New photographer; seeking camera help.

[adam_r]

Hello all.

I've had a strong love for photographs for a long time and have always wanted to get into the art, but never have. Now that's all changing and I'm going to purchase a new camera.

I'm interested in most forms of art, and I'm definitely working on making a career out of it. Photography is something I would like to add to the list.

I don't want to buy something outrageously expensive, but at the same time I'm not looking for a cheapo camera. I just want something that is in a reasonable price range and will offer me a good range of features that I will eventually be able to make good use of (instead of having to buy an entirely new camera later).

I still have yet to decide which camera I'd like to purchase, but one that I'm pretty fond of so far is the Canon EOS 40D.

http://photodynasty.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5217

^ Is where I guess I'll purchase it from. So I'm wondering; is it a good camera? I notice there are different packages on that website available as well with different lenses and such -- should I go for any of them? Do you have suggestions for another camera instead of the Canon ($450 to roughly $650ish is my general price range)?

Any sort of help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[Dao]

Stay away from photodynasty.com. They may scam your money.

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Photo_Dynasty

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Six-Month Rating:[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 0.67 / 10[/FONT]

 

[adam_r]

http://soniccameras.com/catalog/pro...om/compare.asp?item=1901B004&products_id=4554

They any more reputable?

 

[JimmyO]

Stick to sites like BHphotovideo.com, adorama.com, amazon.com. They wont scam you and they only sell kits you will benefit from, not ones loaded with crap you dont need

 

[icassell]

Great camera, but be careful where you buy cameras online. There are several reputable place (e.g. B&H, Amazon, etc.). It's unlikely you'll find a reputable deal for a 40D for $650 -- if you do, I'll take 2

 

[MRivera]

Go to your local camera store and compare models and prices. Ask question and find out the differences on cameras and models. In addition that would give you the feeling of the camera on your hands. you would be able to compare weight and options depending on your needs. I did that and ended up purchasing a Pentax k100d super. I really like it for its image stabilizer and the price was reasonable. I paid around $400 at the time, it had a mail in rebate from the factory. That is another thing you could find at the local store.
Good Luck there is so many options out there and i am sure every camera has its pro and cons.

 

[adam_r]

So I'm actually starting to consider this now, instead:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1213423040&sr=8-1

Opinions/further suggestions?

- Adam

 

[kakasucai]

Thanks, I have also helped!

 

[Alfred D.]

Thanks, I have also helped!

What with? Whom?

 

[Overread]

possibly a foreign user getting his sentence a little wrong there - possibly meaning to say
"this has also helped me"

 

[adam_r]

Well the Nikon D40 is looking great. It's right up my price range, looks like it has a host of features, and seems to be pretty widely liked.

There's a bunch of kits that are available, too, with it. Such as --

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1213456581&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D40-Dig...=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1213456581&sr=1-4

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-3-5-5-6...=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1213456581&sr=1-2

etc etc. Without going above $600; is there anything in specific you would suggest? Or should I just get the body?


Thanks for all the help thus far.

- Adam

 

[Ptyler22]

Well if you don't have a lens for it I believe it is cheaper to get the camera with a lens because the kit lens on those are great from what I hear.

 

[adam_r]

Well if you don't have a lens for it

I have zero equipment. Period.

So yeah, I'm thinking I might just go with one of those kits.

 

[Ptyler22]

I believe on B&H photo you can get both lenses and 2, 2gb memory cards and a bag for $599.

 

[DougBolls]

Hi Adam - I'll throw in my 2 cents worth - Canon or Nikon, it really does not matter. They both produce excellent camera bodies and lenses. I went with Nikon 30 years ago, and just kept with them; could have just as easily gone with Canon and been just as happy.
The D40 is a great place to start - they make a kit with 2 zoom lenses. For a very indepth look at that camera, go to KenRockwell.com.
I also agree with buying from only very reputable on-line businesses - Your Amazon connection is fine as are Adorama, B&H.
Goint to a local store and actually holding both cameras and playing with the buttons is good advice.
Doug