BLACKHAWK

HELLO FORUM IN JANUARY I WILL START COLLEGE MY MAJOR WILL OF COURCE (PHOTOGRAPHY). SO I NEED YOUR HELP OR ADVICE IN WHAT TYPE OF CAMERA SHOULD I PURCHASE FOR THIS PROGRAM. IT WILL TAKE ME 2 YEARS TO GET MY DEGRREM SO I WANT TO BUY A CAMERA THAT I CAN USE NOW AND LATER.MY INSTRUCTOR ONLY REGUIRES A POINT N SHOOT WITH 5 MEGAPIXAL AND JPEG. NEED HELP, THANKS/

ltruex Loc: Waco TX

The suggestion made by your instructor, seems resonable for starting photography, for it permits you use of light weight tripods, and get a camera that would permit screw on diopters for closeup works, a mild zoom would be helpful and just have fun. Don't go serious till you know how you feel about the demands made on serious photographers. I would suggest look at Canon or Nikon (resale value is fair) and find it on e-bay if possible. Larry

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Why not stick with a P&S but get one around 10-12 mp's... There is nothing wrong with PS's and you will learn more of what you really want in due time.... If you go out now and plunk out 6-800 bucks for a good SLR, it might not be the one that would fit your likes/dislikes....
As Larry said above, ebay is where you will find the best buys...

ltruex Loc: Waco TX

I was suggesting a P&S that is small, light weight good for family and friends and no lens exchange, but they do get expensive even in that category of camera. Never would I suggest a SLR with exchange lens until you know how you feel about the study. Larry

Adirondack Hiker Loc: Southern Adirondacks

I would look at refurbished dslr's from an established dealer. The cost would be similar to a good p&s, but also suit your needs later on.

1eyedjack

A good "bridge" camera will work well for you for your
courses, and it will work into the future. I would recommend
that you take a grammar course also. LOL

dragonfist Loc: Stafford, N.Y.

Go with what the instructor recommended. He or she has probably seen many students invest a lot of money into equipment only to discover photography really isn't their cup of tea. The instructor may also want you to start out with something very basic in order to learn composition, lighting, and a myriad of other things that can be done without an expensive camera. Not only that but digital photography has a pretty steep learning curve and going into it with a complicated camera will only make it more difficult to learn the basics. A P&S camera is much easier to understand than a DSLR with all the bells and whistles.
Good luck and I do not say this in a derogatory manner but be sure to include a good English course along with the photography courses. If you will be working with the public it will serve you well.

BBNC

If looking at e-bay, read every word and buy from someone who allows returns. I have been crawling e-bay looking for lenses and many vendors do not allow returns. Some of the e-bay vendors are established camera shops in their local area, more likely to not pass off a pig in a poke.

Used equipment vendors like KEH, B&H Photo, and Adorama stand behind what they sell.

BBNC

Oh, by the way...the Canon SX30 has been supplanted by the SX40. You might find a good deal on a new SX30. They were $400 retail.

frederdane Loc: Orlando, FL

Yes, a Canon SX30is or the SX40 would seem to be a good choice, as one person recommended below.

Going to college? Turn off CAPS LOCK, pay attention to stuff like spelling, grammar, and punctuation in your writing.

jackinkc Loc: Kansas City

Unless you are wealthy, I would go with the instructor's suggestions for now. You can always buy a DSLR after you are more certain of your actual needs.

smartet

I am not going to reccomend a brand as that will open up a can of worms from Cannon verses Nikon users etc. I personally have a Nikon.
Get at camera with at least 10 megapixels. A DSLR camera kit with two lenses is a good start and will carry you along ways.

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Blackhawk,
If the instructor requires a minimum of 5 megapixels and that it can be a point and shoot, then I recommend the Canon SX40. This is a super zoom "bridge" camera that has been out on the market just a very short while. I have had other point-and-shoots made by Fujifilm and, although they take great pictures, I still believe that the SX40 is a bit better and shows less noise in the photos. Here are the reasons I like it: it is easy to operate, the menu is easy to navigate, the lens has the 35mm equivalent of 24-840mm, and the lens has a hotshoe for flash as well as being able to attach 67mm filters. Pictures are outstanding. The cost is mid-300's to 400 dollars. I got mine at Walmart for $375.00. This is one camera that will be great to learn from (it has all kinds of settings, including manual) and will make you appreciate photography immensely. If you would like to read more about it, here is the link to Canon's website:

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx40_hs

As for the photos, there is no editing of any kind and, yes, the long-range picture does show noise a little bit and some purple fringing, but it's still decent enough for a point-and-shoot.

I think this is a Blue Heron; sitting about 10 feet from the bird


Showcases the SX40's 840mm reach; I'm actually standing about 1 mile away from this scene!


My wife LOVES squirrels so I had to take this. Notice the beautiful detail!

BLACKHAWK

You know what they say about teaching and old dog tricks,well i"m 54 and ready to learn more and i appreciate your advise as far as grammar, one of my courses in the spring is fund of public speaking. I'm hoping this will help me out as well, once a marine always a marine ,meaning the tone in my voice lead people to believe that I'm rude, also 23 years as a cop.thanks for your advice.

BLACKHAWK

My grammar must really be bad,almost every reply has suggested i take a grammar course,so with that said, i thank all for your comments,Grammar for breakfast,lunch and dinner. so until my gammar improves ,excuse my grammar for now . lol