Best camera for me, looking for some help please

I recently decided that I should get a digital SLR since I am thinking about continuing photography as as career choice. Problem is Im only a beginner and dont have alot of cash. Im almost positive I wont be able to afford anything over $700 (cheaper would be fantastic).
Ive worked a bit with Pentax camera through my school, and my local camera shop has a Pentax, a Sigma, and a Nikon SLR (all within the $600 price range).
Im just looking for a little help in my search for a new camera, so if anyone out there has anything to contribute, please, Id love to hear it.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan on May 27, 2008 at 9:40am: Honest suggestion... Nikon D40x or D60. They're reeeally good. I have those and bigger ones also (Nikon and Canon mostly), but those two are (for me) peeerfect for beginner DSLR users ;-) Easy yet they can produce awesome (really) pictures :-D Hey, I often use those for my projects ;-) Good luck Colton! ;-D; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Richard S. on May 27, 2008 at 4:19pm: Nikon and Pentax usually produce great cameras. I don't have any experience with Sigmas.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Earl E. Gibson on May 27, 2008 at 10:28pm: Colton,

Here are a few URLs for you to look through.

http://photo.net/equipment/building-a-digital-slr-system

http://kenrockwell.com/tech/nikon-vs-canon.htm

http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/canon-vs-nikon.html

http://photo.net/equipment/canon/

http://photo.net/equipment/nikon/

I am a Canon fan, but I do like Nikon as a second choice. There are a lot of sites you can get in Google by searching the various name brands you have mentioned. The sites above are only a sampling of what is out there. You can get a decent camera and lens for less then $700 if that is what you want.

Later,
Earl; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Istvan Nemeth on May 28, 2008 at 5:51am: I suggest Nikon D40X or D60. Very good cameras with very good price. (Unfortunately, ain't got no money for one of its.); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Colton Wheeler on May 28, 2008 at 7:35am: Thanks you all for your help, I appreciate it; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jeff on May 28, 2008 at 11:16am: Walmart offers a NIkon with a lense in the$450.00 dollar range if you are look9ng for some thing in the $200.00 price range I would receomnd the Fuji S700 I own this model andit offers a number of features and excellent quality photos. I would higily recomend this camrea as a starter camera.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Alan Edney on May 31, 2008 at 4:59am: I've recently bought my first digital SLR and am more than happy with my Pentax K10D. You can get them in the UK for about £400ish but I don't know how that equates to US dollars or if they're cheaper over there. Everything seems expensive over here.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Maeda on June 7, 2008 at 6:06am: I have no experience in Fujifilm cameras. But I find one to be nice. It's a Fujifilm FinePix S5700. It features the impressive 10x optical zoom Fujinon lens and a 7 megapixel performance which allows you to enjoy close up photos. The ISO expands up to 1600 and delivers clear image with minimal noise and blur even in difficult conditions like low-light or moving subjects. This camera looks like a mini DSLR and is really good for starters! The price is about 175 US-dollars although I am really not sure about the price.. xD; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michael on June 23, 2008 at 4:34pm

I have the Nikon D40, I feel it's a little better than the D40x and less expensive too! But I don't have an inexpensive lens on it. I am usint the nikon 28-70 f2.8 AF-S. one sample image...... (you can see more in my album)

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Permalink Reply by Jelderkc on June 25, 2008 at 4:29pm: You might want to look into Olympus DSLR's. The price is right and they have impressed me and several of my friends. I was a Die-Hard Nikon fan and now I am really religious about Olympus. The prices are right in line (if you shop right) and they'll give Nikon & Canon a good run for the money. There are currently more than 21 good lens's available for Olympus DSLR's and like I said, it's an impressive line-up.

Jeff (Jelderkc) . . .; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rina Kupfer on June 25, 2008 at 7:13pm: Well I'm using Olympus E-410 and it's a great camera, we got it on E.bay with 2 ED zuiko lenses and bag and cards and lots of other things for arround $600.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jeff on August 18, 2008 at 8:24pm: I would suggest that no matter what type of camera you decide upon make sure to ask what the repair policy is, is nd if they have additional coverage for accendental damage. I recently dropped my camera causing extensive damge and the polcy I purchesed covered the repair or replacment of the camera, the camera was reparied and return with in 48 hours.. Most of the policy only cover workmenship, but there are a few that carry the extra protection. The plan I have thoght Ritz Camera covers water damage, dropping the camera iand almost intensenal damage for up to 5 years.. except thief, fire, and cosmatic damage. I would highly sdvise figure a little extra into your camera budget for a plan like this.; ▶ Reply to This