starter camera for photography thats relatively cheep

[palmer373]

hey i have a panasonic DMC-LZ2 (thats what it says on the top lol) and i can take okish shots with it but nothing like what other people take. i wanna be semi-serious with photography cuase you can get amazing shots in this hobby but i have no idea what people suggest for a beginners camera but has to be "cheap" (i.e. not $1000 for a camera, like >$500 but preferable less). at radio shack i found a Nikon D40 SLP for $500 but i dont have $500 right now. what do you people use and suggest?

 

[Reef Bass]

Photography and DSLRs are expensive, like reefing. It's an unfortunate fact. As you have probably discovered, dslr backs alone can be one to many thousands, and that's before you start adding any lenses, many of which cost more than a decent camera back. Each.

"High end" point and shoots that can shoot in RAW mode, such as the Canon G11, are one option, though those will still run around $450 and you don't have the interchangable lens option.

Searching up quality used gear might be your best option.

See also the stickies at the top of the forum.

 

[palmer373]

ok thanks i checked out a few yesterday but ill look over them again, ill just do some resaerch and see if i can find used gear cheaply. thanks

 

[map95003]

Check out craigslist.com in your area, every once in a while you see some good deals. A good body that is reasonably priced is the Nikon D40, spend your $$ on the lens. I picked up a Nikon D80 /w 18-55 vr lens a year ago in almost new condition (278 shutter count) from someone on craigslist who got tired of trying to use it and wanted a point and shoot...paid $500.

 

[palmer373]

ya good idea thanks ill go check out CL, maybe some of the guys in the local reefing club could help me lol, ill go hit them up.

 

[kilroy217]

i started with the nikon d40, and within two years of owning it, decided to upgrade to the d90. it's all a matter of personal preference, and how much you get into the hobby, but just like reefing, you get out of it what you put into it. B&H (bhphotovideo.com) and Adorama (adorama.com) have good used departments.

 

[moparace]

Are those combo kits at best buy or costco really that great of a deal?

 

[Reef Bass]

If one is looking to score a back and a mediocre lens that doesn't excel at any one task (other than vague general purpose), then yes.