Jwoods wrote:.

I recently decided that I want to dabble in digital photography. Andto be honest, I don't know anything! It's something I've wanted to dofor years!.

Right now the only camera I own is a Nikon CoolPix (which I'm not toofond of lol).What would be a great beginners SLR camera? Not sure what I need justyet. My first classes start in July and I need a camera before then.Also maybe a book? Anything you could suggest?.

I'm wanting to do outdoor photography if that helps any!.

Bryan Peterson's Understanding Expsoure helped me a great deal and is one of the most usefule resources I've found. However, it maybe kind of difficult to great thru if you are really at the starting line. Check out the tutorials on this link for background..

Http://www.shortcourses.com/use/.

Regarding recommendations for a camera - what is your budget?..

My budget?.

Well Not completely sure on that one lol. My brother in law bought his on ebay. If you ebay you know most items are greatly discounted b/c they are used or a display model. I was looking in the $450 range which included Nikon D40 w/18-55 mm lense, Canon Digital Rebel XT SLR Camera + 28-90 Lens Kit, Olympus SP570 UZ Digital Camera, Canon EOS 350D 8.0 Megapixel.....and several others just to give you an idea..

I just don't know what I need. I mainly want to school landscapes, animals, just anything that has to do with outdoors... I don't know what lenses to use either lol. I'm VERY new haha..

Thanks so much!..

Jwoods wrote:.

My budget?Well Not completely sure on that one lol. My brother in law boughthis on ebay. If you ebay you know most items are greatly discountedb/c they are used or a display model. I was looking in the $450 rangewhich included Nikon D40 w/18-55 mm lense, Canon Digital Rebel XT SLRCamera + 28-90 Lens Kit, Olympus SP570 UZ Digital Camera, Canon EOS350D 8.0 Megapixel.....and several others just to give you an idea..

I just don't know what I need. I mainly want to school landscapes,animals, just anything that has to do with outdoors... I don't knowwhat lenses to use either lol. I'm VERY new haha..

Thanks so much!.

The Nikon d40 and kit lens would be a really good choice. (The lens is a critical part of the decision.) The two Canons you listed are the same camera and the Olympus is not a dslr..

I think it's a good idea to keep your investment to a minimum until you learn more..

Edit: A minimum investment would allow you greater flexibility should you want to change brands (altho I have a NIkon and I think you'd really like it and want to stick with it). Also, all the company's continue to add lenses to their lineup so you'd have more choices as well as lower prices on some of the lenses offered today that have been "upgraded."..

That's kind of what I thought...I've always been fond of Nikons, and is also what my husband wants me to get..

Thanks so much for the help!!!!..

Skip the megazoom cameras. It would be better to go with a better P&S with less zoom. The DSLR would give you better results and control..

Decide which photo look you prefer. N & C are different. Also, take a look at the K100D and K200D. They give you more camera to grow with and have built in stabilization. The lack of top panel LCD is one thing that hurts the others. The D40/60 is also hurt by only allowing the use of lenses with the built in focus motor...

If I were starting out today and wanted to keep the initial investment to a minimum the Pentax K100d would be at the top of my list along with the Nikon d40 (but that could be because I am already a Nikon satisfied user)...

The most newbie friendly seems to be Nikon D40. For outdoor photography it's enough the kit lens (which is quite good BTW). Afterwards you may want other lenses but buy them only when you need them..

Other good choices are Pentax K100D, Canon 400D. With Canon I would take the body and a better lens (like the new kit lens for 40D or 450D)..

Anything you'll take it can provide you with very much to learn and a rewarding result.VictorBucuresti, Romaniahttp://s106.photobucket.com/albums/m268/victor_petcu/http://picasaweb.google.com/teodor.nitica/..

Hi,.

You can look at Sony A200 and A300 too, they are chep, renders details better than D60, good low light /high ISO capabilities and most important.. in built mage stabilization. All of my used lenses that I purchase from used shop are automatically stabilized without the premium of VR. In fact you can get good used minolta/maxxum lenses in $100-$200 bracket.ThanksAyan (Sonian)..