The best value I think would be a new Canon Rebel XT (350D)..
Bill.
Shoot liberally!..
Normally I recommend the Nikon D40 for it's user friendliness for beginners (it lets you take pictures that "pop" just using the basic functions. Check out http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown).
But you seem like you might be a more advanced user, so also check out the Canon Digital Rebel 400D (slightly above your price range with the kit lens), the Pentax k100d and the Olympus evolt 550..
Best of luck...
If so, you can probably find great deals on used Canon 300D's (aka Canon Digital Rebel) or Canon 350D's (aka Canon Digital Rebel XT). There are also some Nikon D50's which may be sold by people upgrading to D80s and D200s. These cameras are only 2-3 years old, but will still take excellent pictures..
By saving money this way, this will help you spend money for more important things:- A good photographic course that covers composition, exposure, and lighting.
- A membership at a good photographic club where you can really learn through other photographers.
Any of these will help you far more than buying the latest and greatest camera body. After all, many greate photographs are not defined by the equipment used, but by the skill of the photographer..
With regards to your rechargeable batteries, were you using AA batteries? I know some older Olympus models would used if them. If so, give the Sanyo Eneloop batteries a try. They only self-discharge 15-20% per year, and work much better than other NiMH batteries..
Ariese wrote:.
Hello,.
I am very interested in buying a digital SLR camera but have had noexperience at all with SLR's.
My past two digital cameras (point and shoot) have been Olympus'and I loved them for their picture quality, however I hated thefact that I was constantly having to change my rechargablebatteries..
I'm looking in the 400-800 range, for a camera easily accessiblefor a beginner but at the same time advanced enough that I will beable to use it for a long time and still be happy with it.Basically I am looking for a great quality camera with great valuefor it's price..
I am up for any recommendations!..
Tycfung wrote:.
If so, you can probably find great deals on used Canon 300D's (akaCanon Digital Rebel) or Canon 350D's (aka Canon Digital Rebel XT)..
My advise would be to ignore the canon 300D. It has no where near the capability of the 350D which I found out recently is for sale new at B&H photo with the kit lens 18-55 f3.5-5.6 for $600..
Basically in terms of quality both canon and nikon are excellent (and people say good things about pentax and olympus too). Try before you buy as handling is very important...
You should definitely consider the PENTAX K100: So good for such a low price. It beats definitely all C*/N* camera, question price/performance/quality...
Pentax K100D, as it has one of the best IQ at high ISOs, and has in-body image-stabilisation feature (akin to having cheap virtual tripod). It is also one of the smaller DSLRs and has top LCD for ease of changing important settings. All that for $488! (amazon).
Ariese wrote:.
I'm looking in the 400-800 range, for a camera easily accessiblefor a beginner but at the same time advanced enough that I will beable to use it for a long time and still be happy with it.Basically I am looking for a great quality camera with great valuefor it's price..
Regards, Ajayhttp://picasaweb.google.com/ajay0612..
Charlie DavisNikon 5700 & Sony R1CATS #25PAS Scribe @ http://www.here-ugo.com/PAS_List.htmHomePage: http://www.1derful.info'I brake for pixels...'..