What is a good camera for a photojournalist?

Question

I've heard that Canon is the preferred brand for photojournalists. Is this true? And what model?

I'm a photojournalism student, and I want to get a camera that will last me throughout college. I don't have a lot of money. The MAX I can spend is $2,000, but I'd really like to keep it around $1500 (I'll probably buy used).

Answer 1

Canon 40D. If you can find the Canon 5d for that little i would do that instead. However, if you dont really know what camera to get then i understand that you do not have a lot of Photography experience and the 40D would be a much better choice since it is more user friendly and has a lot more automatic settings.

The canon 40D is great because even for action shots it can take up to 6.5 shots per second! Thats just amazing. Also it comes with a very nice lens so you should be ready to shoot out of the box.

There are also a lot of very nice Nikons out there but im not that experienced in the world of Nikon. I hear a lot of good about the nikon D200 which is in your price range.

Answer 2

While Canon is one of the preferred brands, Nikon is also used by photojournalists.  Actually the Nikon D3 is becoming the camera of choice because of its superior high ISO performance (the Nikon D700 is currently being tested by many editorial and sports photographers)

For your budget, the Nikon D300 will get you through school, but I am surprised that your school is not starting you out using 35 mm film in order to hone your photographic skills before going digital.  For under $200 a good used Nikon or Canon 35 mm SLR can be purchased and after a few classes in traditional photography, the transition to digital is much smoother and by buying the DSLR that matches the lenses you have purchased for your camera system, you will only have to buy the camera.

If you check craigslist, you may find a good used Nikon D200 with lens for under $1200 (I just sold one of mine for that price with 24-85 mm lens)

Answer 3

My camera has 5.2 mega pixel, but I use 3 most of the time because it gives great results, is faster, and takes less memory. Also, it only has a 3 x optical zoom and 7x digital zoom. I never use the digital zoom because making pictures larger works better on the computer. This is an old camera, but everyone is impressed with the quality pictures it takes ... like magic. Check with the Geeks in several stores and compare prices. Ask what cameras they own. Once you select a camera read all about it in the owner's manual.

Many of the new cameras come with only an LCD display. Would suggest that you find one that has an optical view finder because the LCD is almost impossible to see in bright sun.

FUJIFILM - FinePix 10.0-Megapixel Digital at $249 is more camera for the money and would pass for a low end professional camera. You could spend any amount on a camera, but this would be a good start.  You may change your mind or be required to use a particular camera in your classes.

Wide-angle shooting, a 12x optical zoom and picture stabilization mode combine in this camera for exceptional shooting performance, even at a distance. Plentiful scene modes, autofocus and automatic white balance controls make this camera a snap to operate. Life time Warranty (Parts & Labor)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?... ...

The first link below will provide lots of information on most of the old and new cameras available today.

The second link will help you learn to clean the camera and battery contacts on any camera you buy. Digital Cameras require lots of power. If the contacts are not really good it can cause lots of problems.