Remembering of course that the camera does not make the photographer; just as a more expensive saucepan set does not make the chef.
Have you purchased your camera yet or are you faced with a dilemma of what to buy?
Perhaps you would much rather stay with the mobile phone or tablet. It's your choice. And with the technical quality of product being produced and constantly updated these days, the newer phone or tablet, although restricted in some ways, the bells and whistles they do have, can certainly help produce some truly great images. It is entirely up to you and much of what is written in these tutorials can also apply to the apparatus you use.
As far as actual cameras go, there are many brands and models of digital cameras on the market today and if you are just starting out in photography, but hoping to get serious, the choice is entirely up to you, but I would strongly recommend a DSLR type camera. Not necessarily one at the high end of the range, but one that at least suits your budget. Some of the newer digital 'point-and-shoots' have much to offer, but sometimes just for the sake of a few extra dollars, you can have a camera that will not only allow for full or semi-manual operation and the ability to interchange lenses, but it will also allow you to have more control over the photos you produce.
When you go out to buy a new camera, make sure you purchase it from a reputable photo equipment dealer and not just an electrical store that sells cameras on the side. You might get it for a few dollars less, but you'll find the after-sales service will leave a lot to be desired.
Let the sales assistant know that you are just starting out and that you are not looking to buy the top-of-the-range DSLR, but something of quality, but one that may be more suited to a novice photographer. Ask the assistant to give you a brief run-down of the pros and cons of the camera they are recommending and at current rates, you should not have to blow your budget for it.
When you have made your decision, be sure to also purchase a UV filter and fit it onto your camera lens, for no other reason than for the lens protection. This will eliminate any scratches, dust, salt spray, or finger marks from contaminating the front element of your camera's lens. Keep it on at all times. It is far cheaper to replace a broken filter than a new lens. And remove it only when you want to fit other filters.
Generally, the standard kit lenses on new cameras these days are of a zoom type and may possibly have a focal range from 18mm to 35mm. They are not what is known as 'fast' lenses, but they will still allow for many photographic situations and can be quite satisfactory for beginners or anyone just getting a feel for this great pastime.
What is a fast lens? See my chapter on "Lenses"
