n00b post

[Andy]

i just got this in a pm from a new dgrinner :wave mr. anonymous :D

hello! i thought i'd ask your advice. i'm [possibly] looking to buy my first 'real' camera but i don't really know what to look for. i'm also a broke college student so getting something very nice isn't in the books for me quite yet. any suggestions as to an affordable camera (a few hundred dollars -ish) --should i look for a digital or 35mm? i'm really interested in using lenses but i really don't know if the 'cheaper' cameras will do any justice. thanks!

ok forum, :ear

[wxwax]

Go digital, you only have to buy your film once. You can find free software online with which to process the shots.

You'll end up buying the camera, a card reader and some flash memory cards.

Buy an inexpensive Canon, Sony or Nikon that's in your price range. If you can, look for a camera that has as many manual controls as you can get, so you can develop your skills.

If you're not hung-up on buying new, get a used camera that has more features. Hang around the Fred Miranda site for a couple of weeks, and you'll see some. For example, someone's currently selling a Canon G2 that's in your price range, a fine starter camera. And the Canon Forums also have a flea market where good, used cameras are sold. Be smart and cautious and you can get a good deal on an older generation camera that has more features.