What's the best 35mm SLR camera I can buy for about $500 (brand, quality, tips, accessories, etc.)?

Question

Im gonna be taking a class called Intro to Photo Processes and we are required to buy a 35mm SLR, but I have no clue as to what is good for me. I'm more for good quality for a cheap price. I'm not so concerned about buying accessories for it just yet. All I wanna buy for now is the actual camera that satisfies the required 35mm SLR camera. Please make sure that the camera you will suggest will be compatible to accessories that I will add on eventually. Also, are those cameras digital already or with film? I need the digital ones.

Thanks in advance! I appreciate the tips!

Answer 1

Nikon FM 10 with a zoom in the range of 50-200mm.  Tough, reliable, fully manual, no batteries needed and it will let you focus on learning the core skills and techniques of photography.  You may want to buy a lens which will also be fully compatible with DSLRs if you choose to go that route in the future.