What is the best camera to buy for an upcoming photographer?

Answer 1

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras and learn as much as they can from the internet.
Go to the store and hold them and try them to see what they feel like and how they take pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Good Luck

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions

Answer 2

I can't tell you just what camera to buy. There are so many of them out there! But I can suggest some criteria.

These days I think digital is better. I had a darkroom for many years and I don't know anyone who would bother with that anymore when you can edit photos on screen, adjust brightness, contrast etc. 5 megapixels is plenty to get started, more is better (all other things being the same).

If you really want to be a photographer you should learn how to set the settings of the camera manually--focus, aperture and shutter speed. Almost all cameras today have automatic modes, and the little computer chips that make those decisions are getting better all the time. But there are times when you'd want to use a faster shutter speed to freeze motion or a wider aperture to blur out a background, so it's good to know about those things. So I'd say you wanted a camera that at least had a manual mode.

If it was me, I'd like a long zoom lens. Zoom lenses have greatly lessened the need for interchangeable lenses these days. Optical zoom is better than digital zoom.

Some cameras use regular AA batteries and some use a 'proprietary' battery. I'd say AAs are better because you can always keep an extra set of rechargables in your pocket. Batteries die at the most inopportune times!

Finally, I would stick with the major brands. Nikon, Sony, Canon, Pentax, Minolta, and a few more. They aren't that much more expensive and I just feel better about major brands with a big purchase like this.

Answer 3

You might want to start with a good digicam. If you decide that photography isn't for you at least your investment will be minimal. If you absolutely positively fall in love with photography then you can upgrade to a DSLR and all the lenses you want.

Check with your local high school or community college to see if they offer adult continuing education courses in photography.