New Camera Help.

[andreaTERRORface]

so, i got accepted to a magnet school for my photography. i have a manual minolta that i use for some stuff and a digital thats been dropped one too many times at concerts so needless to say im in search of a good,decently priced digital camerai mean if im going to school for photography, im going to need a good camera, my mom however sees nothing wrong with my screwed up casioany suggestions?

 

[Tiberius]

I'd suggest a Canon 350D or 400D (called the Digital Rebel XT and Digital Rebel XTi).

They are both digital SLR cameras that are compatable with the full range of the EF and EF-S lenses by Canon, as well as with all their EX series flash units. They've got full manual, aperture, shutter priorities and also Program AE modes, as well as lots of other nifty features.

The Digital Rebel series is one of the smallest and cheapest of the digital SLR cameras out there, and they are very popular as well. I've got one myself.

 

[GryffinSong]

I ditto the canon recommendation. Also compare to the Nikon Dwhatever line. When I bought mine (2 years ago) I chose the Nikon D70 after comparing Nikon and Canon. Both make excellent cameras, and I think you can't go wrong with either one. It comes down to which fits your hand better, and which controls you prefer. Nikon, in general, is a little heavier than canon. That is a plus and a minus. Minus because it's more to lug around. Plus because it may tolerate abuse a little better. But of course different models will also differ.

My suggestion is to visit a good camera store, ask to see the canon and nikon slrs at the low end of the professional range (or high end of the hobby range) like the rebel series, and you'll probably decide quite quickly which you prefer.

In most cases I also recommend you buy brand name lenses. In other words, if you get a canon body, buy canon lenses. Nikon body, nikon (nikkor) lenses.

Good luck!!!

 

[GryffinSong]

Nikon also makes excellent digital SLRs. I recommend you visit a good camera store and look at canon and nikon. Both are excellent, and I think it'll come down to which feels best to you in terms of features and ease of use. I use a Nikon D70. A good friend uses Canon. Both of us love our cameras, and both give us the tools we need to make the photos we imagine.

Edited to add: oops, sorry for two posts. I thought I hit the wrong button and lost the above post. *blushes in embarrassment*

 

[andreaTERRORface]

thanks guys. and yeah i was leaning toward the canon side.and dont worry about the double post ting. i do it all the time.

 

[flying_kiwifruit]

I just brought a Olympus Evolt-500 and I am finding it quite good. Olympus is also another good brand but not as good as Nikon or Cannon

 

[Boss_BlueAngels]

Canon shooter as well. No major reason other than it's what most of the aviation photographers I regularly communicate with use.

 

[cristianna]

I also have the Canon Rebel and would highly recommend it to anyone. The creative zone controls are fantastic and very easy to navigate through when shooting.

Custom white balance is easy to define and set up. There's also white balance bracketing, when set up to shoot black and white there are automatic filters you can enable, exposuree compensation is a breeze to adjust, there's also auto an exposure bracketing feature, etc.

If your budget doesn't always allow for Canon brand lenses, Sigma and Tamron make excellent aftermarket lenses that are reasonable.

 

[the_Abbot]

All these recommendations are good.

Personally I have the Canon Rebel Xti (400D) and I love it.

Maybe even check out the Nikon D40 I think it's called. I heard good things about that camera for the price.