If I wanted to become a photographer, what would be the best starting camera?

Answer 1

If film, then the best and most versatile camera (can be used totally manual mode, or semi-automatic in aperture priority mode or, instead, in shutter priority mode, or totally automatic mode), has 3 light metering modes, built-in strobe, and is built ergonimically (and is considered the best camera for taking classes, too): Nikon N80. You will want to keep this camera long afterward; it is a sturdy camera with similar features to the professional level, Nikon F100. There's no better camera at this price range!

The best lens for the Nikon N80 is the Nikkor AF 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6D which can be used for wide angle, regular, portrait, short telephoto and for macro photography. If you need something a little more economical, then go for the Nikkor AF 35-105mm f/3.5-5.6D-macro, and for wide angle photography, just take two or three steps back. A very good low light lens for emergency purposes would be the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D and you can find it for about $75-$80 used.

Best place to find a good used N80 and the recommended lenses above: www.keh.com and be ready to buy the minute you see what you want; their products do not stay on their shelves very long. If you don't see what you want, go back in two or three days. They have the best prices and the most conservative ratings anywhere!

If you're interested in a great used digital camera, go for the Nikon D80S (check with www.keh.com ); it's still a great camera to learn with. If you're interested in a new camera, and one that you can grow with instead of one that you will outgrow, get the D80 and the 18-135mm DX lens (check with www.bhphotovideo.com ). If you want some a more economical camera, get the Nikon D50, still a great camera to learn with (check with www.byphotovideo.com ).

Check out these articles:
http://www.photosig.com/articles/1227/article
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d70s.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80/vs-d70.htm

Good luck and best wishes!

Answer 2

Get a digital SLR with a fast capture time and image stabilization. That will get you a good clean picture with limited blur from motion or hand shaking, and will allow you to take several pictures in rapid succession without having to wait. Also, digital will save you money on film.
The Canon Digital Rebel is great, you can get an older one for about 650, i would imagine. Don't feel compelled to get the new ones with 10+ megapixels, as unless you are doing extensive photo editing or printing big posters, you can't tell a difference from an 8.0 mp.
Look up Digital SLR and research on what you need.

Answer 3

I'm going to go againist with everyone said and say to get a film SLR. I say this because I've found that people who start out with a basic film camera understand photography better.

A good starter camera is a Pentax k1000, but it is fully manual.
Another good one is Canon Rebel (any). And if you decide to switch to digital later, the lenses would be enterchange able for the Canon Rebel's.

Answer 4

Start with a Nikon D50 or Canon 350D. End of story. And also read lots of photography magazines and websites.

Answer 5

Start with any reflex camera and go from there. Most pros own a Hasleblad.