What's a good Digital SLR Camera for a beginning photographer inthusiast at a reasonable price?

Question

I've been taking photography as a hobby, but I want to step it up. Using digital compact camera's in the past and present. I really became fond of my last camera which was a Canon PowerShot SD780 IS, but now my ex has it sadly.

Recently I've been looking at the Canon s95/s100 as a high-end digital compact camera's. Now I'm wondering, if I could throw in a couple hundred, and maybe I should get a Digital SLR Camera. The feel on SLR is very comfortable for me.

My photography is very versatile, because I typically snap a shot of about anything basically. Looking over my recent work, I see that I am best at Nature, Scenic, and Still Shot photography. Though I want to dabble more into Macro, and Portrait photography.

My budget is in the 500 dollar range, and I really don't want to raise it. So any suggestions on what camera I should get? Either it be a Compact or SLR? Help please :)

Answer 1

I would go for a dslr. the cheapest dslr that actually takes good photos, is the Canon Rebel XS. it is $549 MSRP. It comes with a starter lens, for general photography. You can get a refurbished or used one for a bit cheaper. If you don't mind a used camera, look into the Canon Rebel T3 or the Canon Rebel XTi (which i have). They should probably come with kit lenses. for macro photography, you can look into extension tubes, which work pretty well.

Answer 2

Not really. It will help with lots of options in the future but a camera doesn't make a person a good photographer. It's like buying a sports car; if you don't know how to drive fast (example a 86 senior citizen that just learned to drive), the car is not fast although it has the capabilities and option to do so. Two things important to photography is framing (subject matter well displayed in the photo) and exposure (the proper amount of light let in by the camera for a perfect picture). Granted you probably will take higher quality pictures because of the camera but not so much professional. Believe it or not I've done some professional pictures using a point-and-shoot. Two things that weren't there is the professional look (NOT a big deal) and some of the options and speed of a SLR (which is the biggest draw back to point-and-shoot). My advice is to take photography class (almost anywhere such a community college) or just study under someone who knows. You'll pick up many helpful tips to take better photos. Just bear in mind SLRs are used by professional because they have options professionals look for. You can use a point-and-shoot but as you progress, you'll wish you had better options for taking the picture.

Answer 3

Hi,



Canon EOS XS, T3 and Nikon D3000 are your only options for a DSLR. They're great though.



Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/

Answer 4

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ns=p_PRICE_2%7C0&ci=6222&N=4291645407&srtclk=sort



All of them are good. They are all basically the same. The kit lens can do most anything. For macro, you'll need a macro lens.

Answer 5

Canon 50D with low miles would be a great choice.