.

On what you said about phones though... I did recently get a new phone and knowing it had a decent camera was important. The thing is I've felt like it's been much harder to get a good picture since I changed over Do you have any tips for taking photos with phones? I know literally nothing about settings and all that so doesn't surprise me if it's user error It's a Galaxy A56

 

[azurbanclucker]

Thank you both! I will try to have a look around today if I have time. Budget wise, don't really have one. I dont spend money on myself so that means I *can* but also because of that fact I need it to be on the lower end, just because I don't like making large purchases to begin with I'm in no rush, I will probably put it off a few months.

On what you said about phones though... I did recently get a new phone and knowing it had a decent camera was important. The thing is I've felt like it's been much harder to get a good picture since I changed over Do you have any tips for taking photos with phones? I know literally nothing about settings and all that so doesn't surprise me if it's user error It's a Galaxy A56

Here's a quick tutorial on the features of Pro mode in the A56's camera app. It's like any other point and shoot, there's a little delay between when you click the button and when the image captures, but otherwise you should be able o to do quite a bit with it once you're comfortable in pro mode.

 

[Somewhere_In_The_Clouds]

Here's a quick tutorial on the features of Pro mode in the A56's camera app. It's like any other point and shoot, there's a little delay between when you click the button and when the image captures, but otherwise you should be able o to do quite a bit with it once you're comfortable in pro mode.

Thank you! See, I only found out about "pro mode" last night when I was reading the 52 week challenge thread... it was on my to do list to experiment with today so I'll have a look at that first!

 

[Alpine Bobwhite]

Hey I know it looks like I'm spying but I just saw this and I'd agree with @Lacy Duckwing about cameras. I have a Canon Powershot sx50 and its fantastic, its got an amazing zoom. Its also pretty cheap (though the prices have gone up recently), I got mine for £100. And they're not overly big and are simple to use.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

It's a Galaxy A56

Unfortunately, the A series cameras really aren't that good. I have one, and it's definitely a lot better than my last A series phone, but when it comes to the Samsung cameras, the S series are always better. Only thing is, they cost a lot more, which is why I have an A series. (I can still get a good picture with my phone, but when comparing pictures even to my S series tablet, I can spot the difference.)

 

[Somewhere_In_The_Clouds]

Hey I know it looks like I'm spying but I just saw this and I'd agree with @Lacy Duckwing about cameras. I have a Canon Powershot sx50 and its fantastic, its got an amazing zoom. Its also pretty cheap (though the prices have gone up recently), I got mine for £100. And they're not overly big and are simple to use.

Aw, hi Bob, I forgot you do photography too. You're more than welcome to join in, thank you
I think at this point I'll put it off a few months (A piano is higher on my list of things I want rn ), and in the mean time I'll try to work out my phone!

 

[Somewhere_In_The_Clouds]

Unfortunately, the A series cameras really aren't that good. I have one, and it's definitely a lot better than my last A series phone, but when it comes to the Samsung cameras, the S series are always better. Only thing is, they cost a lot more, which is why I have an A series. (I can still get a good picture with my phone, but when comparing pictures even to my S series tablet, I can spot the difference.)

I think I've mentioned that it's still an upgrade to my last phone... which was an S series but like 9 years old This is the best phone camera I've ever owned
I wanted another S series but you're right, very expensive and I needed a phone asap so I didn't have the time to go the second hand route like I think I would've liked to, looking back now.

 

[Somewhere_In_The_Clouds]

Sunday 11/1/2026
So I'm about to feel like a MASSIVE Lacy imposter
As I was going about doing some morning chores I decided my guinea pig would be my- well my guinea pig I guess I don't do "photoshoots" with my animals but this is my piggy Bingo, who's getting older and slowing down a lot and I know I don't have many good pictures of him.

Please note. He has seen a vet about his eyes and the greasy fur is partially likely to be his eye ointment.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Sunday 11/1/2026
So I'm about to feel like a MASSIVE Lacy imposter
As I was going about doing some morning chores I decided my guinea pig would be my- well my guinea pig I guess I don't do "photoshoots" with my animals but this is my piggy Bingo, who's getting older and slowing down a lot and I know I don't have many good pictures of him.

Please note. He has seen a vet about his eyes and the greasy fur is partially likely to be his eye ointment.

Awww!!!

I don't mind you being an imposter at all! It's awesome to get pictures of your guinea pigs like that, and they are definitely a lot easier to work with than chickens. Awesome picture!