What brand/type of camera should I purchase for professional digital photography?

Question

One that is less than $1000.

Answer 1

I saw a D50 "bonus outfit" at Ritz for under $1000.

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/HOLDNKD50.htm

You also can't go wrong with Nikon's D70 and Canon's Rebel line. All are excellent, relatively inexpensive choices.

Answer 2

Cameras to do professional digital photgraphy cost in the $6 to $10 thousand dollar range.

What you want is an entry level dSLR. That's assuming you have some skill at photography. Even then, it will be tough to get your gear within your budget of under $1000 because the kit lens that come with entry level dSLR cameras suck, requiring you to buy a good lens for your camera at roughly $800 for something that can exploit the capabilities of the camera.

If this is what you want, the camera to have is the Canon Digital Rebel XT:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/digital_rebel_xt-review/index.shtml

It's probably the best entry level dSLR out there currently.

However, I prefer the Sony DSC-R1 camera. It's a fixed lens camera that runs about $800 if you know where to shop. It takes professional looking pictures in a fairly idiot proof manner. A dSLR camera takes skill to do the same thing. No skill and you get crappy pics. Not so with the R1. It's a great all purpose, walking around camera. It also has a very nice lens (far better than any entry level kit lens)

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/sony/dsc_r1-review/index.shtml

Answer 3

You see, best camera and least expensive camera can not go together. But un your case i would recommend a Canon EOS Rebel XSI, or 550d, in some countries. It is a wonderful camera for pros and it can be just as good with recreational photographers. The amenities of the machine include live view, eos utility which lets you shoot , focus and change f/ ap. from your computer, continuous shooting, af/mf, lens stabiliser, a kit which includes the Canon 18-55mm is lens, a 9 point focus range, an amazing 12.2 megs, and to top it all, it costs LESS than what you are willing to pay: between $599 and $700. Plus, over 60, thats right 60+ compatible canon eos lenses, where with nikon, its only 2 or 3. Satisfied? Not yet, well how bout a 3 inch LCD, a Dust delete data so that the camera knows when to clean itself + a sensor cleaner which cleans ITSELF when you shut off the camera, and who can forget, the dependable Canon name?

Answer 4

I have a Sony and it is awesome. I bought it for $375 and got a warranty on it. The good thing about this camera is that you can add different lenses to it, and it has an awesome built in flash that blinds, but illuminates. My friend just got a Cannon and paid just at $1000 for it and the pictures look the same. A good digital camera is only as good as the program you are using to manipulate it. I have seen photos taken with a 3 megapixels that look better than a 5 megapixel because of the program they put it in. Buy the cheaper camera, and get the better software.

Answer 5

I agree with the suggestion to get the Canon Rebel XT or the Nikon D70s, either one with th kit lens and a 1GB memory card.
If you want to stretch your cash, You could get the Nikon D50 with 2 lenses - the 18-55mm kit lens and the 55-200mm zoom.
Stay away from the Sony R1. It's a great camera and it has a great lens, but the fact that you can't fit other lenses to it is a terrible weakness for serious photography.

Answer 6

Please go with a Canon camera. I reccomend the Rebel. Go with either a Canon or a Nikon if you value your money.

My canon was dropped from a moving vehicle. I had minor repairs done, but this camera is still going, more than 4 or 5 years later.

Plus canon offers many different compatible lenses.

Answer 7

Under $1000 for just the body or with the lens? For a basic lens and body, you could get the Canon Rebel XT or the Nikon D50 for about a grand.

Answer 8

Kodak Advantix

They are AWESOME!