New at photography: Buying Camera

[Kaidao]

Hey guys, I'm really new to photography, actually...I don't even have a camera yet. I love photography though, I always loved taking pictures and such, but I do NOT like getting my picture taken. So...my birthday just passed and my said she'll think about getting me a camera for my birthday (=D). Well, can anyone recommend a camera to buy? Digital, probably, and it CAN'T be too expensive..maybe...250$ at the most...cause I have to pay half of it, and none of my family knows how much I like photography, and they probably think that I just want a camera to play around with and stuff....so can anyone recommend a OK camera, within my price range? Thank you.

Oh yeah, I *know* I like photography cause my dad has a camera, and he lets me take the pics when we're on trips or vacation or something...I love it =P. But, he won't let me use his, cause then he'll never see it again cause I'm going to be living in a dorm next year...for all of high school. Any suggestions?

[charlypp]

I have a A510 which is in your price range. It has auto setting plus manual setting and you can add some lenses to it. Good starter camera.

[Kaidao]

I was thinking more on the lines of the A95 or S2 IS, how's that sound?

[nwyman]

I was thinking more on the lines of the A95 or S2 IS, how's that sound?

If you can find an A95 in that price range, you should be happy with it.

As for the S2, it is currently running about $459 or so - and then you have to plan on extra money for the memory card. This would be true for everything, as the ones Canon provides with their cameras are just starter stuff.

You might want to consider an S1 - they have some limitations, but on the whole, I was happy with mine - just hankered for the extra zoom on the S2. Since the S2 came out last month, there should be some lowering of price on the S1.

I've had all three of these, and if you don't need the extra zoom for nature shots, there's no reason you shouldn't be happy with the A95.
I gave mine to my son, and he loves it.

Nancy

[Kaidao]

Hmm...Ok, well I guess the S2 is out of question, but how much is the price range for the A95? And what is a good starter camera out of all digi cams? Thanks for everything.

[nwyman]

Hmm...Ok, well I guess the S2 is out of question, but how much is the price range for the A95? And what is a good starter camera out of all digi cams? Thanks for everything.

Are you in the U.S.? If so, trying looking on Amazon.com - they are discounting it by about forty four dollars, I think, and Adorama.com has it for $259.00 You might also check B&H Photo, although I didn't see it there last time I looked.

As for what is a good starter camera - a lot of that depends on what you want to photograph and how much you can put into it. And the grass seems to be always greener in other pastures, if you know what I mean....

Nancy (never quite satisfied, but currently broke)

[Kaidao]

Well what's a good all-rounded beginner camera that doesn't cost a fortune?

[cjm]

Just don't buy a camera off eBay. Its a dumping ground for old cameras that don't work anymore then a place to get a deal on a working camera.

[JTF]

If you order from Amazon it may take a while, they usually only ship when they have a bunch of orders for a specific camera.

[Kaidao]

I can't order from Amazon or Ebay...not that I want to...but I'm in Taiwan right now, and the shipping and handling charge would be huuge if I order from any foreign sites, won't they?