What camera?

[noescape]

Hi all.

I've decided that I need to look into buying a new camera. My camera is an old Sony Cybershot, 4.1mp, and while it is still functioning- I need something a LOT better.

So, I need your suggestions. I take a lot of pictures of animals in motion, black animals, sometimes people in motion... people, pets, nature, cars... lol a lot of different things. The problem with my camera now is that when I try to take a picture of- say- my dog, it is SO slow! By the time it takes the shot, my dog has moved from whatever I was trying to take the picture of....

Also I am very much so a beginner.. and I don't have a huge budget right now.

So.... Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Groupcaptainbonzo]

If you want to stay digital then Canon and Nikon make some very good entry level cameras. Now that the 400d (Rebel XTi ) has appeared there should be some good cheap 300Ds or 350 Ds around with a lens or two.

I am sure that if you look around (Ebay etc) there will be something good. Try to stick to an DSLR they are SOOO versitile . And a make you know well. If needed go to a shop and play with one . Pick one YOU feel comfortable with. With a good range of accessories and lenses. (Any Canon or Nikon really).
You may pay a bit more for them. But there is a reason for that..

 

[noescape]

Oh yes, I should have mentioned that I want to stay digital. lol! I take way too many bad pictures to use a film camera... lol!

Canon 300-350d... Okay, I'll check that out! Thanks!

 

[Garbz]

Add Nikon D70, Pentax 10D, and to a lesser extent the Sony Alpha are also good choices. I say lesser extent only because they are new to the DSLR market and not a lot of people have them here but there are a few.

 

[photoman720]

I would recomend the Rebel XT. I was using a PnS camera and I moved up to the XT and it was incredible. Click my link in my sig to check out some photos taken with it.

 

[Jestev]

I went from a P&S to a Nikon D50 and I wouldn't trade that decision for anything else. If I were in your shoes, I would try to find a Nikon D50 or D70s. Whatever you do, don't get a Nikon D40/x.

 

[noescape]

Thanks for all of the suggestions, everyone! I'm on some of the camera review sites, comparing. So far it seems like the Rebel is one of the top ones- in the awe factor as well as the price... lol! Not as much as many, I'm sure- but right now I can't afford it right now...

But thanks so much! I'm going to be reviewing here for a while now!

 

[sabbath999]

I would also advise you to go and check the cameras out in hand... review sites are great, but holding a camera, looking through the viewfinder, feeling the ergonomics are all a very fun part of buying new equipment... and you can learn if a certain camera fits your hands, your eyes and your vision.

 

[ANDS!]

Whatever you do, just get a Nikon. D50 I'd suggest - D80 if you can swing it.

Check out DPReview.com and be sure to see the "Compared To" sections of the review. It'll give you photograph test comparisons between major cameras.