What is the best camera for a beginner interested in photography?

ihgirl_2005: What is the best camera for a beginner interested in photography?
I am interested in Photography/Journalism.
I’m on my school’s yearbook staff and I love pictures and photography. I’ve done little photography here and there.

What camera would you reccomend for a beginner? What is a good place to buy the camera you recommend at? Thanks for your answers.

Answers and Views:

Answer by alitaceres
I got my first camera at a pawnshop…It was heavy, but had all the basic features for taking great 35 mm photos. When I got my first “new” camera I was pretty amazed at how light the cameras have gotten…I really recommend a Nikon (they have a new one that is supposed to be really great for beginners and easy to use) or a Canon. Both of those brands can be purchased at wal-mart, and a decent camera will run you $ 100-250. Remember that it isn’t the camera, but the person taking the photo, that makes the picture a great one.

Answer by ckramerlive
The Canon PowerShot S5IS is an excellent camera, beginner to amateur. Why stop with beginner? 🙂 It also comes with a built in digital telephoto lens.

It is also a handsome looking camera. Check it out on line at canon.com. If you can’t find a dealer in your area Dell sells that camera.

“Have lots of fun.”

Answer by D L
a decent dslr like the canon rebel series.
since the xsi just hit shelves you can get a good deal on the older xti model. the kit lens isnt all that good but will do until you can get a better one.

Answer by fhotoace
Look for a good used Nikon or Canon 35 mm SLR on craigslist in a city near you. They cost between $ 100 and $ 200 with a good lens.

Using craigslist, you get to hold the camera in you hand and check it out (and maybe bring a photographer friend who can check it out for obvious problems) before you hand over your money … and there is not shipping costs either

Answer by Mere_Mortal
If you are interested in the genre of photojournalism then I highly recommend a rangefinder. Perhaps a Leica M3 or an Argus C3.

The Leica rangefinders are famous in journalism circles. All manual, bulletproof, basic camera.

The M3 and C3 can be found on eBay for about $ 400 and $ 20 respectively.

Good luck and have fun….

Answer by Eric Hamilton
I am a professional photographer. The best camera for you really depends a lot on your budget. If it’s very low initially, look for a compact camera that offers full manual controls. The Canon G9 offers manual controls and the best user interface I’ve ever seen on a compact camera. It also takes stunning photos and even offers a flash hot-shoe. ~ $ 500

Next up are the entry level DSLRs. I’d skip the bottom rung like the Nikon D40’s – everybody I know who has purchased one upgraded to a D80 or better within a year.

If you’re interested in pursuing photography as a career, you’ll want to stick to either Nikon or Canon DSLRs, because they are the only two systems widely available for rent and service in just about any civilized corner of the globe. You’ll find it’s difficult or impossible to find local stores and service centers that carry Pentax or Olympus components.

Answer by Joseph
There is one thing common btw a photographer and a journalist. Both carry an SLR camera. SLR because, the shutter speed is so fast, that it can take pictures within fraction of seconds… even faster than a blink of an eye..

Try the best deals here. Buy the best here and I am sure, you will have a pleasant journey of Photography & Journalism.

or

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Answer by sarahmill3r
when i started shooting using a dslr, i had Nikon D40. I think it’s the best digital camera for beginners. It’s very easy to use and affordable too.

Answer by sarawthouttheh
I would not recommend a dSLR right away, it doesn’t sound like you need it. Also, it’s way too much money for something you don’t need.

Why don’t you try an advanced point and shoot? You can get RAW capability, a lower price, and see if you really like photography enough to move on to a dSLR. Plus, it will take really good pictures for your yearbook.

Answer by phlim
Don’t concentrate on the tool (camera) pick up the basic composition skills. DSLR, SLR, whatever, they would confuse you and take your mind off to the tool rather than the original objective – the picture. If you need to compare cameras and prices, check this site out (Discliamer: not mine) https://www.dpreview.com

Answer by lensmen2
The best camera is – the one you will use… I know this sounds like hype or hot air, but it is true. If you have little to no experience, any camera is better than none. Now, with that all said and done I would say go for a digital SLR. Why digital..? You will go there anyhow, most likely sooner than later and why spend good money twice. If you go with a older film body 35mm camera and a few lenses you will have the desire to buy more accessories, and rather soon too. Money down a hole in my book. Get a Nikon D-SLR and get that much over with. Why Nikon..? Nikon has the most amount of “stuff” – accessories, lenses, bellows, close up, telephoto, telescope, microscope, etc.. out there, than anyone. Period..! Nikon has NOT changed their F mount since the day it was conceived, back in the 50’s. It is used still today on ALL their SLR cameras and even by a few high quality knock offs (Fuji) which I shoot. True not every lens may fit for some lil reason but you have far more than anyone else, including Canon. I can take a 1975 Nikon lens and use it on my digital camera today, that is the power and versatility of using a proven winner. Nikon’s D-40 is a great beginner package but you can jump in anywhere $ $ $ will let you. Again, why buy twice in a short span of time. The learning curve is NOT that hard. Don’t forget to look at Fuji D-SLR’s too. They ARE Nikon cameras, just with Fuji chips and electronics inside (and better color in my book). My Fuji S-5 IS a Nikon D-200, in body only tho, but it WILL take ALL my Nikon lenses from years ago, just not be auto focus. Bottom line is, whichever camera you get it has to be used and not allowed to set there getting dusty. However, it is NOT the equipment, it is the mind that sees and takes the picture first. The camera is just a means to capture what the minds eye saw and convey it to others, in a photograph. Good luck. Also look at www.dpreview.com for camera reports… As far as a place to buy..? Local is always the best. Support your local economy and they can give you face to face help and instructions. Another good place is Amazon dot Com… IF you do your homework FIRST and know what it is your buying and why. eBay..? I will take my hard earned $ $ and go to Vegas first thank you…