What's the best digital camerea for an amatuer photographer?

Question

I don't know anything about photography and I want to take a class, what's the best camerea for me to start out with?

Answer 1

Select a class first, and then check with the teacher.
If you're interested in dark room work, obviously any digital camera would be out of the question.
Otherwise, I can recommend an entry level dSLR, such as the Nikon D50 or the Canon 350D. With a basic lens and a memory card, you're looking at an $800 investment.

Answer 2

OMG's answer is perfect. Find the class and then speak to the instructor. Maybe the course description will gvie you some guidance. There are courses for simple point and shoot photography that are just enough to get you started. There are also courses for people who are seriously interested in photography as a hobby or even as a career. The cameras for these courses would obviously be different.

Check these sites for ideas:

http://www.dcresource.com/buyersguide/
http://www.popphoto.com/buyingguide/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

Answer 3

I bought the a CASIO EXLIM DIGITAL and it does just about everything for you except push the trigger.
I take high quality pictures, has a best shot feature which lets take pics under a variety of situations. Small enough to carry in pocket or purse. Has zoom, can be used to print on computor or printers. It makes an amateur look like a professional.
This is my second one and I will continue to stick to Casio as I like the quality and results I get.

Answer 4

If you can afford it a Nikon D70- That way you have more to work with and can do more. Remember to experiment with it all the time-no film to wory aboy and get good software for pics too.
D70's are what I started out with and I knew nothing about digitals but research all camers type and picked that one-it does so much more and is an easy camera to work with and add to.

Answer 5

I can't tell you which is the best but my opinion is that you should buy a brand that's in the camera business. Kodak has gone 100% digital. My friend has one that's great! I have a Canon that I love. Forget Sony or Panasonic. Olympus makes terrible analog cameras so forget them. Hope that helps! Good luck!

Answer 6

Not sure but for me I went out and bought a Kodak Digital Camera with a loading dock(which can be used to charge your camera when the battery is low) it has a 6.1 megapixel and it is sooooooo easy to use!
Dont forget to buy a memory card. People at the Photo Dept. can help you too. Good Luck!

Answer 7

I think the Fuji 9000 is pretty good. As a point and shoot camera its about average but it does have a ton of features and the price has dropped significantly on it. I think you can find one for around $400 which isnt too bad for a 9 megapixel camera.

Additionally, you can check www.dpreview.com for reviews on nearly every camera made.

Answer 8

I would recommend models from Sony, Canon, Nikon, Kodak, etc. Beware of imitation products. Take a friend / relative who has professional quality experience (both theoretical and/or practical) in digital photography, and take his/her advice on your "amateur" quality requirements and, especially, reckon the cost-effectiveness.

Answer 9

You might want to consider the Canon Elph. As a beginner, I am using it with success. Perhaps the best thing is to do continue to do research, asking as many knowledgeable people as you can.

Answer 10

I have an Olympus C5050Zoom and I love it. Lots of features and fabulous pictures. I have an underwater setup and take it scuba diving with me.