Need Help Deciding on Camera

Kazzely · Dec 9, 2006

My parents are offering to buy me a new Digital Camera for Christmas, but want my help before deciding - we're splitting the cost, so the highest price can be about $700, but of course cheaper is always accepted

I'm a highschool student in a Digital Photography class, but I'm really into photography and want to keep doing it. Right now I have a really beat-up Olympus Stylus Verve (4.0 Megapixel), and it's a nice camera for taking regular pictures but I lose -so- many photos because of bad quality, despite the scenario settings I have it on. I'd like it to be 6.0 megapixel, and a few of my friends have Nikon cameras that I really like, but I'd like to see if anyone has any opinions for someone in my situation. I know it's a broad request, and sorry for the length of the post!

Sw1tchFX · Dec 10, 2006

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=381587&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

The Nikon D50 will do what you need it to do, and then some. You'll learn alot more with it, and you'll be able to do more as well. It's out of stock on B&H, but adorama could have it in stock. best buy or circuit city might have it, but they're expensive there.

Kazzely · Dec 10, 2006

That's actually the one I had bookmarked and showed my parents as one choice. I'm happy someone else thinks so as well

I'm pretty sure that's the one I'm most interested in. Any other second opinions?

Michael Humle · Dec 10, 2006

Welcome to TPF! I have suggested 4 cameras to consider. As you can see by signature I am partial to Olympus DSLRs. Read the reviews on these cameras and then (most important) go to a camera store and put each one in your hand!...here are the links...Good luck in your selection!

http://www.prestigecamera.com/product~id~ole300.htm

http://www.prestigecamera.com/product~id~ole500kit.htm

http://www.prestigecamera.com/product~id~nkd70skit.htm

http://www.prestigecamera.com/product~id~cneosrdxtikitblk.htm

David · Dec 10, 2006

All good advice/suggestions so far, so the only thing I can add is remember the glass. Kit lenses are pretty good these days, but you'll soon want more, especially with regard to focal length, and that can be an expensive business. I'm not trying to suggest you go for anything other than a DSLR, but keep a mind on the lens you get in any kit, and what you may want in the future.

Fortunately there are now a huge range of lenses from third party suppliers that are significantly cheaper than some manufacturer lenses, but they're still not a steal. Start saving as soon as you can for more lenses.

Let us know what you go for, and merry Xmas. It sounds like it'll be a good one.

David