What kind of camera would you recommend to a newbie?

[The Mrs]

I recently started working at a photography studio for kids, and really love it. I had always been interested in photography, and love playing around with pictures on photoshop but I've never bought a good camera.

So, I want to buy a good camera to start taking pictures of my own. However, I honestly don't know much about them or what type would be the best for me to start off with.

I looked at the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS and few reviews said it's good for photographers who are just starting out. Is it?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance

 

[Dreamer,]

I suggest the Nikon D60.
My cousin has it and she's a new photographer along with me, and I'm getting the same one in November. It's really easy to use, and the quality of photographs it takes is just stunning.
I also suggest getting a tripod.

 

[Crystal]

The Canon PowerShot SX100 is a good camera. Actually all the canon cameras would be good for newbies. I really kind of liked the small hand held olympus. The camera has the manual on the cameras menu, so it can walk you through step by step if you would need. It also has functions like behind glass ETC. It works great for those that are digitally and computer or tech Savoy.

 

[fade2blak80]

I would never recommend a point and shoot for someone interested in photography. Eventually you will want a DSLR so I would go ahead an invest the money there. A DSLR offers SO much more creative freedom that you will come to love. You can get started with around $500 if you play your cards right. That's a good bit of money to be sure, but if you really want to get serious with photography its a good investment, in my opinion.

Keep in mind that there isn't a thing wrong with Nikon. They produce fantastic cameras, but as a Canon shooter I only speak Canonese so I can't suggest any Nikon systems or their costs.

I started out with a used (keep that word in mind as well) Canon Rebel XTI. It's a great camera to start with. It gives you plenty of resolution for larger prints (think 20x30 posters). You can pick them up used for around $400 with the kit lens around here, but that could vary with your location. For a good but cheap first lens, I always suggest the 50mm 1.8. They can be had for around $75. They are cheaply built, but the image quality is great for the money. You won't be selling stock images with this setup, but it's great for portraits. I kept mine for around two years and never had a single problem with it and took (guessing) around 8,000 photos at least. I think they "suggested shutter life" is around 75k clicks so even one a couple of years old should get you by for a very long time.

There isn't anything wrong with the camera you looked at, but I really think if you have a drive and passion for photography you would be a lot better off to start with a DSLR. I dropped $300 for a point and shoot only to turn around and by the Rebel less than a year later if that tells you anything...haha.

Best of luck with whatever you decide. One last suggestion...even if you do buy used, go to a camera store and feel both Canon and Nikon cameras in your hand...get them to let you attach some lenses to get a feel for how it would be actually shooting. The Canon/Nikon debate rages on, but as I said they are both good manufacturers so don't let one camp or the other lure with "my brand is better".

Whew...gonna give my fingers a rest now...

Cheers,

A

 

[blondforeva]

I would say either the Canon 10D or the Canon 20D

To research it more go 2 either:
www.ask.com
www.google.com
www.dogpile.com

 

[Elliot Dimauroâ„¢]

I second the Nikon D60