What kind of camera would be best for me? (Details inside)?

Question

I love photography, taking pictures and looking at them... I'm enrolled in a photography class which starts in a few months, so I do have some time to get a camera. But I'd like to get it before the class starts so that I can get used to it.

I had a Canon EOS 700 hand-me-down, which worked well for my other photography class, but it is broken and I'd like to upgrade.

It has to be 35mm. I need to be able to control the F-stop...SLR is a must...

Are there any cameras that use film...but show the picture on a screen? A mix of digital and film? Probably not..but it can't hurt to ask.

And price-wise... I can't spend TOO much...but I don't want the camera to be disposable cheap, so I will spend a few hundred dollars.

If you have any suggestions, please go ahead and post. :)

Answer 1

I love photography and prefer to shoot with a Digital SLR. I took a photography class that required a 35mm SLR, so I spoke with the instructor and he was fine with me using my Digital SLR. If you prefer to use a Digital SLR, speak with your instructor, they may be flexible. This will give you the viewing capability you want to see if your shot turned out in real time. I always had the best pictures in class, probably because I could see if my pictures were turning out as I was shooting.

If you absolutely must have a 35mm I would think about what kind of camera you eventually want to have so you can get lenses, equipement that will be compatible. (For instance I prefer to shoot Canon, so I would get a Canon 35mm EOS SLR so I could also use the same lenses with my Canon DLSR).

If you are not dead set on a Brand, I would highly, highly recommend either Canon or Nikon. You can ask any photographer, with the exception of a few specialty Camera's, they are the clear leaders. Additionally they have the biggest selection of add-on lenses, and other assesories.


If you go to your local Camera shop, you they usually have some used 35mm SLR's, you can get for a good price. SLR's in general are well built, so even a 10 year old Camera can give you spectacular shots.

If you are going to buy new, then go with either a Canon EOS Rebel K2 or T2. They will do everything you want, plus any lenses you buy will work with your future Canon DLSR.

If you really like Nikon go your only have the F-10 or F-6. Since the F-6 is outragously expensive, that pretty much leaves you with the F-10. The F-10 is completely manual, which means you have no "automatic" or light meter, or anything else. It's just a very basic (but good) camera.

If that scares you, stick with the Canon's above, they have Automatic, Semi-automatic, and full Manual modes. You can use the automatic modes until you understand all of the manual modes.

If your instructor will allow you to use a DLSR, I would forget about the 35mm all together. It may cost you a little more, but you'll end up re-couping the cost since you won't have to worry about film, or film developing.

For an in-expensive DLSR go with the Canon Rebel XT. It's an great Camera for the price. (You can get it with a basic lense for around $550, or even cheaper if you get it online.). I paid $800 for one a year ago.

If you like Nikon, the go with the D40. Also an excellent Camera, and it will cost about the same as the Canon Rebel XT.

By the way, the Canon and Nikon inexpensive DLSR's (like the Rebel XT, and D40 ARE quite a bit better than the similairly priced Olympus and Pentax Camera's) There is good reason they are the industry leaders.

Anyway hope this helps!

Answer 2

If you would like to save money, and want to be able to use the lens (that came with your EOS 700), you might consider Digital Rebel XT.

The only camera that I can think of that can use film and then with the optional back, can work as a digital camera (we're talking 35 mm format here) is Leica R9. It costs as much as a car (for the digital back alone, it's $5,000. I suppose it is out of most people's range.

You can put Digital Rebel XT in full manual mode if you wish. The kit lens is really usable, too.

Answer 3

Unfortunately the marriage of film and digital never happened. Its an either-or choice. Either film or digital.

Since you know you need a manual 35mm film camera why not consider the Canon FTb? Excellent camera and you should be somewhat familiar with its controls. A good FTb with a 50mm f1.4 or f1.7 should be inexpensive on ebay.