Cameras? Professional Photographers please!?

Question

Ok... so I'm not a professional photographer but I want to be one. I'm dirt poor and I'm looking for a good starter digital camera. Right now I own a Kodak Easy Share Z612. I bought it brand new for about $300 and it came as a package deal. I am looking for something between $300-$700. Nothing to fancy, but something that will take quality pictures and isn't just a snap and shoot. I know all about aperture settings and am pretty good at night shots when I remember how to use the setting. Any ideas? Professional photographers would be better for an answer. Thank you!

Answer 1

Take a look at any of the entry level DSLR cameras, in particular the Canon XT and XTi and the Nikon D40 and D60, they fall into your price range, and offer room for growth with photography, both Canon and Nikon offer a wide array of lenses and other accessories.  

Go to http://dpreview.com and compare the different entry level cameras side by side. Then read the reviews.  Lastly, go to a real camera store (not Best Buy or Wal Mart) and handle the different cameras, try them with different lenses, and buy the one which fits you best.