Help: Clueless about cameras...

[chiffonwings]

I look at all the digital cameras out there and I feel completely clueless and overwhelmed with all the choices. For years I've had a Canon PowerShot A60, but it's not working anymore and I really need a new camera by the end of the month. It was an okay camera while it worked, except the pictures tended to be too grainy.

What would you suggest

Comments

[bright_eye]

Aww it's ok, they are confusing! But being a photography major helps me out on this subject a little :)

I don't know much about normal point and shoot digital cameras, but I do know that the most affordable SLR ("single lens reflex...basically it's a fancier camera that you can buy different lenses for etc) camera is the Nikon D40. It might sounds crazy complicated, but it's a really simple and amazing camera. I use a Nikon and I just love their digital SLRs. Unfortunately all SLRs are in the couple hundred range so they probably wouldn't be the best in price range...

I hope you can find something that works for you!

[chiffonwings]

Thank you dear! :) That is really helpful too. I took a look at the D40 while I was at walmart tonight, and I really liked the way it felt in my hands, but still... I'm not sure... it's about twice as much as I was wanting to pay.

Hmm,

[whoever_sara_is]

I'd say save up the money for a good camera. I have a Canon Rebel XT and grew up with nothing but small point and shoot cameras. Like you, I had no idea what certain things meant like ISO and all the buttons on a more high quality camera, but it's easy to learn, and you can always search the internet for information. I learned right off the bat! Plus, with a good quality camera, comes a great help manual.

But the thing with a good camera, comes lenses, which costs a bundle of money.

&&&

The Canon Rebel is not big and scary. XD You just have to get used to it.

As for not being a good photographer, don't say that. There is always room for improvement. Shoot like crazy, you'll get better as you go. :]

How much are you looking to spend on a camera?

(And I know you don't know me, but I stumbled upon your journal and couldn't help but comment.)

Re: Hmm,

[chiffonwings]

I'm exhausted and don't have the energy to respond tonight, but I will tomorrow... just wanted to let you know I read it... and to say "Thank you!" :)

Re: Hmm,

[chiffonwings]

But the thing with a good camera, comes lenses, which costs a bundle of money.
Yeah... that's the other part of it... and the idea of changing all those lenses is kind of scary too.

As for not being a good photographer, don't say that. There is always room for improvement. Shoot like crazy, you'll get better as you go. :]
Thanks! :)

How much are you looking to spend on a camera?
I was hoping to try to keep it under $200 - if I was to continue with my goal of getting one by my trip at the end of the month.

(And I know you don't know me, but I stumbled upon your journal and couldn't help but comment.)
Thank you very much! :) I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. :)