Camera Help!

[ssbwd]

Hi,
I am thinking about getting a nicer camera, that is, better than a point and shoot one. I don't want a digital, but a nice 35mm. I've been looking at Canon Rebel K2 and T2, and I think the T2 would be better (or at least that's what I'm told!). I don't know a whole lot about cameras, so I'd be kind of learning as I go. I have the opportunity to take a photography class at the university I go to, but I'm not sure if I will or not yet. Anyways, do any of you know about these cameras, which is better, etc? Or any other kinds that would maybe be better? The reason I liked the T2 was because I was told it could be automatic or manual, and I want to be able to have both. But I have no idea how to tell if it could be or not!

Thanks!!!
Erin

[kvnband]

I've used the t2 and it is a very nice camera. I'm not a photography junkie, but the concensus is that it's a nice camera. Wait for others to chime in, but I'd say that's a nice choice :)

[Tiki]

I have a Kodak DX7590 and love it! Nice 10x optical zoom and I have gotten some nice birds in flight shots!

[JillLang]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

The above link is the Canon forum. A VERY good place to get some reviews!!

I have the Canon 20D (DSLR). If you're going to buy a new camera, I would look in to going digital. That's just my opinion.

Good luck!

[kathleen]

IMHO, I would go for the digital, too. I am not a photographer in any way and would love to take a class. I wanted a new camera and since you're going to invest, might as well go for the high tech. Besides, I read on MSN.com that one of the jobs that would be becoming obsolete is the film developer. Makes sense since most people are going digital.

[dgcashier]

Someone told me that Nikon was not making 35mm cameras anymore. Not sure about that. I guess that everyone is getting hooked on digitals now. You can get them with the different lenses and can do most any kind of photography with them.

[bingalls]

Unless someone has a specific need for the 35mm film format, there is no reason not to go digital. I still believe that 35mm SLR produces marginally better results than digital, but only in the hands of an experienced photographer. For the casual shooter or the inexperienced, the digital format is superior in every way...IMHO.

An speaking of brands...I own Canon and Panasonic and think they both are great. The Panasonic Lumix series are very flexible creativity wise and have a monster 12x zoom and excellent image stabilization.

-Brian

[Irish]

I have a pair of ancient Cannon FTB QLs, and I adore them! Best pix you could possibly ask for. Tons of lenses, too, but the old kind--for example, the Rebel series lenses don't fit. When I want to take truly excellent photos (like for weddings, portraits or outstanding scenery shots), I use the FTBs. Unfortunately, you can't get these new (and haven't been able to for decades), but you can often find them in second hand places that carry cameras and such for pretty cheap.

When I want to do everyday photograpy, I use my little mid-range Panasonic Lumix FZ7. It has 6 megapixels, and takes great everyday photos of anything I want. It can't take additional lenses (it's not an SLR), but it has a fantastic 12x optical zoom made by Leica (apparently equivalent to something like a 450 mm lens), and you can't beat the light weight and the ability to take hundreds of photos on one 1 gig chip over the head with a stick! I LOVE that thing! No film to deal with, and pretty darn decent prints when I want them. It has image stabilization, I like the size, it gives you a TON of options from simple mode to totally manual, and the price was decent at about $450, including the cost of the 1 gig memory chip (it only comes with a 16 mb one). Including the case and the spare battery, I spent around $550, and would recommend this camera highly for the average user who isn't out to get pro-quality photos. It's more than enough for good family shots, etc., and it can even do video w/sound! I love it, in case you can't tell.

[grandma]

I Own a Minolta 35 mm with many lenses and filters. It has been a great camera and takes beautiful pictures.
Two years ago, I got my first digital...A Canon EOS. I was very pleased that I could still set my own f-stop and shutter speed. It is also capable to interchange lenses. I have a fisheye and telephoto lense. I think this is the camera you want. There are also other brands with interchangable lenses.
Either would be fine for a photography class...they don't use point & shoots in this type of class.