Help for a beginning pro

[dairishcajun]

I'm a high school student, hoping to acquire the skill of good photography. I have become tired of the bad aspects of point-and-shoot-- out of focus pictures, the terrible colors on many digital cameras, and almost zero room for dramatic effect. I am also looking to, with the aid of a mentor I have lined up, become the chief photographer for our school newspaper in my senior year. Here's my question. I know I want a film-based SLR (35 mm I guess), with room for me to grow in experience level. I have approx. 200 dollars to spend (although I'm willing to spend just a tad more-- 30 at the max.) If anyone can help me find a great value, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[opus]

I would look at the Canon Rebel ... I think you can get a good film Rebel within your budget. Look for a Ti or a T2, but I think if you had to go with the G series you'd still be happy and have room to grow. My Rebel Ti really turned me on to photography again and I got some WOW-inspiring pictures from it the first time I used it. It has everything you need to gain experience, and you'll still be happy with it once you do.

Others here will suggest other brands like Nikon, Pentax, etc. What you choose is up to you and what you feel most comfortable with.

[mdmc]

If you are looking for a great bargain, check out keh.com for used cameras. I have just looked and found a cannon A2 and a nikon n8008s, both were bargain grade, for $119.
Bargain grade means that there are some cosmetic defects to the item, but it works perfect.both of these cameras were just a notch below pro level when they were new.
Also there are kits at keh. there was an A2 with a 28-80 macro lens (sigma brand) for $189.
I have saved a tin of money sopping there.
Mark.
btw you will have to spend $15-20 for an owners manual.

http://www.keh.com/shop/brand.cfm?si...&crid=10418852

[another view]

For Nikon, the N8008s is probably the best choice at that price level. It has a lot of more advanced features (like a spot meter and two AF modes) and a bunch of accessories available including different focusing screens. It was replaced by the N90s, which was basically replaced by the F100 so it's been out a while.

I don't think it will autofocus with the newer AFS lenses but you may want to check that out first. It works fine with the AF and AFD lenses though. A 50mm f1.8 can be had brand new for under $100 but I think you might be better off with a 28-80 or so zoom lens for what you're doing. There will be limitations, but having different focal lengths will be important.

Either Nikon or Canon's EOS system (Pentax and Minolta Maxxum too?) will let you grow into a current system without having to start over.

[92135011]

Wanna get good? start with a prime 35 or 50mm.
Go manual. buy used.

Today's SLRs are point and shoot.

[Michael Fanelli]

Today's SLRs are point and shoot.

Totally untrue. Modern SLRs have all modes from fully manual to fully automatic and everything in between. They are a superior investment for beginners who may not fully understand the limitations of buying old used cameras.

[another view]

Modern SLRs have all modes from fully manual to fully automatic and everything in between.

The N8008s was Nikon's first pro-sumer camera to get this right. Think it came out about '92. The current version would either be the N80 or F100, and either would be out of your budget. I've seen decent N8008s bodies go for the $150 range on ebay. Of course this is body only, you'll have to add a lens to it.

[92135011]

Totally untrue. Modern SLRs have all modes from fully manual to fully automatic and everything in between. They are a superior investment for beginners who may not fully understand the limitations of buying old used cameras.

thats right they do have fully manual modes
but the lower end lenses, especially the kit ones, have a flimsy focus ring that is actually hard to handle (too small as well). IMO these types of lenses should only be used for P+S.
If the poster does not like manual I would still suggest used. Many fine AF cameras out there. If you had a camera would you treat it with care? most people do, so its a pretty safe buy most of the time.

[mdmc]

Ahem, excuse me, I suggested a cuppola cameras that are good from a store that I trust. if you're are willing to go used then keh will give you a huge choice. you should shop there if you or somone you know knows a little bit about cameras. their inventory does not collect much dust, I bought my D70 there!
I am a little out of touch with entry level slrs, however, if you must have new, than a cannon rebel is about as good as it gets.
As for lenses I would suggest a 28-105 macro, or a 28- 80 macro, as they cover most of the bases adequately.
Everyones head & heart are in the right place here, but lets just get you started cheap!
If you have any more questions, please ask! You don't usually need to bring you're garden hose.
Mark.