Newbie needs help

[ambie2306]

Hey everyone, I'm looking to purchase my first digital camera and have no clue what to buy. I was using my father's old Canon A1 but since I am traveling to Argentina I am looking to upgrade. I was looking at an extended zoom camera like the Olympus SP-570 UZ but was told making the investment in an SLR is a better option. I'm not sure this is the best advice and unfortunately money is a limiting factor, but I'm willing to spend more on a camera that can grow with me. So does any one have any advice for a burgeoning photographer? What is a good starter camera or any recommendations for body/lens combos that are affordable but still produce quality photos?

Thanks for all the help...

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

I certainly agree that an SLR type digital camera is the way to go...especially as you are used to using an SLR film camera and also because you want a camera that can grow with you.

Check out the entry level models from Canon & Nikon. From Canon there is the EOS XS or the T1i. From Nikon there is the D60 or the D5000.

Seeing as you are on a tight budget, I'd recommend sticking with the standard 'kit' lens that usually comes with either of those cameras.

Of course, you could always check the used market for a DSLR camera.

 

[ambie2306]

Thanks Mike, if I get a Canon DSLR can I use the lens currently on my A1?

 

[Big Mike]

Thanks Mike, if I get a Canon DSLR can I use the lens currently on my A1?

Sadly, No.

That is a manual focus camera/lens (FD). When Canon went to auto focus SLR cameras in the late 80s, they changed the mount and put the AF motors into the lenses (EF). So the old manual focus lenses don't have the right mount.

There are adapters, but to make a long story short, they aren't worth it unless you have really great FD lenses.

 

[Samanax]

What kind of budget are you working with?

I'm guessing you don't want to lug around too much camera gear when you're traveling so think about how many lenses you think you'll be willing to carry with you.

What kind of photography are you interested in?

Do you already have a tripod? What about a good camera bag?

You'll probably want to get a hot shoe flash unit too, the on-camera pop-up flash isn't too useful except for fill-flash in bright sunlight.