The right Digital camera for capturing lightning...

[Obscenity]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here and I already have a question :). I have experience photographing lightning using an SLR 35mm camera, particularly my Minolta X-700. I have decided that if possible it is time to switch to digital, in order to get rid of the hassles of film development and the stressfullness of waiting for development. Can someone recommend a good digital camera at a reasonable price that will have all of the ease of use of a manual camera, such as my Minolta. I am looking to pay in the $300 - $500 range. I hope someone can help me out. Thanks fellas!!!

[RichardtheSane]

You could probably pick up a used D30 for not a lot more than 500-600
I personally would not pick anything other than an slr for that sort of photography for reasons I am sure you can imagine.

[Obscenity]

Yeah, I do love my SLR. Just thought it could be cool to have a digital that had the same functionality since there is less hassle, in some case, and vitually no waiting perios for development. Does the D30 have all the options my manual SLR would have???

[RichardtheSane]

The D30 is a Digital SLR, with full SLR functionality. IT would go very well with the EF50mm 1.8 lens which is a very sharp and cheap lens.

[J___]

whats a SLR?

mercedes SLR? =)

[John_T]

SLR = Single Lens Reflex

Meaning when you look through the viewfinder, you are seeing through the camera lens itself and not a parallel optic as in most point-and-shoot cameras. This intails a prism optic and a mirror. The mirror lifts up when the shutter is released and lowered back down.

SLRs are preferred for professional work and generally cost substantially more than consumer cameras. Because of the mechanics, SLRs are also considerably larger and heavier.

Mercedes SLK - much more expensive than a SLR