AmberShanae1985

I am very passionate 28 yr old female from TX. Ive been infront of a camera all of my life and about a few years ago I took an interest in photography myself. Ive never had a good camera because I've never really been able to afford one. Im very creative and a fast learner and I have a budget of about $200 - $300 to buy me a camera to start learning with. I mostly take portraits, close ups, black n whites... does anyone have any suggestions on which camera would suit me the best... even if I have to use this money for a down payment for a layaway I will if jiggle costs tho much too buy it out right. I just want to be able to spend my money wisely n be happy with what I get. I really like cannon alot... but I'm open to any suggestions...

self portrait

(Download)

jaytay (pictures of a friend)

(Download)

self portrait

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

Canon SX-50 which acts like a dSLR but has a permanently attached very long high-quality zoom so you don't have to buy more lenses later. You'll probably find it for around $400 brand new. Excellent camera for everybody whether you're learning or experienced.

Another one is the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 which is a little higher at around $500 but it's exceptional as well.

Looks like you scared off all the prudish geezer and femal photographers with the words "passionate" "jiggle" and your photos!

Hope this helps.

Thombar Loc: Hominy, OK

Hi Amber,
Hate to burst your bubble but you will have a difficult time finding a Canon DSLR in that price range. Might try eBay or Amazon for used ones. Or perhaps a decent Point & Shoot in that price range. Looks like you have some talent here so save a bit longer and buy a camera will all the bells & whistles. I love my Canon T3 and it's an entry level but almost $400.

mechengvic Loc: SoCalo

My only suggestions are to find a camera with manual controls (shutter speed and Fstop), and the ability to shoot in RAW. Good luck!

Rongnongno Loc: FL

For a 'serious' camera this is too low a budget, sorry.

AmberShanae1985

Stupid smart phone cant spell... haha ... didn't intend tho scare anyone off...

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Looked at those shots; very beautiful woman/very shitty camera

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

The olympus XZ-2 is an outstanding advanced bridge camera, and is on sale for $299. You'll be hard pressed to find a more feature rich camera. I used to own the previous version of it (xz-1).

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If you buy used (ebay) or refurbished, you will save money and get a better camera than what the same money would get you new.

Do you like a viewfinder, or can you use an LCD monitor? A camera that lets you make adjustments will give you more leeway in creativity. You might also want to use different lenses, so a DSLR would be the way to go for that.

Since you like Canon, why not limit your searching to that brand. Now decide if you want a DSLR or not. Once you make that choice, you can begin to narrow down your options.

A purchase like this must be broken down into many small decisions.

RaydancePhoto

Hi and welcome to UHH.

Unfortunately, most of the replies you will get about which camera to buy is going to be the brand that the poster shoots with. For your budget, a good used bridge camera would be your best bet. A DSLR would just be a lot more money even used. Look on Ebay and CraigsList for used bridge cameras. If you are not familiar with bridge, it is a camera between a point/shoot and a DSLR. It has one fixed lens, usually a zoom, built in flash and pretty good quality. Canon SX-50 is one that a lot here really love but a bit over your budget @ 350.00 to 400.00. The sx-50 is a lot of camera for the money.

RaydancePhoto

Good advice.

JPL

Look for a used Nikon D80 or D200 with kit lens or a 50 mm f 1.8, both are very good cameras. You need to find a good copy with low shutter count and then you should be well equipped within your budget.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Amber, welcome to the Hog.
If you want to come and live with me, I'll teach you everything you need to know, and you can just use my camera. I'm sure my wife will not mind, afterall, she lets me stay here. :lol:
Seriously, If you live in a populated area, I would check Craig's List and find an inexpensive camera with kit lens that you can afford. Some of the older Canon Rebels are pretty cheap, as are things like a Canon 20d.
For sure, stay away from anything that is not a DSLR. If you were to take a college class, most will not even let you in without a DSLR.
I am in a college pro curriculum and most of the young students shoot with inexpensive Canon Rebels or the equivilant, and they can produce stunning results with their inexpensive gear. It's not about the gear, but your abilities to creatively apply composition and lighting.
Keep in mind that a camera on layaway will teach you absolutely nothing! Better a good used camera in your price range and using it. You can always trade up.
My next advice is to go to your local JC and start taking classes. Just shooting won't make you better. You need proper training and evaluation. It's a very, very long road to go on your own.
So what camera, any DSLR in your price range, whether new or used. For what you showed, you will need a zoom in about 35-85 range and preferably an auxiliary flash and a couple 5 in 1 reflectors. To start you could diffuse the flash that comes on the camera, but need the ability to turn it off.
Good luck and glad to help.
Again, welcome. ;-)
SS

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

Just kidding... :-D

Look at the Canon SX-50... It has manual ability, aperture priority, shutter priority, and fully automatic so it's a great thing for learning by starting out fully automatic and then working your way toward manual shooting. I've seen a lot of professional quality results from that camera so I know it's excellent. Use the "search" link above, type in SX-50, and you'll get a ton of topic threads to read on that camera specifically. The vast majority are going to be very favorable.

By the way, always use the "quote reply" button when replying so we know who you're talking to! Good luck.

busted_shutter

Curious...lol...What price-range do "serious cameras" start at? Now you got me wondering...maybe I don't have a "serious camera". Maybe I'm just joking around with what I got....All I could afford...so unless I befall a windfall....I'm stuck.