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Category: Digital Cameras

Photography Question 

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What Digital Camera to Buy?


I would like to explore the art of taking beautiful and meaningful pictures, but I don't know what digital camera to choose. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of funds for this endeavor until I graduate, but in the meantime I would like to do it. I would like to get a camera that I can use in my daily life just for taking pictures like the average person, BUT also I would like to use it for my artistic photography, close-ups of objects, people, nature. And the problem is that I would like to take those pictures and enlarge them so I can frame them around my apartment. My budget is about $300.00. What would you recommend? Also, once I am able to afford more, what camera should I get then, so if I enlarge my picture to say 40X14 (sorry about the numbers ... I know the ratio must be wrong, but I just took a ruler) they will look good and nice. If this can only be done with film, then what would you recommend?


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April 25, 2004

 

Nancy Grace Chen
  This is purely my opinion ... Based on what I've seen, I think you really can't go wrong with any Canon, Nikon, or Sony camera. I've seen good pictures taken with the other major brands (Olympus, etc.) as well. With $300.00, you can buy a good digital camera that should last you a year or two at least. (By "last," I mean that you can learn on it for a year or two.) I'd recommend a camera that's at least 3 megapixels and has modes where you can control the aperture and shutter speed. You'll be able to learn a lot on that.
Here's my story: I'm definitely no pro now, but I started out on a Canon S30 ... 3.2 megapixels and a lot of options for controls. I learned the basics of camera functions on it and how to compose pics and such. The resolution was good enough to make 8"x10"s and take contest-quality photos. I now use a Canon Digital Rebel, which is a digital SLR. It's great because you can change lenses and have total control.
When you get enough money, I'd recommend getting an SLR. I wouldn't recommend it yet if you don't know a lot about camera control, but once you've learned a bit, you'll almost need it. (:


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April 26, 2004

 

Nancy Grace Chen
  Well, I hope that helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me. And anyone else (especially those of you with different brand preferences)... feel free to jump in.

Nancy
nance.c@poboxes.com
nacespace.com/photos Also... dpreview.com is a really great place for unbiased and complete information about every digital camera.

Nancy
nance.c@poboxes.com
nacespace.com/photos


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April 26, 2004

 

Scott Pedersen
  Pentax optio series is a good camera. But remember now all these digital cameras are point and shoot cameras. Poster size? hmmmm five megapixials perhaps. You know what would work better, would be a film based slr and lens. You can pick up a used one off of ebay or a pawn shop. Look for one that has manual controls or the ability to run auto or manual. You can learn creativity, its great for enlargements. Places like York Photo will process your film really cheap and also put em online for you to download.

Scott


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April 27, 2004

 

Lynn M. Garwood
  Leon, you have rather ambitious demands for $300, so you might want to look into a used digital, such as a Canon G-2. That was my first digital. It gives somewhat the same controls that you get on a SLR but without the ability to change lenses (although you can add adapters). For the money you can spend, you'll get more value from a used piece of equipment.

Just a thought. With such a camera, you won't be as limited as a new one you could get for the same money.


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April 27, 2004

 

Roseann E. Dreasher
  I agree with Lynn about the demands for a digital under $300. : ) My Olympus 4000Z was the perfect "first" digital camera. It has 4mp and even though it's around $350, it is worth it's weight in gold. Most of the comments I get about my images start with "you shot THAT with a 4mp camera??" ... of course the camera is only as good as the photographer so to speak. : ) Good luck!!


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April 27, 2004

 

jean ray
  I think for what you're wanting to do, you really need a digital that has manual control, so I agree that a used G2 or G3 is a better bet that what you could purchase new for $300. If your heart isn't set on digital, you might consider an entry-level film camera, such as the Canon Rebel. I've had the Rebel 2000 for 5 years now and it is a great camera that you can get for about $300 with a lense. You can also pick up some good used lenses on ebay. I recently added the Canon G5 to my gear list and love it. One of the advantages, IMHO, that the compact high end digitals have over the SLR digitals is the rotating LCD screen. This comes in very handy for shooting from awkward angles and often elimimates the need to contort oneself into uncomfortable positions and get your clothes dirty! I'm not sure why none of the SLR's have this; it seems like such a nice option. Anyway, hope this is helpful.


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May 01, 2004

 

glen
  You are NOT going to get 40x14's with high quality with a digital camera - yet- maybe in a few years-8x10's -yes. For acceptable quality in that huge size- use a high quality 35mm with 100 ASA, or medium format-645 -for high quality.


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May 04, 2004

 
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