On a budget.. For my 15th birthday I want a REALLY nice camera, one that photographers would use....?

Question

Where can I get a good one, for a good price, and what are some nice brands and styles and certain cameras I should look into. My career goal is also photography. So please let me know.

Answer 1

If you’re interested in starting out with a relatively good digital camera, I would suggest the Nikon D70S with the kit lens; it is very versatile, well-built and with many features that will make photo-taking easier for you. You can still get a relatively good one at www.keh.com (be ready to buy as soon as you see what you want because the merchandise does not stay very long on the shelves; or, go back a few days later if you do not see what you want).

If you prefer a brand new camera, there’s the Nikon D50, which is a DSLR, and is an entry level camera. If you want something better, with pro-features but at a more affordable price tag, see the Nikon D80. You can find these at at www.bhphotovideo.com in NYC (B & H Photo Video).

IF, however, you wish to start with a film camera, consider the Nikon N80, the best and most versatile film camera (can be used totally Manual Mode, or semi-automatic in Aperture Priority Mode or, instead, in Shutter Priority Mode, or totally automatic Program Mode), has 3 light metering types (average metering, 3D matrix metering and spot metering), built-in strobe and a hotshoe for a strobe light, too, and is built ergonomically (and is considered the best camera for taking classes, too).

You will want to keep this camera long afterward; it is a sturdy-built camera with similar features to the professional level, Nikon F100. There's no better camera at this price range! Shutter speed: 30 seconds to 1/4000th second plus bulb. Weighs 18.2 ounces and self timer, tripod thread, standard cable release thread, too. It has a hotshoe and syncs at 1/60th second with a dedicated strobe flash (remember, it HAS a built-in strobe, great for fill-in light). It will set your film's ISO for you automatically, it will advance the film after each shot is taken, and it will rewind the film as you take the last the shot. It also has a great, clear viewfinder with all the information (f/stop, shutter speed, ISO, mode, etc). You can use it in auto-focus or manual focus.

Check these sites:
Film camera:
http://www.photosig.com/articles/1227/article

Digital cameras:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80/vs-d70.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d70s.htm
http://bythom.com/d80review.htm


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 (28-35mm), regular (45-55mm), portrait (85-90mm), short telephoto (105mm) 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, which is the older version of the one described above.

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 (great lens for low light situations and a great lens for portraits, too).

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! Get the instructions manual AND Hogan's Book on the N80 (fantastic tips and tricks of the trade).

If you're just starting out, get the N80 camera; you won't regret it. You'll have a quality camera that you will grow with and not outgrow anytime soon and you'll find great (better) lenses on the used market in far better shape than those older manual lenses for Pentax. The lenses will fit the lens mount to any and all Nikon SLR cameras since 1959 and those yet to be made.

Answer 2

I would look for a film camera that falls in the category of 645, 6x6, or 67. The 645 gives a negative of 6x4.5 cm, the 6x6 is a square format at 6cm squared, and t he 67 is a 6cm x 7cm,

The draw back is that they are relatively large in comparison to 35mm cameras, but except for the 67 format, all are available in a standard slr type of camera like the 35mm slr. There are excellent medium format cameras with range finders, Fuji and Mamiya have them, but the prices are higher on them because of the quality of the camera.

I know where there is a used 645 with a standard lens (and these cameras, the standard lenses are not 50mm like on 35mm cameras) that cost $200. Lenses can get expensive, as they can with any camera.

What you might like to do is to get in touch with www.keh.com and call and ask for Arthur. He can easily point you into the right direction on both camera bodies and lenses.

If you are looking for 35mm slrs, there are too many to mention and more glass is available for them, but some lenses can get expensive.

For digital slr, the highest end Canon has a sensor that is a full 35mm, Nikon does not.

Regardless, film will give you much higher resolution.

Take into consideration, however, that a good photographer can take a good photograph with just about any camera. Good, clean optics are necessary, but 99% of photography is between your ears and how your mind figures out what will make a good photograph. So my best advice is to study picture composing as hard as, or harder than, lessons on usign the camera.

Answer 3

You don't say your level of experience or your budget so it is hard to make suggestions. Have you taken any photography classes? Do you want digital or a 35mm SLR? You can usually depend on any name-brand camera to produce good photos. However, choosing one is often a matter of personal preference. Use the internet or go to the library to find out about the different types of camera. Narrow down what you like and can afford. Next go to a camera store and ask to "get the feel" of the different types/brands you've chosen. Then shop for a deal on the internet or try E-Bay. Just don't aim for the sky if you haven't had much experience. Wait until you KNOW what you want before spending all your own, or somenone else's, hard earned money.

Answer 4

as far as where to get a camera i would say : look at B&h photo , you can search them out they have a website online, I think they are one of the best online. As far as cameras go , I shoot a nikon and love it , so I am basis toward nikon ,the new nikon d40 is out right now and so is the d80 which i think is great, right now there are some really good prices on the d50 , I guess allot depends on how it will be used but any of the above will do fine for most things