Well I just bought a new to me camera, my budget was only $300 clams. I bought a "kit camera" and now wondering if its just a toy?? or i am over my head. I only want to do recreational pics so not looking for professional results but still hoping I wont be disappointed.
I must admit I didnt do much research, I have an affinity toward Cannon and just kinda went up the line where I could afford a used camera.
So without any further ado I picked up a Canon Rebel T5i with 18-55mm lens. I also snagged 55-250mm Telephoto lens to do some outside work.
Will this baby keep a budding photographer busy for 5 yrs ??
Thanks for any input, arrives in a few days.
Hey!
First congratulation on your new camera and lenses

I skim through here and there are some good advices here. And yes it is definitely more than a toy, and for most people this would more of a camera than they need.
I started in photography with film and you have no idea if you got the picture or not until you get it back from the lab or after you developed the film. But today getting started in photography these days is easier with digital camera because you get instant feedback.
And here's my $0.02 on this. Learn all the features your camera have, try them out go out take some pictures and see what work best for you. Than learn how to control aperture, shutter speed and ISO. But don't get hung up on too much on technical terms too much, or buy more lenses, the best way to learn is to just go out and take some pictures and have fun!
By the way, talk about toy camera. This is the toy camera, my Diana camera. Here's link to my album of this camera and pictures I took with it on Flickr...
https://flic.kr/s/aHsk17zo2j A fun and quirky camera. I do enjoy using it and like that soft dreamy pictures I got from this little plastic fantastic camera. Anyway, sorry for being off topic a bit.
Buddy
PS
Cute cat there