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.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by G. SULPICIO on August 19, 2008 at 6:33am: canon rebel xsi great camera...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by KelleyJo Bruenning on September 1, 2008 at 6:42pm: Yay for the Canon Rebel XSi; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Diane Phillips on August 19, 2008 at 5:18pm: I also had a limited budget when I had to decide which dSLR to purchase. I chose the Pentax K10D (10 megapixel), but Pentax has brought out the next model (14 megapixel). One of the main reasons I chose Pentax over the Canon and Nicon was that the camera body itself had the image stabilization, not the individual lens as Canon does. Even my older k-mount lens would benefit from that technology (though of course not auto). Having the stability feature in the lenses makes them more expensive.

Another reason was the many weather seals on the camera. I don't have to freak if there is a mist or drizzle in the air, or if sand or dust blows slightly.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Colton Wheeler on September 1, 2008 at 12:27pm: Tanks to all who have helped, I now have a pretty good selection to choose from, now is the time to start saving for one haha.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by KelleyJo Bruenning on September 2, 2008 at 3:59am: I bought the Fujifilm S700 before I bought my Canon XSi Rebel. It was a very good, portable, cute, and wonderfully cheap camera. You won't be disappointed on its output for the price! I don't know what they are going for right now, but I bought mine less $150-$200 range. I didn't think it would be all that (just needed something to replace the "family" quickshot camera) and I was very pleasantly surprised. A good amount of megapixel, great zoom (fixed lenses, of course), black & white capability in camera, and even .mpg (movie) recording. All packaged neatly and easily locatable in a tiny package. I loved it.

I moved up to the Canon XSi Rebel because I needed something a little higher class, more suited for professionalism... plus I had money laying around at the time and was a bit jealous of my husband's Canon 40D... lol. Both cameras are absolutely wonderful. You won't be disappointed either route.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rovert on September 29, 2008 at 12:37am: how about Canon EOS Rebel XS -
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&f...
haven't try it yet, but been planning to buy this.. we have the same problem, hehe.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by LadyExpat on September 29, 2008 at 2:32am: For that price you are looking at an entry level, regardless of the make (I'm sure you know that:)................Think of a camera like a pair of shoes. Go into your local camera shop and handle the cameras. Which one feels good in your hand? See if you can take a photo or two. Personally, I think that will help definitely help you in your decision making process. BTW..............I have a Nikon D40 and love it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nathan Anderson on October 2, 2008 at 6:38pm: One of the main differences between the Nikon D40x and D60... Dust Reduction system and self cleaning feature for the D60. A good write up on the D60 (and the D40x) is posted at Steve's Digicam Reviews D60 and Steve's Digicam Reviews D40x I just bought the D60 three weeks ago, and I love it! (Owned a Pentax K1000 35mm and a Minolta DImage Z-1 prior to that); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Colton Wheeler on October 2, 2008 at 7:50pm: What are your opinions on the Olympus Evolt E-510? This is the camera i am seriously looking at right now, and if nothing blows me away by mid october, then then im getting it; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nathan Anderson on October 4, 2008 at 5:00pm: I am sorry Colton. I haven't used Olympus, and don't know anyone who does. All of my friends use Canon and Nikon.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jhonti on October 4, 2008 at 7:07am: Why not get a Fujifilm S8100 10mp 18x zoom; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by j_abbott on October 5, 2008 at 11:36am: I just recently purchased a Sony A200 for about $500 (with the kit lens) I am very satisfied with it, but in my searches I was also very interested in the Pentax K200D but it was a little more than I had to spend, its picture are fantastic as long and you shoot in RAW, and its weather sealed unlike anything else in the price range. As far as the E-510, lots of great features... if you don't mind the 4/3rds system and smaller sensor. I would highly recommend looking through dcresource.com and dpreview.com; ▶ Reply to This