Camera for the inexperienced, semi-serious photographer?

Question

I've always been interested in photography. However, I've always been really bad at taking pictures and I haven't had the opportunity to take a class (the class offered at the local University is for majors only). I currently have a Sony DSP-P9, and it takes horrible pictures (noise is bad, colors are off, most of them are blurry, etc). So, I've been thinking about an upgrade.

I was hoping to find a camera that would take quality photos in a wide variety of situations. If I do decide to get serious in photography, I was also hoping to get something that would grow with me, but something that would be easy to use in the mean time. Although I would like something compact, it's not a major priority (but it would be a major plus). Although 3x zoom is okay, it would be great if it could zoom more. Also, it would be wonderful if I could have free reign over the shutter speed (I'm thinking of doing a little night photography). Image stabilization is a must. Any suggestions?

Also, since the details weren't long enough ( ;) ), I am on a bit of a budget. If you could keep that in mind in your reccomendation, that would be great.

Thank you for your answers!

Noir

Answer 1

The best way to learn the art of photography is to use an SLR or dSLR camera. You can find used or even some new film SLRs for under $200 and they come with a decent lens. If you decide to go with a digital SLR, go for a used Nikon D70/D70s, or even a D100. I'm not sure what your budget is, but you can find these on eBay between $400 to $600. These are great cameras and will be a good starting point for you.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Check with your local high school for a class. Sometimes, the Parks & Recreation Dept. will offer photography classes. If all else fails, you might consider enrolling in the New York Institute of Photography (nyip.com) correspondence course. They have been in business since 1910 so they are reputable.

Before stepping all the way up to a DSLR you might want to consider an advanced digicam like the Canon G9.

Regardless of what camera you buy, plan on spending some serious time studying the Owner's Manual. Do one feature or setting at a time, practice it until you're confident with it and then go to the next feature or setting. Your camera should be as comfortable and natural to use as a knife and fork.

Answer 4

I did quite a bit of looking at both site and user reviews for point and shoot digital cameras with image stabilization and good zoom. I found that the Canon s3 IS got some of the best reviews. Its a 10x optical zoom, with image stavilization and pretty much every setting you could ever want or need for an advanced point and shoot camera (shutter speed setting, apature setting, color setting, exposure bracketing, EVERYTHING).
I bought mine from walmart for 350$ (but you can get it on walmart.com ship to store for 300$, I guess the extra 50 is a stock fee or something).
I bought mine a few weeks ago and I'm in love with it. My next purchase will be a lense adapter and an ND or polarizing filter for sunny days.

Incidently, I happened on a great site you might wanna check out, they have great articles about how to achive certain looks as well as explinations of what the different settings are for a camera (especially useful if you're not exactly familiar with everything on more advanced cameras).
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/got-a-digital-camera-for-christmas-learn-how-to-use-it-here/
Check it out.

Answer 5

I am going to recommend the Pentax K100D digital SLR with the 18-55mm lens with built in image stabilization. Best of all is the price: $445 with free shipping. Here's the link,
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=122&utm_id=17&ref=pricegrabber&utm_source=PriceGrabber&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PKK100D1855&sku=PKK100D1855

Sorry, not too compact, but absolutely a bargain at that price and it is absolutely capable of growing with you as your capabilities grow. An SLR is the best way to shoot at night; just get a tripod with the camera and learn how to steady the camera!

I think you'll be a lot happier with an SLR than a point and shoot camera. Feel free to message me if you have more questions.

Answer 6

I, myself, began with a hewlett-packard. It was an older model of a hewlett-packard but soon you'll find yourself just wanting a better and a better and a better one. You'll never settle for just one. :P

If you weren't on a budget I'd recommend Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR, but you have to have quite a large budget for that one. :P

So here's some that might help

Most Canon cameras are a great find. If you can find them cheaply.

The best thing to do is go to like http://www.walmart.com
or http://www.bestbuy.com to find a cheap camera.

I can't guarentee the camera that will fit your needs will be the most popular spiffy camera, but read the details about the camera.

Don't go just for how the camera looks it's what it can do that matters.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

westword printers is right; try buying a slr camera. the canon rebel series are pretty good and cheap. if u want to go digital, u can try the rebel xt or xti. it has auto options as well as manual ones. and if u keep the camera, u can upgrade the lens to better ones. go to stevesdigicam.com, thats a great place to check out cameras.
to learn, the best place for me is shooting pics and going to some kind of camera club where people get together and share ideas.

Answer 8

Wow. Your camera is an antique and it's about time you bought a new one. Pretty much anything still at the stores will be better than yours. For everything you want, you'll have to get an SLR.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

I think my camera would be appropriate. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H2. 6 megapixels, 12X optical zoom, manual controls for shutter and aperture, very good on AA rechargeables, comes with battery charger and gives excellent 8X10 print.
ps. oh forgot has image stabilizer.
Check Website dpreview.com for reviews of many cameras and their prices.