I would like to but a professional camera...I need help

Question

I am looking for one that is very inexpensive..nothing too overboard. I was thinking about a price range from $400-600, and suggestions/details I need to know before I get one. And if you know of one that is really good that you would recommend, that would be greatly appreciated. I really need help with this. Thanks!

Answer 1

Of the four cameras you picked out, I'd choose between the Nikon or the Canon.

The Sony and Olympus are OK.

Now, go to the store and play a bit with each cam.  They're similar cameras, but you'll probably find that the Nikon is a bit easier to handle. Especially if you have smaller hands. You might find the Canon somewhat clumsy.

Don't buy online until you know exactly what you want.

BTW, none of the above is considered a professional camera. They're all entry level DSLRs.

(though a friend of mine recently had her shots published, few came from a Nikon D70 and a couple from a P&S Nikon E5400, go figure)

Answer 2

Any ProAm/Profession DSLR will run you $1000+ for the body alone, and you will need to built a collection of lens and accessories to go with the body.

Canon EOS-1D Mark III and Nikon D3 are the 2 best current model Professional DSLR on the market which start at $5000 level.

For $10k you can have a Medium Format Hasselblad.

For $600, you should set your target at the high-end P&S bridge camera, such as Nikon P60, Canon G9, Olympus SP570-UZ etc.

There is no such thing is "CHEAP" professional grade products.  

Answer 3

Have you held them all in your hands and see how the felt to you?

Here is some information that may help you decide.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40...

and

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.h...

Answer 4

Of the cameras you listed I would go with the Nikon D40 or the Canon Rebel XT. I would also look at the XTi. You should be able to get that for a little over $600.

If you wont go over $600 then I would go with the Nikon. The Canon is a great camera but it is an older model. There are 3 newer versions of this camera. It has also been discontinued. Nikon and Canon are the leading camera manufacturers and will have many more lenses and accesories than the others.

Answer 5

Of the 4 cameras you referenced, only the Sony A200 has Image Stabilization in the camera body. This means that every lens you use will have that benefit. Nikon and Canon require that you pay extra for an image stabilized lens.

While others may rave about the vast number of lenses available for Canon or Nikon, remember that you can use every legacy Minolta Maxxum AF lens made since 1985 with the A200. Of course, with the in-camera image stabilization of the A200 all those lenses will benefit from that. There is also a Carl Zeiss line of lenses available for the Sony DSLR line.

For approximately $100.00 more you can buy the Sony A300 which has Live View that actually works with the auto focus. The benefit is the screen and be flipped down if you need to hold the camera over your head to take a picture (think about being in a crowd at a parade) or flipped up if you have your camera at ground level.

IMO, your best choice would be the Sony A300.

Answer 6

Well by "professional" I assume you mean DSLR. So you're looking at a Pentax K200D perhaps, or maybe a Nikon D40x. Something in that range. Personally I'd recommend the K200D between those two, because its relatively cheap, better autofocus, has lcd on top like all real DSLR's do, has a better menu system, etc.

Don't forget any extra lenses. If you're talking DSLR, just buy the cheapest possible and spend the rest on a great lens. Lenses are more important than bodies anyway.

Edit: I saw your additional information. Between those I'd go with the A200 as it has a better kit lens and in-camera image stabilization so you don't have to spend more on stabilized lenses later.