Amending my pleadings

[subhuman]

I wrote asking for help on buying my first SLR film camera, and I didnt include what I wanted to spend. Basically I have too many hobbies, cars, music, football etc.... So I spend a lot of money everywhere... I can spend really any amount but I really dont want to unless I have to.... If I could buy a good camera kit with lens for around $300 that I could add to later on like lens and flash etc... I really dont want a camera that is a basic beginers model that I will have to trade off in about a year or so. And I also want a camera that isnt difficult to learn ( as I have only had a point and shoot for the past 10 yrs.) and also will shoot manual as well as auto ....Like I said in my other post there is only one camera shop here and they are not helpful at all. Any way I appreciate all the help I have gotten so far . This is really a great site. Thanks again

[Franglais]

I wrote asking for help on buying my first SLR film camera, and I didnt include what I wanted to spend. Basically I have too many hobbies, cars, music, football etc.... So I spend a lot of money everywhere... I can spend really any amount but I really dont want to unless I have to.... If I could buy a good camera kit with lens for around $300 that I could add to later on like lens and flash etc... I really dont want a camera that is a basic beginers model that I will have to trade off in about a year or so. And I also want a camera that isnt difficult to learn ( as I have only had a point and shoot for the past 10 yrs.) and also will shoot manual as well as auto ....Like I said in my other post there is only one camera shop here and they are not helpful at all. Any way I appreciate all the help I have gotten so far . This is really a great site. Thanks again

Get the Nikon F75/N75 with a Nikon kit lens (28-80 or 28-100). You'll probably get tired of the kit lens after a while because it feels low quality but in fact it turns in really good results (apart from the distortion at 28mm).

The body has most of the functionality and user interface of the other members of the Nikon family. I actually use mine more than my F80 & F100. The only thing I can criticise is the image in the viewfinder which is fairly small.

Charles

[Outdoorsman]

I wrote asking for help on buying my first SLR film camera, and I didnt include what I wanted to spend. Basically I have too many hobbies, cars, music, football etc.... So I spend a lot of money everywhere... I can spend really any amount but I really dont want to unless I have to.... If I could buy a good camera kit with lens for around $300 that I could add to later on like lens and flash etc... I really dont want a camera that is a basic beginers model that I will have to trade off in about a year or so. And I also want a camera that isnt difficult to learn ( as I have only had a point and shoot for the past 10 yrs.) and also will shoot manual as well as auto ....Like I said in my other post there is only one camera shop here and they are not helpful at all. Any way I appreciate all the help I have gotten so far . This is really a great site. Thanks again

The Canon Rebel Ti at B&H is $229.95 with the kit lens- a 28-90mm f/4-5.6 non-USM lens. I would reccomend going for the kit with the USM lens, however ($279.95). If you want a better camera with a better kit lens and you want to stick with Canon, B&H also has the Elan 7N with a 28-90 f/4-5.6 USM lens for $389.95, but that's over your budget.

Still, I got the 7N without a lens since I already have Canon lenses. But then my short zoom gave up the ghost and I spent another $200 to replace it- I could have just gone with the kit lens and saved some cash. The kit lenses, though not usually very high in quality, still have proven to be just fine for beginners. As I said in my other post to you, this is only the Canon viewpoint- I can't say anything about Nikon, except that from what everyone says (and by examining their specs), the two brands are pretty much on a par with each other.
You won't have too much trouble learning either system, and both have full-auto and full-manual modes, and everything in between. I think you will have to drive out of town and find a bigger store that can let you handle a variety of stuff. You simply should not buy a camera without at least holding it first. The Rebels are just fine for someone like you and you might end up just never letting it go, at least until the digital version gets affordable! Both Nikons and Canons come with a hot shoe, so you can always get a good flash unit later. But the Rebels and Nikons have a built-in flash that will work in a pinch. You can also add a battery pack to it for $35 that gives you a vertical grip with shutter release- something I think all SLRs should come with standard.
I know we kind of sound like a recurring B&H comercial, but they're just so good, a lot of us don't bother shopping anywhere else. Go to their site and shop around in the Nikon and Canon realms. I'm sure you will find something that works for you. And hey, when you find one that you like, run it by us here and we'll be happy to tell you what we think of it before you buy! Good luck!