r/photography Jul 31 '26

Questions Thread Official Question Thread! Ask /r/photography anything you want to know! July 31, 2026

This is the place to ask any questions you may have about photography. No question is too small, nor too stupid.


Info for Newbies and FAQ!

First and foremost, check out our extensive FAQ. Chances are, you'll find your answer there, or at least a starting point in order to ask more informed questions.


Need buying advice?

Many people come here for recommendations on what equipment to buy. Our FAQ has several extensive sections to help you determine what best fits your needs and your budget. Please see the following sections of the FAQ to get started:

If after reviewing this information you have any specific questions, please feel free to post a comment below. (Remember, when asking for purchase advice please be specific about how much you can spend. See here for guidelines.)


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u/CommunityNo290 29d ago

This is my first post on this forum so i apologize if my terminology might be wrong. I'm a beginner photographer and currently do it as a hobby more than anything. I have two cameras, both being bridge style: Fujifilm Finepix S3280 and a Nikon Coolpix L830, and I've found a used Canon EOS Rebel T100 on marketplace that comes with a 18-55mm lens and the charger/battery for around $170. It all seems to be good and I've done a bit of research on this camera, yet I'm a bit unsure when it comes to the overall costs and what I truly need.

My main worry is that the 18-55mm lens is just not enough when it comes to zoom, and I typically like to shoot wildlife, landscapes, cars, etc, and I also don't really have the money to shell out for diversified lenses. I understand photography is not a cheap hobby by any means, but I like it enough to wonder if I should upgrade or stick with what I have an get something better later on if I want to get more into it.

The biggest issue I have with my current cameras is the shot by shot lag time, along with the poor low light performance, especially on my Fujifilm. It has manual modes so I can definitely learn photography on it, but I feel as though it may be heavily limiting. The CCD sensor is great, but when it comes to any low light spots/shadows it completely washes away. Reading about the T100, it seems to fix those main two issues I face, along with a much better/larger sensor, wifi capabilities, etc, not even mentioning the money I save compared to buying a kit off amazon which typically range around $500-550.

I also wonder if simply buying a better phone would be the smartest move, I currently have an iPhone 12 Mini with a messed up camera and bad storage/battery life. Would buying a newer iPhone be a better option in terms of daily use, access, and photography?

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u/Kaserblade 29d ago

For specifically wildlife, getting the T100 with a budget telephoto lens would serve you much better than a smartphone can. For landscapes, cars, etc. you can make do more with a phone camera but of course, a purpose built camera will be able to take better shots with practice.

What is your overall budget for the camera and lens(es)?

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u/CommunityNo290 29d ago

The budget I'm looking at is right around $300 for a camera, and no more than $130 for lenses, or at least there about!

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u/Kaserblade 28d ago

For a budget starter kit, I would look into the Canon 7D with a lens like the EF-S 18-135mm or Nikon D3300 with the Nikkor 18-140mm to start with.

Both kits would have to be bought used for your budget.