Quote Originally Posted by walterick
Hello Alex -

The camera you linked to is a manual camera, meaning there is no auto focusing option. It may have auto-exposure but no auto focusing.

The Nikon FM10 is a decent camera. But I would skip right over it and look for an FM2N, F3, or maybe an FE2. These are top-level Nikons no longer made but still incredible, indestructible cameras. For the best used prices on these (in various conditions) go to keh.com. Other good ones are bhphotovideo.com and adorama.com.

But you are looking for an automatic camera, which puts these Nikons just mentioned behind you. You can find good, used fully automatic Nikons (automatic meaning auto-focus AND auto-exposure) on any of the above sites - look for the 6006 and 8008s. They are older but capable cameras. I own the 8008s and don't miss much from other newer cameras. They should be in yoru price range.

I am sticking with Nikon for you because I believe it to be a good investment - it's one of only 2 cameras in which you can use manual-focus lenses on automatic bodies, and vice-versa. Pentax is the only other brand. Canon and Minolta cannnot swap manual-automatic bodies/lenses.

The other thing I am going to recommend to you is looking at the newer Nikons, a bit outside your price range - the N65, N55, and newer N75 are GREAT, beginner-level cameras with more features than you can shake a stick at. They are beginning to come online used so look around a but for them. I'd say this is the best way to go initially then upgrade your camera body and lenses as you go. The 50mm 1.8 is definitly a good choice, but a zoom lens is also good for when you're snap-shooting.

Look around, check the reviews here and have fun!

Rick
Hey Walter, I'm sorry when I said automatic I meant auto exposure. Manual focus is a plus but not necessary. Knowing this, could you recommend a decent set of camera's for me or would you recommend I stick with what you mentioned? The ability to later use a auto lense if I wanted to would be a neat feature however...