Some recommendations please?

[Bob]

Originally Posted by Will

Yes, I think you should go to a DSLR (Or you could get film). Unless! Your not really into photography (But I think you are)


As for your price question. Theres a D50 which is about $500 (on amazon), I know theres at least 1 person here with a D50 (photojazz) and i think Bob said his wife had one. Ive never used the D50 but I've read some reviews (I was looking into the D50 before I got the D80) and it seemed like a great camera

Yup, the D50 is a kick-ass camera for the money. There starting to show up more on the used market as well (check KEH.com). I've made beautiful 16X20 images from that camera with the kit lens.

Ellie: If you can, keep your P&S if you get a dslr. Having a P&S handy is always a good thing. I knda hate myself for giving away my Canon P&S a few months back, but it went to a good cause...

[Ellie]

Taylor, Thanks so much for explaining that to me! i truly was lost! :-)
I have come to a one decision...i am going to wait a bit. Im still gonna keep my eye out but just kinda wait and save to make sure i get the best camera for the money! You guys have really persuaded me into seriously considering a DSLR! the only thing is then you have to buy a flash and a lens an stuff and it just adds up really quickly!! You think it is okay to not get a new one taylor? Is that safe? Anyone else have any opinions on buying a used camera? THank you all! Youve been very helpful!

[Bob]

Ellie,

When buying used there is always some level of risk, which is why I suggested KEH in Atlanta. Their condition rating system is VERY conservative. I've bought gear from them that was considered (in their eyes) as "bargain" grade which looked and worked almost as good as new. I've bought a lot of gear on ebay as well, but that is always a riskier proposition unless you have a firm money back guarantee.

The basic 18-55 kit lens will give you an excellent start and you probably won't really need anything else for quite a while. You will get tired of the popup flash (yuck), but there is nothing saying you HAVE to spend $325.00 on an SB-800 either. There are a LOT of flash units, new and used, that will do an excellent job for between $50 and $100. Once you start using flash off camera, you'll find a whole new world opening up!

Lighting gear doesn't have to be expensive. Check out Strobist. It's a blog written by David Hobby (a shooter for the Baltimore Sun) that is ALL about portable, off camera lighting on the cheap.

As an example, I won an ebay auction today for another Metz 45CT-1 flash for about $25.00. This is a flash that is much more powerful than the Nikon SB-800, it just doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles. For $25, I don't care if it can't dance...

[Ellie]

Yeah Bob i am gonna give my camera away to someone who could really use it. Thats the only thing that to me makes it okay to sepnd so much mula on a camera ;-) anyway i will just probbaly use the pop up flash for a while at least and the lens ( if it comes with one) that it comes with. does body only mean no fextra flash and no lens? Does it have a built in flash? I dont need any equipment im not planning on making this my profession although i do love it! So like i said im not positive about this yet. i am waiting for some feedback from some other people that i know who are into photography. thanks everyone for all your help!!!!

[Bob]

Body only is just that, the body. I'd opt for the kit with the lens though, it'll save some $$$ buying it that way. The body does have a popup flash. It's really not THAT bad, but you can do so much more with a "real" flash.

[Taylor]

Hey Ellie glad I could help you see the light on DSLRs.

I agree with Bob, get one with a lense

Also, do ebay! Its got great deals, you just have to make surethe seller has good feedback!

[Ellie]

body means no lens right? so a kit comes with...? a lens? a flash? both?
The only thing about going this route is ill have to wait a little longer. but (drumroll) I am gonna get a DSLR( unless my uncle says that i shouldnt)! I am very excited! I just have to keep researching and saving! Thanks for convincing me i cant wait to get it!

[Will]

Originally Posted by Ellie

body means no lens right? so a kit comes with...? a lens? a flash? both?
The only thing about going this route is ill have to wait a little longer. but (drumroll) I am gonna get a DSLR( unless my uncle says that i shouldnt)! I am very excited! I just have to keep researching and saving! Thanks for convincing me i cant wait to get it!

it always comes with the popup flash



body only



with lens

[Bob]

Will, how utterly graphic of you! ;-)

[Ellie]

THank you Will! I see now! So what do lenses run in price? Thanks!