Expert: Abe - 2/26/2008

Question
Hi,

I am considering purchasing an entry level film SLR camera.  I've tried researching online, but I quickly get overwhelmed by sales pitches instead of general information.  If you could let me know your opinion of a few cameras (I'd really like to keep it under $300 if possible) and/or a website with really general information on different cameras I should consider I would appreciate it.

For what it's worth, I'd just like to move beyond taking snapshots and begin taking photographs, if that makes any sense.  I would still be a casual photographer, eternally an amateur who just wants some options I can't get with a push here dummy camera.

Answer
Great question. Websites are busy pushing digital cameras because that is what people are looking for, but 35mm SLR photography is alive and well.

The most important piece of the puzzle when deciding on a camera of this type is considering the lenses you'll need/want, as this will be the biggest investment.

Canon and Nikon are good choices because they offer the largest, most widely available lens supply. A good Canon entry-level SLR is the Canon T2. It is the best value for your money. See the links below.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/351523-USA/Canon_9427A001_EOS_Rebel_T2_Dat...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/206434-USA/Canon_6469A005_Zoom_Wide_Angle_...

You could opt for a cheaper lens, but image quality under the $200 price point on lenses suffers greatly.

Here's another link to get you started: http://photo.net/equipment/35mm/

Please let me know if I can help further.

Abe