my first camera, choices choices.

[45rpm]

i've always enjoyed photography, and i may want to make it part of my future. i use a digital camera every now and then. i think i may want to purchase my my very own camera though; this will be my first one. what would you guys recommend for a beginner such as myself? i really don't know much about cameras yet, i'm looking to learn. sorry if this post is kind of vague but i really don't know where to begin. i have no training or anything in the field of photography. i'm looking to expand my knowledge and experience. any comments and recommendations would be appreciated. thanks!

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[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

Are you thinking about purchasing a digital camera or a film camera? Either way, I suggest you get one that allows some sort of manual control. You want to be able to set the aperture & shutter speed to give you some creative control.

Without knowing more, it's hard to offer any suggestions. You could get an older, used, manual focus SLR system. You could get a newer auto focus SLR system...either film or digital. You could get a range finder type camera. You could get a point & shoot style digital etc.

If you are thinking digital, I will suggest that you do not get one of the more expensive point & shoot or SLR-like models. There is nothing wrong with these cameras but if you are going to spend $700 - $1000 on a digital camera, you might as well get a digital SLR camera that will give you much better picture quality and more room to grow.

[railman44]

I think a lot depends upon your pocket book. How much can you spend and not cause anyone including yourself any misery? If cost is really not a factor, I would go with a Nikon D70 SLR kit with a "normal" lens. That's a great digital camera to learn and expand on. If for some reason photograpy is not your cup of tea, you can still recoup a major portion of your investment. I would pick up some basic photography books and read, read and read. Taking a class or two doesn't hurt either. My .02 pesos.