What is the best camera for a beginner ($150 budget)?

Sonoma · Nov 7, 2011

Maybe something like this.......... Used Canon Powershot S5 IS Digital Camera 2077B001 B&H Photo

I have the S2 IS and it does a decent job for what it is. This is the newest version.

Good luck!

mjhoward · Nov 7, 2011

You should be able to find an old D70 or D100 body only for around $150, but you'd still need a lens. You could keep your eye on this one: USED Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera (Kit w/ 18-70mm Lens) | eBay

Has a lens with it and ends in just a few hours. Has a couple of minor issues but it is a working digital body with a lens! :lol:

Breaux · Nov 7, 2011

Does it have to be digital? I've bought old Nikon film cameras and lenses for $30-$45 each (all manual, of course). $150 would get you a camera and maybe 3 old lenses. It's also very good for learning photography basics, if you're a beginner. Of course, each roll of film costs a little.

mangtarn · Nov 7, 2011

i agree with above. a film SLR is a lot of fun and cheap on craigslist.
Canon AE-1 is one of the best film SLRs out there and it should be within your budget.

if you want to go digital then...cellphone camera?

bazooka · Nov 7, 2011

I saw an XTi with a 50mm 1.8 last week on craigslist for $280 or something like that... killer deal. They're out there, you just have to be willing to buy used and constantly watch the classifieds.

robitussin217 · Nov 7, 2011

Heck, you can probably get a film SLR for free if you ask around. I found a Pentax k1000 in a friends attic and they just gave it to me and I love it.

mjhoward · Nov 7, 2011

mjhoward said:
You should be able to find an old D70 or D100 body only for around $150, but you'd still need a lens. You could keep your eye on this one: USED Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera (Kit w/ 18-70mm Lens) | eBay

Has a lens with it and ends in just a few hours. Has a couple of minor issues but it is a working digital body with a lens!

It sold for 137.50 shipped... did ya get it??

photo guy · Nov 9, 2011

If you are just getting into photography, Kodak and Sony are two of the better cameras for point and shoot digitals you can get used to easier. Keep an eye out this upcoming holiday season as in my area prices are already dropping on cameras. I have a larger 10mp 12x Optical Fuji camera that I use mainly though last December I went out and got a Kodak point and shoot 10mp 3x Optical both digital so that if I am out riding bike I can still have a nice camera to use since I do a lot of photography. Just shop around.

MLeeK · Nov 9, 2011

photo guy said:
If you are just getting into photography, Kodak and Sony are two of the better cameras for point and shoot digitals you can get used to easier. Keep an eye out this upcoming holiday season as in my area prices are already dropping on cameras. I have a larger 10mp 12x Optical Fuji camera that I use mainly though last December I went out and got a Kodak point and shoot 10mp 3x Optical both digital so that if I am out riding bike I can still have a nice camera to use since I do a lot of photography. Just shop around.

God NO! Don't buy Kodak anything. Sony is great. Kodak is producing total crap these days.