Camera New

I need to buy a new digital SLR camera for school but I would like to see what others think is a good option.?

I wanna see whats out there and what people think is a good camera for a photography major (which I am) so if you know of a good camera tell me, and why you think it is great...I'm just looking for others opinions.

Public Comments

1. I have done professional shoots in the past for several models. And in that time, I've used a few different cameras. I will say, nothing puts out the quality of Canon (Nikon is a close second). If your only buying it for school, and not really intending on doing real shoots, get a rebel, they are cheap, and get the job done, and they have a lot of features that the bigger cameras have, just a lower quality shot. If you intend on using it for shoots, then you have to decide if you want to shoot standard, or large format. For standard the Canon 40D is an awesome camera (thats what I use), it runs around $1200. A little cheaper, and almost comparable is the Nikon D40. But, as always, you get what you pay for, I prefer the Canon myself. If your going to shoot large format, then your looking at the Canon 5D or 1D, both of which are gonna run you over 3K each. Also, put some money into a good lens. All photography is the same, you get what you pay for, if you find a really good deal, there's probably something wrong with it. I use Canon brand lenses, and I won't even think about buying one without image stabilization on it. Next is your filters. Sure, you can do a lost in post processing, specially if you have photoshop CS3 or CS4, but the less you have to do, the better the image turns out, so get at the very least a UV filter, and a polarizing filter. Hoya makes a good product for filters.
2. You're a photography major...shouldn't you know the answer? Anyways, you haven't stated a budget, preference for FF or crop, or lenses (if you have any). A good camera for a photo major from Nikon is the D3X. A good camera for a photo major from Canon is the 1Ds Mk III.
3. IF... your going to be a photography major student as you say, I would have thought you would have given THIS aspect some thought already......... However, I would say buy the best you can afford now. Jump right into the $1000 a body cameras and add a good lens. Don't mess around with anything entry level because you will only out grow it in the first two weeks and wish you had something better. Find a Nikon D-200 or 300 and don't look back. If really serious, a D-700.. However the D-90 isn't too shabby either. Why Nikon..? Basically for one good reason. Lenses and accessories.. If you buy a "serious" Nikon body you can add older manual lenses and they will meter couple. The camera will handle and feel like a film body camera over anything else as well seeing how most others are plastic. Just make sure it has the AI ring around the bezel of the lens mount on the body. Nikon has NOT changed their lens mount in 50+ years. The F mount is time tested and proven. Any lens by anyone (or accessory) that has the Nikon F mount will fit, with few exceptions. The only qualifications for older lenses to work today is they be what is called - AI'ed as well, and most have been anymore because this AI thing was around for quite some time, like almost 30 years. AI = Automatic Indexing... http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/repair/aimod/aimod.htm http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?Lens-F.html~mainFrame Buy good the 1st time. Why spend $$ twice..? Bob - Tucson
4. If it is just for the class - buy a used NIKON mabe a D70 or CANNON rebel.
5. While you study photography and are increasing in your abilities, the best camera to start with without breaking your budget is a good used Nikon D70s. This camera has interchangeable lenses and many of the features the more expensive professional cameras have, and yet it still has settings which will allow you to shoot "auto" basic shots as well. B&H Photo or Adorama Camera can help you with those via the internet. They are good, reliable, honest stores to deal with. You can learn everything you need to learn with the D70s camera. Any lesser quality cameras will be a waste of your time and money. If you become a professional, you will want the Nikon D3 which has the largest sensor and best features of any 35mm DSLR today and produces outstanding results. But, that camera will cost you $5,000.oo. Also, remember, the camera alone is not what creates a good image. You will need a compliment of high quality lenses too. To start, the Nikon 18-70mm zoom is good, and the 70-300mm also. With those two lenses you can shoot just about anything you want as you learn. When you become a professional, you'll want additional lenses that aid you better in whatever area you specialize in. Along with your new camera, make sure you get good editing software to do any adjusting or alterations you may want to do.