buying a camera, need help from expert...

I love photography as a hobby, and I am looking into buying a nice digital camera. However, I do not know anything about brands or types, and was looking for some help.

I've taken an intro to photography class in college. I spent the whole semester using an old Pentax 35mm camera, and used B&W film the entire semester. I really loved the simplicity of the camera, and how hands on I was with the shutterspeed/aperture, and that there was no flash.
(heres an example of what it looked like http://www.butkus.org/chinon/pentax/...km/parts01.jpg)

I no longer have the resources to process film and make prints, and I don't have the time to go to a lab. So I was wondering if there are digital cameras much the the Pentax, or that just resemble the setup. I don't like flashes (or know when to properly use them) and I don't like automatic. I want to be very hands on with the photographs I take. Any advice, or help is greatly appreciated since I am still a beginner.

Budget? - TF

obviously the cheaper it is the better for me. but right now, i don't really have a budget. If its a great camera that has what I'm looking for, I am open to considering all prices.

Well, I would suggest you look at the Sony A700. The price is dropping since a new one is expected soon and it offers the 'look and feel' of the traditional Minolta line. Also all the used Minolta lenses offer great value and are image stabilized since the IS is in the body. The body is $850 at B&H and I don't think you can come close with anything else for under $1000.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search...181+4291215468

TF

ok thank you! just wondering, what cameras do you prefer because I've only ever been recommended Canon and I have also heard Leica's are really good but expensive. Would you say Sony cameras work just as well?

I would set out a budget and work out what you need to buy based on the photography that your about to undertake.

Lenses - do you need new because of focal length, can you use your old lenses on any other modern camera?

If you need a completely new kit then work out the budget then work out what features are essential and then go to your local store and play with all within your budget to see which your comfortable with. Nearly all the main brands will probably have all the features you need plus a lot more that you don't.

The reason for saying this is that I played with Fuji, Sony, Minolta, Nikon, Canon, ... before deciding that Canon suited my hands and brain best. All the buttons where I wanted them.

I have also purchased Fuji, Nikon, Richo compacts, so no brand loyalty from me.

Hope that helps.

Roger R.

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I don't like automatic. I want to be very hands on with the photographs I take

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Definitely stay away from the entry level cameras then (Nikon D60/D5000, Canon Rebels, Sony A3xx, etc). The higher range models have the arrangement of features built into the tactile interface, for on the fly and handy adjustment, also dual control dials for both aperture and shutter, etc etc. Many of the switches on the entry level cameras are buried in the menu. The A700 is a good reccomendation, mine is still going strong and I dont think I'll upgrade within the next year..

Leicas are good, but they are waaaaaaaaaay overpriced (were talking $4k for something you can get Sony to do for $500). The novelty of them is that they are rangefinders and not DSLR so they're smaller and very handy, really its only people who have enough money to not care about dropping an extra $3k. Dont get me wrong, they're great, but Leica tends to ask about 6 times a reasonable price.