What is a good SLR digital and film camera to buy?

Question

I only used a SLR film camera in high school, Pentax K100. I plan on majoring in Photography and I love black and white photography so a film camera is must for me. Even though I lack access to a dark room, I just have to hope that costco is good at developing pics.

I want to buy a better quality film camera but similar to the one is I used in high school.

I realized that I have get with digital SLR now so I want to invest in a digital SLR as well. I know Canon and Nikon are top choice. Any advice on how to choose a good quality basic camera?

thx!

Answer 1

I good film camera. Get yourself another Pentax K1000. Well if you can find one. You see them on Craigslist often enough (at least in my area).

As far as digital SLRs go if you get a newer one they are all pretty good. The biggest difference is the user interface. The menus are set up differently on different manufacturers. Find one that works with your brain/feels right. To do that your going to have to go to a camera store and look at a few.

If your planning on using the lenses on both film and digital you will need to ask about the specific brands. Its too much to put in here about all the brands. But find the digital camera you like and then find a compatible film camera that takes the same lenses.

Answer 2

Take a hard look at the Pentax DSLR's (K200 and K20D) they can interchange lenses with your film body (K1000). There are a few lenses that are digital specific, but any film lens with work fine on both systems.

Answer 3

Now is an excellent time to buy either a Nikon or Canon 35 mm SLR camera to use while attending college.  Most photo courses do not introduce digital imagery to the student until they have demonstrated their complete understanding of exposure, design and composition and printing skills to the satisfaction of their instructors.

Right now on craigslist, you should be able to find some good used Nikon and Canon 35 mm SLR's with a good general purpose lens for under $200 .. in many cases less.

Start there and soon your skills will be good enough to work on your colleges newspaper