Question for photo buffs

How much do I need to spend to get a decent SLR camera? (not digital) I am taking a class that starts next month and I am sure the professor will give us pointers I'd like to start looking around now.

Thanks!

Re: Question for photo buffs

Canon makes a few different SLRs that are pretty good and easy to use.They start around $200. I use a Nikon that I really like and their base models start out around 200 as well.


ETA: camera shops often sell used cameras as well.

Message edited 6/14/2006 8:47:13 AM.

Re: Question for photo buffs

It depends on what you're looking for and what you need. For my beginner photo classes, they wanted me to get an SLR that had manual focus and of courseand manual shutter/aperture settings and can be set to both aperture and shutter priority. It's hard to find a camera that does both the manual and auto stuff. (It['s better to have both, because it'll be more useful. For a long time I had 2 cameras..one fully manuak, one fully automatic and it was annoying

I used Minolta for a million years. Now I switched to Nikon. I have the Nikon N80. It's pricey, but I wanted a serious camera because I was a sserious student. It's really a step-up camera, for the very serious student or the beginning pro. I like it though. To be honest, a lot of buying a camera is how it feels in your hands and how intuitive ti is for you to use.

Depending on what you need for your course I may have a gently used Minolta to sell you. I have one that's more manual, one that's more automatic. They're really very gently used. The manual, I believe needs a new lens. I had broken the lens and even though it woudnt have been expensive to replace, and I actually have other lenses to use with it, I was reader for a more serious camera.

B&H is crowded as heck, so I hardly ever go in person, but I order everything from them. I used Neptune Photo for awhile because I loved theri service despite the high prices, but then once I made my $1000 purchase, the service went downhill. They are though, one of the only palces around that develops slife fi;m onsite.


I was looking on B&H:

The fully manual and manual focus Nikon FM10 runs for $220 with normal range zoom lens lens and case. The only problem is that if you also want to use it for personal use at events and so forth, you can't get autofocus lenses for it. But it's a solid camera.






The Nikon N80, which is what I have. It's going for $450 with a normal range zoom lens. It's an autofocus lens, but you can also do manual focus, and you cna shoot automatic, like a point and shoot and you can do aperture or shutter priority.



This seems like a good value, the Canon EOS Rebel T2. It can also go manual and auto. I looked at the Canon Rebel and Elan when I bought my Nikon, and they're both nice, I just liked the weightier feel of the Nikon and the features. The Canon Rebel is $260 w/ lens







HTH. Let me know if you have any more questions. Also, if you're really into photography. I'm selling a B&W wnlarger. I bought it thinking we could build a darkroom, but then our lives changed.

I have tips and preferences on paper, film, etc.


ETA: The Canon Rebel K2 is only $190. It has fewer features than the T2, but it's a good value and it probably has the features you need.

Message edited 6/14/2006 8:56:40 AM.

Re: Question for photo buffs

The Canon Rebel series is great. I think when I bought mine it was around $300, with lens. I like that it is light weight.

In college on the yearbook staff we had both & we were pretty much divided in half over who preffered which the Canon or the Nikon. The Nikon does have a sturdier feel but both lines should have a model with the feautries you need.

Re: Question for photo buffs

where is the clss, BTW?

It seems like the people sho started on an older camera, like the very heavy Minolta I have from the 60's, prefer the weightier feel of the Nikon, and people who are used to point and shoot cameras prefer the lighter Canon. I feel like the Canon is going to break in my hands or I'm afraid to drop it.

When you buy a camera, they sell these neoprene straps that make it sooo light around the neck. Also, always keep a UV or polarizing filter to protect the lens.

Re: Question for photo buffs

Thanks for the info ladies, I appreciate it.

I'm taking the class at a college in Westchester- my DH works there so I can take the class for free, which is great.