What's a good entry-level somewhat professional digital camera?

Question

Looking for something nice, that can take pictures quickly. I have had good experience with Olympus and Canon.
Try not to break the bank. ;)

Answer 1

i went for a canon digital 4 mega pixels because of the quality canon represents. if you are just taking regular pictures and don't need to blow any of them up too large, a 4 mega pixel camera is enough. it's the number of mps that blows your bank account. this one did me, but i picked it up anyway cause i knew i'd have fun with it.

Answer 2

By somewhat professional, does that mean an entry level D-SLR? If so, I would look at the Canon Digital Rebel or the Nikon D50. In the end, DSLRs are really all about the lenses. Personally, I prefer Nikon but I think Canon is also great. Check out the reviews and forums at www.dpreview.com for more opinions.

If you are not thinking about a DSLR, I would get a a 5 to 7 megapixel Canon or Panasonic P&S.

Answer 3

I know exactly what you are talking about. I bought a Kodak Cx 7330 and was disappointed. So now I have to upgrade also. Canon's have a lot of functions and scenes to mess arround with just like the pro cameras. If you want try out the Canon Powershot A540 and the Canon Powershot A620. If you can go for a little more and want to try out being pro try the Canon Rebel but remember its a DSLR so you will end up buying more lenses.

Answer 4

SLR is Single Lens Reflex as the others have already mentioned. The image that you see from the viewfinder is captured from the main lens and reflected onto the viewfinder with an intricate arrangement of mirrors (or prisms). When you click the shutter, the mirror moves out of the way and the image is imposed on the CCD sensor. What that effectively means is that you see EXACTLY THE SAME IMAGE from the viewfinder as is captured on the CCD. That helps, doesn't it?

Disadvantages with D-DLRs (or film SLRs) range from need to have expensive lenses, no inbuilt zoom, bulky size, extremely high price, no image stabilization (absolutely necessary at high zoom if you are shooting without a tripod), complex functionality etc.

Serious photographers prefer SLR cameras because they allow hordes of manual settings and addition of filters, zoom lenses, wide angle lenses, fish eye lenses and other unimaginable things. As vince here says, non-SLR cameras have come in with these features these days but those arent too many in number.

Please please please check out the Panasonic Lumix FZ-20 to get a really good camera with absolutely mindblowing features + 12x built-in optical zoom + image stabilization (very important when taking long range photos with zoom and in low light conditions) + east point-and-shoot modes for secondary users like your sister or mom or your little brother + ability to add lenses, filters, external flash....in short - the best possible combination of the features of an SLR and a compact non-SLR camera alongwith features unique to both (like image atabilization).

They have recently introduced FZ-30 which is even better and offers an extended zoom upto 19x (optical). Check out one of the sites I list below and search for both the cams.

Source(s):

www.stevesdigicams.com
www.dcresource.com
www.dpreview.com

Answer 5

Stay with tried and true: Nikon D50 or D70s. Can't go wrong. Has two lenses as a package in many camera stores - sets you back by about $1000. Good quality. Ease of use.
Buy 2 of 512Kb SD cards to be on the safe side. That's all.
You really don't have to buy anything else.

Answer 6

Somwhat profesional means DSLR

Pentax *ist DL < $500
Olympus Evolt E500 < $800
Nikon D50 <$700
Nikon D70s <$1000
Canon Digital Rebel XT <$900

assuming kit lens(es)

My preferance is towards Pentax and Olympus, you don't get stuck paying for Canon/Nikons Advertising.

Answer 7

No matter what you choose, make sure it has at least 4 mega pixels (for picture quality). I have the Kodak EasyShare C310 and for a entry level camera it's pretty good and has a reasonably price. With the printing dock it was just under $200.

Answer 8

You are in luck, Canon just came out w/ the 30D, and before you say the 30D is too expensive, I'm saying get the 20D, what the 30 replaced, right now its around $1100 w/ lens I believe and its quite a bit more feature filled than the XT (I have the XT, was a bit too impatient for the 20D)

Answer 9

.Consumer Reports reviewed digital cameras in last month issue.