Can someone suggest a good camera (not digital) for around $1000 that takes professional quality photos?

Answer 1

You can get "professional quality" photos from less expensive cameras, but as long as you gave me some of your money to spend, here are a couple that I'd consider...

How about a Nikon N80 and a Nikon 24-120 Vibration Reduction lens? This pair would cost about $865 and then you could top out your budget by buying a flash.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=199516&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=277219&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=323882&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
How about a Canon EOS Elan 7N and a Canon 28-135 Image Stabilization lens? It would cost about $820 and then you could add a good flash to kill the budget. You could also look at an EOS 3, but then you would not have much money left for a nice lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=319779&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=149629&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=397664&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

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And OMG is right. I may have jumped to the wrong conclusion in recommending 35 mm equipment. Post a more specific question if you were thinking in some other direction. Thanks J.

Answer 2

There are still new Canon, Nikon and other SLR and a number of higher end medium and larger format film cameras on the market. The second link lists most of the avaialable cameras and provides ratings so you can pick a good one. The first link provides reviews of some newer, but also many older cameras in case you want to buy a used camera. Given the interest in digital ther eare many good deals out there on used SLRs.

In my view you can't go far wrong (and may get one for well under $1000) with a Nikon, Canon, Contax, Pentax or Olympus.

Answer 3

How about a Nikon F100? I have given up on film, and I hate to see such a great camera collecting dust. And even with a lens and flash, It's worth way less than $1000, which is a shame, because I paid nearly $2000 for everything.

Answer 4

I like Sam's answer a lot, but when you ask for for professional quality you should specify your requirements.
* Do you want medium format for the best enlargements or 35mm for portability?
* What focal length should the lens be? Professional macro, wide-angle, portrait, etc, and are you willing to sacrifice image quality and maximum aperture for the convenience of a zoom?
* Does that budget also have to include lighting equipment, filters, a tripod, etc...
These are all factors that determine the best way to spend your $1000.

Answer 5

It's pretty hard to find cameras that aren't digital anymore. Digital camera's are great! The picture quality has been getting better over the years.

Answer 6

Any Nikkons... they're brilliant!