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What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 11:03 pm
by hands2heaven
Hello, I am interested in photography and would like to invest in a digital camera. So many brands, functions and really confused... Could someone please recommend/share their experience with their camera? What is the most important thing to check while shopping for one? My budget is under USD1000. Thanks!

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 7:10 am
by namratasnv
Canon PowerShot A580 is good entry level digital camera which adds image stabilization and manual controls that are good for you to take images and there are some other good digital cameras also, and it is good for those who are new to digital photography. this is good to use with ease and comfort too.

Thanks!

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:13 am
by prinothcat
Start by defining what it is you want your camera to do. Are you going to snap family stuff and the like? Then a Point and shoot is probably a good bet. You think you want to have the advantage of various lenses for different tasks then you are probably looking for a DSLR. Once you define your needs and desires as far as the type of photos you are going to take the decision process becomes less complex. I know of at least one pro who shots a Canon PAS and claims to get better results than with his DSLR's.. Right now I believe there is a special on Nikon D-40's at Adorama camera out of NYC (see the where to buy thread for info on these guys.. they're well respected) for body, starter lens and some goodies for sub 550$US. This is a solid entry DSLR, and would introduce you to the options that DSLR's offer. Other wise the Canon PAS mentioned is very good.

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:37 am
by heez10
You have to walk before you run, the Canon Powershot series is excellent, get one that has the optical viewfinder, such as the A580, A720, A1000 IS or A 1100 IS.

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 10:28 am
by ejensen99
I don't know if dSLRs are a bit too advanced to begin with but if not you might wan't to check out this homepage they have got some good advice on Nikon dSLRS and lensens:

http://ttf.dk/English/Home.aspx

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:31 am
by phodeaux
My introduction to digital photography was with the Canon PowerShot G1. The latest iteration the PowerShot G11 is top notch along with its smaller sibling the PowerShot S90. Both produce excellent images and provide flexibility or raw images as well as manual control of basic functions. Many pros and advanced amateurs use these for always available cameras. The S90 fits in a shirt pocket and the G11 in a jacket pocket. You can learn a lot about photography with either of these cameras and then decide if you need to go to a DSLR. You can buy either of these with your budget and add memory cards,tripod, external flash and other accessories.

BTW, the best camera is the one you have with you. You will only occasionally cary a DSLR due to size and weight. You can always carry one of these. Good luck.

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 11:28 pm
by jdrumheller
Yes, I really liked the Canon s95 (~340.00 USD) and the Canon Powershot G6 (Less than $100 used!) for learning how a more complex (full manual) camera worked but still having digital, the hotshoe, etc. I have about 100 GB of Canon G6 photos still sitting around, and they are 10x better than people using similar P&S cameras at the same event (esp low light).

I've since had a Digital Rebel, 20D, 60D, and 7D DSLR body with all sorts of L series lenses (for 500x the price), and learned less than I did with the simpler models.

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:24 am
by septembermorn
I cannot say enough about Canon's Powershot series. I started with a Powershot G5 and to this day have not found a camera that is best overall for zoom, wide angle and true color. I now use the Canon 40D but still compare it to my G5 which I have just about worn out.

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:22 pm
by cits_4_pets
Check out the reviews on DPReview.com Also do a search here on pBase for the cameras you are considering so you can see their results.

It was on DPReview that read I reviews several years ago and decided on the Panasonic FZ18, a superzoom that had full manual controls. Has it drawbacks as it is noisy in low light and the manual focusing is horrid. No hot shoe for flash. Image stabilization is pretty good, just the past week shot a few of my bathrooms being remodeled and handheld some shots. It was used for 99% of the images in my galleries.
I have neck problems so needed a light weight camera, my Nikon SLR was too heavy with telephoto. The Panny has done better bird shots than the Nikon cause of the IS.

The micro four thirds look promising to me...thinking of the Panny G3. Kit is only about 600 and have read positive reviews.

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:52 pm
by amoxtli
I suppose I am old school, but I don't believe in Point and shoot Cameras to learn photography. I believe in looking through the viewfinder and learning to see light. So I would recommend the entry level Nikon and Canon DSLR's:

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-prosumer-dslr-cameras/

Beside the advantage of composing through the view finder, you have the use of an in-camera light meter and you can learn to photograph in Aperture, Shutter and Manual Modes. Plus you have the advantage of interchangeable lenses. Lastly, I think DSLR's gave far better ergonomics than the smaller cameras. Most important thing is to have fun. Just my $0.02. :D

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 12:34 pm
by septembermorn
I began in 2004 with a Canon Powershot G5 and even though I graduated to a Canon 40D with several lenses, I still am partial to the Powershot. It has the truest color of all cameras and has a nice wide angle. Many of my photos taken with the Powershot have been requested for Travel books and Calendars, proving that it is not "just a point and shoot" as some camera snobs like to say. You cannot beat the Camera Powershot in my book.

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 11:23 am
by willrountree
Look at the advances in mirrorless digital camera, they may be the future. Exam and read reviews on all.

Re: What is a good entry level digital camera?

PostPosted: Wed May 27, 2020 11:16 am
by wyk
I agree with Will. I would select a Panasonic or Olympus system.
They are affordable, high quality, light weight, have a wide array of lens options, and can be had from point and shoot all the way up to pro level body's.
They both also come with excellent photo editing software as well, and have several user's groups you can follow and learn from.
Then take lots and lots of photos.