What is the best digital camera for a photography amateur?

Hootie: What is the best digital camera for a photography amateur?
I am looking for a digital camera to use as a photography beginner. I’m looking for something just above your regular run-of-the-mill snapshot-type camera, but nothing in the thousands of dollars.

Any advice you can give to this photography newbie is appreciated.

Answers and Views:

Answer by half-pint-nessa
I like the kodak easy share. The more megapixels, the better quality oicture. mine is 3.4, but you can go higher

Answer by Andy
Olympus seem to make decent digi cameras in all price brackets. Buying second hand or refurbished is one way to get more for your money as long as the thing works and isn’t too old.

However my own photography started developing as I started to notice what’s actually out there before me.

You can study exposure and focus etc. but look at the master photographers, not the digital remastered stuff. People use computers to compose scenes and they have no idea what light is all about etc. Consider light glowing like jewels or covering the earths mat hills or shiny wet surface, or the way it bounces about and softens shadows!

A brilliant photographer can take a masterpiece with a 60$ camera! or less?

Answer by J D
Well, I’m assuming you would buy a camera under $ 1000. If so, I would recommend a digital SLR. If you’re taking up photography as a serious hobby, you will eventually buy a DSLR later on. The digital point & shoot (P&S) cameras are good for casual photo taking (parties, occasions, etc.) and known for their simplicity and small size. But once you learn more about basic photography and the features on a DSLR, you’ll be able to take far better photos that are not obtainable on a P&S camera.

With that said, if you want an affordable DSLR, there’s 2 to choose from that I recommend:

Nikon D50 and Canon EOS 350D

The Nikon is more affordable at under $ 700, and the Canon is under $ 800. All depending on what you want. Just get the basic lens and a high capacity memory card, I suggest 1GB. You can still take really good pictures even if you’re a beginner and don’t utilize the camera to it’s full capacity, because there are a few auto options. But when you’re ready, you’ll have the right camera to take awesome photos.

Answer by isochronous7
ebay.com look for the svp 7 in one digital camcorder, camera mp3 player, voice recorder. 12mp with more that you can handle. it’s less than 170 with a 1gb card and shipping. i’m serious and i’m considering getting one. just make sure you purchase a tripod. it will help you in low light conditions and eliminate shaky hand picture syndrome.