does anyone have any idea what the best camera is for an amateur photographer... SLR not digital? Thanks!!!!?

Answer 1

If you're looking at a 35mm SLR, I'd suggest looking at the Nikon FM-10 or the Canon Rebel T2.

The Nikon come with a 35-70mm zoom lens and is available for $249.95.
http://www.amazon.com/NIKON-FM10-35mm-Camera-Kit/dp/B00006I5JN/ref=sr_1_1/002-9813169-2162427?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1194231574&sr=1-1

The Canon comes with a 28-90mm zoom lens and can be found here for $276.94.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-Camera-28-90mm-4-5-6/dp/B0002XRWRY/ref=sr_1_2/002-9813169-2162427?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1194231623&sr=1-2

Those are the least expensive current models out there. If you want the top of each series, look at the Nikon F6 and the Canon EOS-IV.

The Nikon body-only is available for $2,299.99.
http://www.amazon.com/NIKON-35mm-Film-Camera-Body/dp/B0006GQ6K6/ref=sr_1_1/002-9813169-2162427?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1194231890&sr=1-1

The Canon body-only is available for $1899.99.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-1V-Professional-SLR-Body/dp/B00006I540/ref=sr_1_2/002-9813169-2162427?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1194231780&sr=1-2

There are other brands out there, but Nikon & Canon have the most comprehensive systems and their optics can easily follow you as your skills grow. The reality is that 35mm SLR's are becoming a niche product with fewer models and less support from their makers.

When you ask for "best camera for an amateur", remember, you'll only be a beginner for a while. What's the best car for the beginning driver? You don't want something you'll outgrow soon.

You may also check your local Craigslist or Ebay for deals from photographers who have migrated to digital. Try to post a "wanted" ad (on Craigslist, it's free) for the makes and models you want. By the way, there are many other discontinued Nikon & Canon 35mm cameras that would serve you very well. Many photographers, like myself, have a cabinet full of them.

I hope this is helpful. Please ask if you have any other questions.

Answer 2

I would actually have to say that it would be down to either Pentax or Nikon. The reason that I would suggest these two brands is that they have huge backwards compatibility with their older non-autofocus lenses. That opens up a ton of options for "specialty" lenses that would be much more expensive to purchase with other brands. Lenses like 85mm portrait lenses and extreme wide angles get a little more reasonable when they are 1 or 2 generations older and non-AF. Film bodies are just about being given away on the used market today. To me, the best way to go is to find a used high-end AF body with all the latest technology already built-in and then look for lenses on the second-hand market. I would look at the PZ-1P in Pentax and maybe the N90S or F100 in Nikon as they are "professional/advanced amateur" level bodies with all the goodies on them and then maybe a few nice primes (here is where the AF/nonAF can really save you some money!) Also look at some of the older Sigma, Tamron, Tokina constant aperture zooms as they can be really reasonable compared to the Nikon and Pentax branded options.

Answer 3

Both Nikon and Canon have a deserved popularity of their professional finish cameras, however at access and mid stage they don't seem to be well, deficient construct fine (until you prefer creaking plastic), very restricted features, menu pushed for even elementary settings alterations which cause them to a affliction to make use of and so they tie you into an overly highly-priced lens tactics. Pentax, Sony or even Olympus all present quite a bit extra. Pentax primarily present photo stabilisation developed into the digital camera (as do Sony) so each lens is IS even a low cost forty 12 months historical lens purchased off eBay for a couple of kilos can be, and there are 1000's of those top fine Pentax lenses to be had. Great construct fine, the entire features you are going to ever want. Easy to make use of controls for settings, with no need delve right into a menu. Chris

Answer 4

I just bought a Nikon F80 (N80 in the Excited States) and it's absolutely brilliant.

- Great big viewfinder
- Two contol wheels like the top enders have
- All controls ready at hand and clearly marked
- Grid lines if you need 'em
- Lots of custom functions
- Illuminated top panel
- DOF preview
- Great grip, solid feel
- Light weight
- Takes ALL Nikon AF lenses
- Battery Grip available (runs on AA's)
- Only $CDN200 used!

F55-75's are also good but the viewfinders are fuzzy.

F100 is a solid choice too, but bigger and heavier.

On the other hand, if you don't need the mod cons like AF, treat yourself to a fabulous Nikon F2, one of the two cameras (the other one being the Hasselblad 500C) which can be considered a work of art.

Happy shopping!

Answer 5

To really learn about f-stops and shutter speeds and ISO, I suggest a completely manual camera like the Pentax K1000. It has long been considered the best student camera and should be available on ebay or craigslist. Pentax made some very good lenses for it and, if you switch to digital the older lenses will mount to the Pentax K100D or K10D.

Answer 6

I used before Canon EOS 66. It's great for an amateur and affordable. You can set it to manual or automatic