Question for professional photographers, instructors, or camera experts? Recommendations for a digital camera?

Question

I previously had a Kodak z730 cam, 5mps and 4x optical zoom... I really liked this camera, but lost it and am looking to replace it. Before I buy this cam again, I wanted to know from some PROFESSIONALs their recommendations for a camera. What do you think about the Kodak z730? I am looking for something I can easily carry around with me, but will start to take me into a photography career. I don't necessarily wish to buy a professional camera at this time, as I just need something for events and when I choose to be creative. I do intend to eventually purchase a professional camera later on down the road... Thank you so much for your help.

Answer 1

If this is a question for professional photographers, why in the world would you then stipulate not to recommend a professional camera?
www.stevesdigicams.com has some good recommendations to begin searching for cameras. The Kodak cameras are not usually on any recommended lists for professional cameras. Without an idea of your spending limit its pretty hard to make any recommendations. You could start with a lower end DSLR which will help get your feet wet on handling such a camera.www.bhphotovideo.com has a Pentax K110D for only $559.95 with lens. A Nikon D50 is only $649.95 w/lens. A Canon Digital Rebel w/lens $684.95.
The Canon or Nikon would make more sense as you could start building a lens collection before going to a Professional body. If you are looking for point and shoots www.steves-digicams.com has recommendations.

Answer 2

If you are serious about stepping up into a pro level of equipment, you MUST consider an SLR. I would suggest that you get a Nikon D50. It's not pocketable, but it is somewhat smaller than other SLR's. It has a few "consumer friendly" automatic modes that make it very easy to use, but still offers total photographic control when you are ready to take charge. Get a "decent" lens, such as their Nikkor AF-S 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens and not the "kit" lens. This pair will cost you less than $1,000 and you will be very happy with it. If you want more lenses for the same money, you can get this camera with two "kit" lenses that are decent, but not as good for the long haul as the one I mentioned. When you are ready to add lenses, the sky is the limit with Nikon. Get a 1 GB memory card, such as the Sandisk "Ultra" for decent write speed. You can get these in the $30 range. An "Extreme" is faster, but I doubt anyone would notice the difference except a pro.

When you add lenses to your equipment, buy the Nikon (Nikkor) brand. When you are ready to buy a serious camera body, all of your lenses will work with the new body.

Someone else wil undoubtedly recommend a similar Canon camera and I will not dispute that choice. I know Nikons and someone else knows Canons. Both are excellent cameras and you will never outgrow their system offerings.