I need a few questions answering ^^;

[Cottonmoon]

Ok, so I'm 15 years old (and 8 months!) and a while back I decided to study digital photography at college next year. My parents agreed to buy me a digital camera for christmas.

Anyway I had thought I had decided on getting a Nikon Coolpix 8700, but someone pointed me to the Canon cameras, I had never looked at them before because my first impression was they look really cheap (I don't like all the silver :P ) but I looked at reviews and sample photos and it actually looks good.

Now my problem is I'm suck on which camera to get, I don't know a whole lot about digital camera's and these cameras are stretching my budget a bit, so I want to get the best I can for my money.

My choice is out of the Nikon Coolpix 8700, Canon Pro 1 or the Canon EOS-300D

Also what type of memory cards do I get for them and when I get a tripod is there any kind of tripod I have to get for a certain camera? Sorry for all the silly questions :P

[IndyJeff]

The first question you need to answer is, what will you be doing with the camera? Sports, portraits, landscapes etc. That will better help someone to answer you query as to which camera to buy.

[Cottonmoon]

The first question you need to answer is, what will you be doing with the camera? Sports, portraits, landscapes etc. That will better help someone to answer you query as to which camera to buy.

I knew I forgot to say just as i was getting into bed :P I am currently unsure at the moment of what photo's I was to take, but I know I can't do anything in a studio as I havn't got one, not sports, not portraits

maybe landscape, widelife, something to do with nature. I also want the camera for personal use too (ie, taking pictures of animals at the zoo, local places for pen-pals to see where I live etc)

[RichardtheSane]

Of the three you mentioned I think the 300D will allow you to be the most creative in the long run. For study of photography an SLR is far superior

[CyberDyneSystems]

I may be wrong... but it seems to me that if the Camera is going to be helpfull in a classroom situation.. the vast majority of photography clasess involve an SLR of some kind.

If you can get the parents to shell out for a 300D/Rebel kit (with lens) a 50mm f/1.8 and perhaps a 70-200mm f/4 L then you'll be in great shape.

As Richard says.. this gives you the foundation of a system you can grow into and expand on as needed with lenses, flash etc..

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

Cottonmoon, welcome to digital photography and graphics :D

While looking for a camera that will meet your needs, keep an eye out on the used equipment available here and other sites.

This will allow your parents to stretch the budget quite a bit, and will probably allow you to get a camera and setup better than new!

There are some recommended vendors in the marketplace forum. I've purchased from two of the forum members and got very good deals and excellent equipment :D

As a parent that has raised two "young adults" :P I know your parents would appreciate any effort to save them some hard earned cash.

Good luck!

[DC]

FWIW, Canon UK are offering a £100 cashback on any 300D's bought now until january 31st....

That may make your decision easier :D

[robertwgross]

I may be wrong... but it seems to me that if the Camera is going to be helpfull in a classroom situation.. the vast majority of photography clasess involve an SLR of some kind.


Up until recently, the traditional photography classes would require a 35mm film SLR. Some still do.

However, now some of the more modern photography classes and field trip workshops are virtually requiring a DSLR. In fact, on one that I was just reading about, either you show up with your own DSLR, or else they will supply you with a Canon DSLR for the workshop.

Of course, to many of us, there is no DSLR except for a Canon DSLR.

---Bob Gross---

[Andy_T]

Cottonmoon ... what the others said!

The 300D gives you a lot more creative possibilities than the other two.

I know that I'll most likely receive a bashing for this, but among the 3 listed, the 300D is the only 'real camera' for somebody who maybe wants to be a professional photographer.
The other 2 are nice compact cameras to take with you on holidays and for snapshots. :twisted:

As an alternative, you might look on eBay for a good used D30 or 10D. (The D30 being maybe less expensive than the 300D, the 10D offering some more features)

Best regards,
Andy

[D4VE]

you cant go far wrong with the 300D, an awesome first digicam!

[blinking8s]

id take a d70 over the 300d i used to have...but thats more personal choice, the 300d served me well for the short time i kept it...then it was time for an upgrade