What is the best and affordable camera can I use for a serious photographer?

Question

I beginning to get into photography and I really want to get a nice and a affordable camera.

Answer 1

(The cheapest cameras that are serious are film. But if you want to save yourself from buying film and be able to edit your own photos, go digital. It isn't cheaper to print them than film though.)

******If you're just beginning, but want to be serious someday, go with the *****Fuji film S5200******* My friend bought one and loves it.

Of course, he got a little jealous of my new camera cause mine looks cooler, but his does most of the same stuff with a little less bang and whistle for a LOT little less pirce. I own a Canon Digital Rebel (SLR) camera, which is way fancier and way more serious. But it costs about $1000 in all if you want a zoom lens and the memory cards needed too. So depending on how serious you are, try the Fujifilm.
******The only real reason to buy the Canon is if you'd upgrade to it eventually anyway. You won't regret buying it as long as you can afford to work full time two weeks or so. It is so awesomer than the Fuji, and takes great pictures. Do your research .


Check out my Flickr "crazytallblond" for a demo:
Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crazytallblond/
Profile:
http://www.flickr.com/people/crazytallblond/

Kodak Easyshare models are another option.

Answer 2

The first thing to consider is whether you want to go digital or with traditional film. Then, you will probably want to choose an SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera. SLR film cameras are less expensive than SLR digitals. The main thing to have in an SLR to become a serious photographer is MANUAL control. Any of the Canon Rebels (digital or film) would do fairly nicely if on a budget.

Why an SLR with manual controls?
First of all, the SLR Camera allows you to view through a viewfinder...this is the better way of composing your pictures (vs. looking through an LCD screen like most of these digital point and shoot cameras.) Also, if hand-holding your camera, taking the shot via a viewfinder will give you a steadier shot because the camera will be braced against your nose and skull. If the camera is held out (to look through the LCD screen), you will introduce a lot more camera shake, especially when the trigger is depressed and the image will not be as sharp as it could be.
Manual controls allow you to be creative and control the look of your final photo. Longer shutter speeds to give the appearance of motion, larger apertures for selective focus, smaller apertures for greater depth of field, etc. Of course, most of these SLRs will have creative programs, taking the decision-making out of your hands, but it is best to know how to work the camera manually if you want to become a serious photographer. Understanding all this will be your launchpad to other areas of photography in the future (e.g., medium and large format photography).
Another feature of the SLR is the interchangeable lens. You will have the ability to expand your system by buying a wide angle, portrait, telephoto, zoom or macro lens.

A digital Canon Rebel SLR kit can start around $500, while a Canon Rebel film SLR can start around $200. You can probably pick up a good bargain for a used or refurbished one on eBay.
I would avoid one that has seen a lot of use since shutters have a tendency to become less accurate with too much use. But if you are buying a used one that has been owned by another amateur, chances are there is still a lot of life left in the shutter. Also, don't think of the camera body as your investment...as you get better, you will probably be upgrading the body to a more sophisticated one. Lenses will eventually be considered your main investment.

Ultimately, it's not the camera that takes good photos...it's the photographer. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

IF you're interested in "The Best and Affordable" digital camera to use seriously, let me suggest the Nikon D80 with the Nikkor AF DX 18-135mm lens (very, very versatile and great glass for great image detail quality). That's as close as you'll get to professional level camera at an affordable price (the next camera, the Nikon D200, used by many struggling photographers and some successful ones, too) is a bit pricy...!

If you want something cheaper, but entry level to digital cameras, get the Nikon D40, with the same lens as I suggested above--- you can always keep the lens and move up to another more expensive digital camera, like the D80 or the D200, and use the same great lens.

IF you want "The Best and Affordable" FILM camera, hands down, I'd suggest the one and only Nikon N80; I still use two of these cameras for everyday walking around purposes and one is equipped at all times with the Nikkor AF 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6D lens. This camera can be used totally manual with auto-focus or manual focus, and it has three different types of light metering and many other features; it can also be used fully automatic as well as in aperture priority OR shutter speed priority. It has a built-in strobe (plus a hotshoe for an outside strobe). It is considered the best camera for learning, it is a camera you can grow with but you will NOT easily outgrow this camera; it is considered the "The Poor Man's Pro Camera." My reasons for recommending this camera and lens are many... here's where you can read my reply to someone else:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgSo0d8GB2WuOMSkArlh.l7sy6IX?qid=20070106233603AAAMkun&show=7#profile-info-af867d9da49bb16994240942d038b828aa

The best prices on the Nikon N80 and Nikkor 28-105mm lens is www.keh.com and I would suggest that you be ready to buy once you see what you like because the cameras and lenses do not stay on their shelves very long; if you do not see what you want, go back in a day or two and be ready to buy at once. Do not even consider "Bargain" rated items... stay away from pawn shops (you may get stuck with a lemon that needs repairs) ca-ca... feh...!

Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 4

Any camera will suffice to teach you the basics of composition and subject choice. It's not the camera! It's your interpretation of a scene that makes it a good or bad photograph. Digital makes the learning curve shorter and cheaper due to the cost. Go as cheap as you can until you find that the camera is holding you back and not your own vision. People actually buy Holga cameras and take great pictures. If people can get a good picture from a Holga, it is definitely not cameras holding back artistic expression.
If you really want to buck the trend, get a 35mm manual focus camera. Camera systems that were hundreds to thousands of dollars are going for a song now. Prime lenses on a 35mm camera will outdo any prosumer zoom digicam. Night photography is near impossible with cheap digital gear but easily attainable with film. Shoot it while it is still being made.
If you shoot film it changes your perspective. You realize that every picture costs money. It makes you think. You examine your subject from different angles, you actually use a tripod, you actually take good pictures...

Answer 5

If you want photographs that are good enough quality to use professionally, dont go for Sony, Fuji or any of the cheap brands. In fact, ONLY use Canon or Nikon. The Nikon D70 is pretty good. Or the Canon 400D. Look them up and see if they are within your reach. If you are thinking of going no further than a hobby, then you could go for something less but if you want to make money and provide the best results, a Nikon or Canon slr is the way to go.

Answer 6

I was given a Fuji Film S5200 for my birthday a few months back. It runs anywhere from 200 to 300 dollars. As a beginning photographer it fits my needs just fine. I could have asked for adjustable focus on the lens, but other than that no qualms.

Answer 7

If your looking for digital SLR, i recommend the canon rebel. They are relativly easy to use, and take great pictures!! The prices are a bit higher, but vary with amount of megapixels it has. An 8 MP digital is running on amazon.com for a little under $600. Its not what i would consider affordable (normally) But if your serious, you may want to save up for it!

Answer 8

Canon T2i. It has an 18 mega pixel sensor and takes great photos. It also has 1080 HD video, with a choice of frame rates. The video quality is superb, it looks great on my high definition TV. Please read more details about this DSLR camera in below source before making the decision.

Answer 9

shop used camera stores/pawn shops. they'll have really cheap, good old camera's that are great for beginners. Once you get into photography you'll want to buy a different camera anyways, because you'll know what you like better and what features are important to you. so start out really cheap and simple, then later put a bit more money and research into something you'll want to keep for a long time.

Answer 10

Nikon D40

Nikon FM

Mamiya RZ67 Pro II

Toyo 4x5

Yashicamat 124G

These are all under $500.

What ever you get make sure you can use it manually. Shutter and aperture. You'll need that to really understand photography.