What cameras are really good for photography at pretty affordable price?

Jackie: What cameras are really good for photography at pretty affordable price?
What cameras are really good for photography at pretty affordable price?
I am interested in photography and am taking a class soon, but in the mean time I need a better camera. Mine is one of the cheap $ 200 ones. It isn’t the best. What difference would it make if I got a more expensive one and which brands and makes are the best for what reasons? Thank you so much. I don’t know much about this and I appreciate the help! =)

Answers and Views:

Answer by Rhysis Dream
I would recommend looking into the Nikon family of cameras for both 35mm and digital photography. They offer a much more versatile selection of features and have a wide range of accessories. If you find that Nikon is too expensive, however, Canon has some very good ones, as well, and are somewhat cheaper.

Answer by Save the Cassowary
The Canon A1 and Mamiya RB67 are probably some of the best values in photography at this time.

Answer by Latrodectus
Like Rhysis Dream suggested, I’d say go with Nikon if you’re looking to build an SLR outfit. I have both Nikon digital and 35mm camera bodies and find them to be excellent.

I guess the question you need to ask yourself is what role do you want the camera to fulfill? If you’re going to spend a lot of time in the studio with a tripod you could look at getting a secondhand medium format (film) camera. As a lot of the pro users have moved over to digital they are available relatively cheaply now.
If on the other hand you’re going to be out and about photographing landscapes, people, buildings, sporting events etc then a DSLR will definitely be the way forward.

I would wait until you start your class before buying any camera so as you know what assignments you’ll be set and whether your college has a student assistance/discount program with any local suppliers.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Answer by Christopher
The most important feature to have when learning photography is the ability to go full “manuel”; you do the thinking not the camera. Great photography is made in your mind and in your eye. If you need to buy, Canon and Nikon are the top brands, with Olympus Minolta and Fuji in second.
Shoot a ton of photos then keep shooting, study your photos and compare them to photos you think are your gold standard, then go out and shoot some more. The path to great photography is by shooting and studying and comparing your results.

Answer by Sakura
Since you’ll be taking a class, you’ll either want to get an advanced point and shoot or DSLR… preferably the DSLR.

The Nikon D40 is a good choice for a beginner. You could also look into the Canon Rebel XS.

Answer by miwa
If you want good picture quality Digital SLR would be your good choice.The sensors on most DSLR’s are nearly 15 times larger than the sensors on point and shoot cameras . Therefore the pixels are 15 times larger. Larger pixels deliver better detail and less noise than smaller ones.

Good DLSR with affordable price that I would suggest is Canon Rebel XS
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CBKJGG?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001CBKJGG

Answer by hmmmm………….????
umm well mines a point and shoot type of deal but i friggin love it 😀 its a canon powershot a1000is, i got it in march, and usually now youll find the a1100is in stores instead of the a1000is, i think the only major difference is that mines like 10mp and the a1100is is like 12mp. heres some photos ive taken with my camera:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/26969509@N02/3733468994/in/photostream/

Answer by sam
I recommend you to check Nikon, Canon or Sony, even the prices are affordable. Compare the prices on cameras and save more at

Answer by Bobby
There are a lot of great cameras out there for a very affordable price. I like the Canon Rebel i think that it is very efficient and comes out with top quality pictures. I bought mine from and got a really good price on it. They have a big selection and you can read all about the other brands that they have on the site it is a very reliable place and i am happy that i purchased my camera from them.