Starting in photography

[RockstarPhotography]

your going to be very limited with that budget. This can be a very expensive hobby. I would start by trying to find a used entry level dslr. Cannon, Nikon, it don't matter. Try to find one locally and see if you can bring it into a shop to have them check it out before you buy.

 

[RockstarPhotography]

I'm really only familiar with nikon.

 

[Vinny]

For the most part yes but they may achieve it in different ways. My suggestion is to go to a store and hold cameras and see how they feel in your hand. Besides the photographer, its the lens that makes the difference most of the time and that's where it can get very expensive. Since you listed 4 different types of shooting the lens will be what you are needing and your limited budget is not going to cover it although for #2 &3 the lens would probably be interchangeable.

You might be able to get an older DSLR with a used kit lens or 2 for your budget. But low light situations inside will be severly limited.

Will the entry level cameras all pretty much have the same capabilities then?

 

[dylanstraub]

You may also want to consider a "prosumer" (don't blame me as I didn't coin that term) camera like the Canon Powershot or the Nikon Coolpix. You'll get more control of your shots than you would with a point and shoot but you don't have the high upfront cost of buying a body and lens. If you find that you like photography you may be able to trade it in for credit towards a DSLR. That's the route that I took. I started with a crappy Casio point and shoot. I used it for a while and realized that I needed more control over my pictures so I bought a Canon Powershot. I used that for a while but I still felt like I was being help back from achieving the shot that I wanted to capture so I upgraded to a Canon XTi (used of course). I suppose one day I'll upgrade to a better body however this one suits my needs quite well and I'd rather spend my money on lenses etc.

 

[xjoewhitex]

your going to be very limited with that budget. This can be a very expensive hobby. I would start by trying to find a used entry level dslr. Cannon, Nikon, it don't matter. Try to find one locally and see if you can bring it into a shop to have them check it out before you buy.

Really the best advice to be given.

 

[KmH]

Other than a intro to photography in college (10 years ago) I'm very new to photography. I want to use it for the following (in order of importance):

1. Product Photos (eBay & websites)
2. Political Photos (inside at rallies, conventions, capitol)
3. Family Photos (casual)
4. Sports Photos (Occassional, but something I would like to get good at)

I'm looking for an inexpensive starter camera (max $500) to use but I have no idea what I should be looking for or even what questions to ask. I will be looking at used cameras as well so I'm not looking for an exact make/model but what type of specs I should be looking for.

1. What kind of products? It has a bearing on which lens(s) and specs you will want. You'll also need lighting of some type and some knowledge and skill how to use the lighting.
2. Will likely require a different lens than what you use for whatever the product is and will also require using flash.
3. What ever you use for the product and political will work fine for casual shots.
4. You will need more money. Shooting sports (especially at night or indoors) is very demanding of equipment, and consequently more expensive.

You need to provide more information, but $500 keeps you at the entry-level end of the dSLR market.
Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)
Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (Black)

Those links are to new cameras. Used camera prices are dependent on their condition. Used cameras don't have a warranty, but you can look at refurbished cameras that are slightly less costly, but usually come with at least a 90 day warranty.
Buying used is really only viable if you have some background with cameras.

 

[Curtis Stewart]

I started with a d3000, pretty basic camera.. I do recommend it

But if you invested a bit more money.. You should lean towards the Canon EOS 550d or Nikon d3100..

 

[WesternGuy]

Here is a site that is specific to Canon cameras, but a lot of the questions are generic, in that they apply to just about any make and model of DSLR you might be looking at, so you can simply replace "Canon" with "Nikon", "Sony', "Pentax", etc. Not every question may be relevant to your situation right now, but at least these may give you some things to think about. HTH.

Canon EOS Beginners' FAQ II - Cameras

Cheers,

WesternGuy