Camera debate..Which type is the best type without going SLR? Exp. photogs only, please!?

Question

OR, what's an SLR that isn't rediculously expensive that a amateur photographer could figure out? I need a good camera for taking photos of the things I write about. I write for a newspaper, and do my own photography.

This camera is going to be a gift, so I don't want to exceed like....600 bucks. I don't mind used either. So...yeah.

OH! And I want one with kick-A lense and that I can add lenses to (i.e. Wide-angle lenses, etc.)

Here are the ones I've been looking at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ20-5-0-Megapixel_W0QQitemZ190084503831QQihZ009QQcategoryZ114273QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and...

http://www.epinions.com/Canon_Digital_SLR_Camera___Camera_7508A013

and finally...

http://www.epinions.com/Olympus_Evolt_E_500_Digital_Camera_with_14_45mm_Lens

Feel free to suggest more, shoot down some I've mentioned, if you actually KNOW what you're talking about. Thanks!

It's a gift for ME, haha...my mum's getting it for me for graduating college...huzzah!

Answer 1

You need know what kind of photographer your friend will be before you get their camera. What you want to do with your camera might be different from what your friend wants.

If your friend is more likely to take photos in club/bar/indoor settings, then for point and shoot cameras, you will want something like the Fuji F30 camera. However, your friend will need to learn a bit about manual controls to extract the most from this camera-otherwise there might be some disappointment.

If your friend can't be bothered with manual controls and will always stick to "Auto" when taking pictures, I will suggest a Canon as they have the best "Auto" mode settings. I personally have a Canon A610.

First try to figure out what your friend wants, and then pay a visit to http://www.dcresource.com or http://www.dpreview.com

Answer 2

Best bang for the buck right now:

a) Nikon D40(DSLR) - comes with an 8-55mm lens($599)
b) Nikon D50(DSLR)(around $450) - doesn't come with a lens, but you can get a Tamron 28-200mm AF-D lens for $150
c) Canon S3 IS - point and shoot camera no removable lenses, but have adapter lenses for extra wide and added telephoto.
d) Fuji S6000
e) Panasonic lumix

I have the Nikon D50 w/ Tamron 28-200mm and it is an excellent buy. I've taken some great shots with this setup.

Answer 3

http://urlx.org/43d43 Any of these would be a great option. I got mine for free from here.