Beginner needs a new camera

[lavalint]

I'm a beginner when it comes to photography. I've taken a few photos and I got some great feedback on some of them. This is something that I really want to do. I'm currently looking for a camera. I'm willing to spend up to $2000. I'm really not sure about what I need to look for in a camera. I want something that I can grow into, so to speak. I like to take artistic photos and I like to be creative with taking pictures. I was looking at Nikon cameras and they seem to be really good. What would you recommend for a beginner?

[Lionheart]

I'm a beginner when it comes to photography. I've taken a few photos and I got some great feedback on some of them. This is something that I really want to do. I'm currently looking for a camera. I'm willing to spend up to $2000. I'm really not sure about what I need to look for in a camera. I want something that I can grow into, so to speak. I like to take artistic photos and I like to be creative with taking pictures. I was looking at Nikon cameras and they seem to be really good. What would you recommend for a beginner?

Start by browsing the digital camera and digital slr forums. Just lurk and read and see what others have asked and have had replies to. Check out the galleries for the kind of photos you enjoy and see what equipment was used to get those images and that should start giving you a few ideas what you might want to start looking into. Then you can really narrow your questions down to those pertaining to equipment you're interested in. You can also read reviews on various equipment you might be interested in over in the equipment reviews.

[DownByFive]

I moved up to a Nikon D70 from a Canon p&s. It took a little getting used to, but now I couldn't imagine shooting with anything else. A lot of people might say to get the Canon 20D because it's 8mp and has a slightly higher frame rate, but in reality, you probably won't miss those extra 2mp's or the extra 2fps. You might also consider the Digital Rebel or the *ist DS, but if you have $2000 to spend, I can't think of any reason to do that. But you really can't go wrong with any of the current DSLR's, so just try them all out at a store, and see which you like most.

[lavalint]

I've been looking at the D70. My friend's mom just bought that camera a few months ago after doing lots of research and she's happy with it. I think that's what I may get. But we'll see, I still have awhile to think about it until i get the money for it.

[trog100]

I cant help but think u have too much money to spend as a beginner.. as for buying a camera u can grow into.. well digital is moving a little too fast for this to be practial.. for example your budget of 2000 dollars at todays prices opens up a lot more opportunites than say it would have two years ago..

i would suggest that u buy something like a panasonic FZ20.. have a play with it.. learn how to use it and then have another look and a think in a years time..

future proofing with digital isnt entlrey practical.. not just yet anyway.. buying a good all round not too expensive "prosumer" digital camera to learn the ropes on will save u money in the end.. if only for the fact that in a years time your budget will buy a better camera than it will today.. plus by then u might have at least a vague idea of what u want and more importantly "why" u want it..

trog100

[Liz]

It's good you've come here to ask for suggestions. I agree about checking the different posts to see discussions of different cameras. I would definitely check out the Digital SLR forum.

Just to share my experience briefly. About 4-5 years ago I came here looking for advice on a point & shoot camera. Because I expressed a real interested in growing in photography, many people here suggested a get an SLR (no affordable digitals then). That was the best advice I got. I purchased the Rebel 2K, and after a week I knew I would never have been satisfied with a P&S. There is a lot to learn, a lot to grow with, but the results are soooo amazing. And you can always add on a new lens.

I've since upgraded to a Rebel 300D and am not sorry. I love this camera. I have 3 beautiful lenses and have never looked back. I am very happy - and btw, I still don't know how to use ALL the features on my camera and I've had it for over a year.

I share that because your question reminded me of the importance of looking and discerning when you have a serious interest in photography.

You mentioned an interest in Nikon and the D70 is an awesome camera. I personally chose Canon because I prefer their lenses. However, that part is all personal preference. Both Canon and Nikon are excellent cameras. I would encourage you to go for a DSLR since you have an interest in growing in photography. I had a Canon G3, one of the best P&S cameras, but it can't compare to the DSLR IMO.

Also check out the reviews here.

Nikon DSLR's
http://www.pcphotoreview.com/Profess...27_780crx.aspx

Canon DSLR's
http://www.pcphotoreview.com/Profess...27_670crx.aspx

Good luck - keep us updated and keep asking questions. We're happy to help. Others will certainly have more good advice. ;)

Liz

I'm a beginner when it comes to photography. I've taken a few photos and I got some great feedback on some of them. This is something that I really want to do. I'm currently looking for a camera. I'm willing to spend up to $2000. I'm really not sure about what I need to look for in a camera. I want something that I can grow into, so to speak. I like to take artistic photos and I like to be creative with taking pictures. I was looking at Nikon cameras and they seem to be really good. What would you recommend for a beginner?