Ok, so I am currently majoring in computer engineering, but I want to get an associates degree in photography (just because I have always been fascinated by it and I travel A LOT).
What digital camera would you recommend as a first (digital)? Something that I could use for school as well as personal shots. I do own a MacBook + Photoshop if that helps...
I have been using a traditional camera that my dad had laying around...never really knew what I was doing just taking shots and let my friend develop them for me in a dark room...sorry cant really give extra detail except its a Canon.

Anyways, thanks in advance for any help!

Budget?

I wouldn't get anything besides a DSLR if you're gonna be serious about photography.

Honestly, I dont even know what the price of a camera I would need or what would be decent...lol.
I have seen some for like 700-1200 dollars...I dont think I could afford that right now

Well body isn't the important part. 80% of the image quality is from the lens. The glass is what cost money

Edit:

Good entry bodies are

Canon Xsi
Used Canon 40D

Nikon d3000/5000
Used Nikon D40

For body only.. they hover around $400~ Then the glass.

This post was edited by Eek on Mar 28 2010 08:34pm

Ohh really? So I could get a cheaper body and more expensive?

I would say I could scrap up about $500 max for one. Is that too bad?

This post was edited by African_American on Mar 28 2010 08:35pm

You can buy a body along with kit lens. Should be good for starting out.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+Alpha+10.2-Megapixel+Digital+SLR+Camera+-+Black/9342142.p?id=1218087880884&skuId=9342142

Something like that I could afford...is that what I should be looking for?

I really wouldn't suggest anything besides a nikon or a canon camera. It's what 99% of the pros use, there is a huge resource/ forums etc based on those two brands. Used lenses are easy to find.. etc etc

I wouldn't get that sony because i heard high ISO performance isn't that great. Someone confirm this.

First go to a store and play with a couple of DSLRs, feel them in your hands and see how you like them. Then go home and order it from like Amazon, B&H, or Adorama. It's cheaper that way

Yeah thats what I always do when I buy something lol.
Thanks for the info!
What pixel count and camera type should I look for? (interchangeable SLR right?) I'm looking on adorama.

This post was edited by African_American on Mar 28 2010 08:56pm