List of the Best Cameras - Whatcha Think?

Question

From reading reviews over the past couple of months, these are what seem to be the best cameras to buy right now. What would your list look like?


Best 35mm Point-N-Shoot: Contax T3 (expensive)
Best for the Price: Olympus Stylus Epic

Best Entry-level 35mm SLR: Don't know

Best Compact Digital Point-N-Shoot: Canon A620, Fujifilm F30

Best Entry-level DSLR: Nikon D80 (expensive)
Best for the Price: Canon EOS Rebel XT350

Answer 1

Best for the Price and BEST entry-level 35mm SLR: Nikon N80 (which can be set on auto-focus, and on "P" or full-auto mode and will work like a point-and-shoot camera, can be used totally on manual mode with auto-focus or manual focus, semi automatic on aperture priority or shutter speed priority, advances film as you take a photo and will rewind after your last image, sets the ISO automatically for you, also has 3 great light metering modes and great on-demand features, such as on demand grid-lines to help you keep the horizon level in landscape or seascape photography; built ergonomically and is solid, and is a poor man's pro-camera; most popular consumer camera ever made by Nikon).

Best entry-level DSLR: D50 (see: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d50.htm)

Best lens for the money and most versatile lens: Nikkor AF 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6D (or the older version, just as good but cheaper: Nikkor AF 35-105mm f/3.5-5.6D-macro)

BEST for price DSLR: Nikon D80 (not expensive but rugged and far more options and far better built and worth every cent).

Best lens for the Nikon D80: the kit lens that comes with it or you can use the Nikkor AF 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6D OR the Nikkor AF 35-105mm f/f3.5-5.6D-macro.

Don't compare an orange with a possible lemon! Yes, the Rebel ST350 is cheaper but just hold it one hand and also hold the Nikon D80 in your other hand BEFORE you decide! If the ergonomics ain't enough to convince you, then the ruggedness and the no-nonsense feel will convince you!

For the N80 and the lenses, check with www.keh.com and see for yourself! Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 2

I agree it's hard to figure 35mm SLR. Which models are still manufactured- maybe the Pentax K1000?

The Nikon D50 is the best entry level DSLR, not the D80.

The D80 is definitely "Best for the price"- it's the same image quality and many features of the D200, for half the price! Not even the Rebel XT350 can match that :)

Answer 3

Wow.

The Nikon D80 costs twice(!!) the price of the Nikon D50, it's definitely not entry-level. For most people a $500 camera is one thing, while a $1000 camera is a whole different animal.

The Canon A620 for best compact digital.

The Nikon D50 for best entry-level DSLR

The Nikon D80 wins "best for the money" DSLR (midrange price)

The best Nikon lens these days is the 18-200mm DX VR, but demand is so high, everyone is out of stock.