Expert: John Oliverio - 1/2/2007

Question
I think the reason I asked about SLR types is I was not sure if a 35mm digital would produce the same results as film.  I enjoy taing wildlife photos and other outdoor items.  I also want one that can be used indoors to catch photos of my animals and kids.  So, any ideas on this?
Thanks again!
Lori
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hello, I am interested in purchasing a good 35MM professional camera.  I have been doing a great deal of digital photography with my Kodak Easy share V603.  It takes some pretty good photos, but does not have the clarity I need.  I have been invited to begin doing some informal photos within the next year.  I am a total lamen when it comes to 35MM cameras. The camera will need to be able to take quality photos in an outdoor setting such as marshland, beaches, and in the evening dusk hours. I will also need advice on shutter speeds which I know really little about as well.  I am looking to invest in the camera within the next six months and will be prepared to put in around $1500 without a zoom lense.  what advice can you offer or web sites to compare cameras?  Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lori
-----Answer-----
There really aren't that many 35mm cameras left to choose from. (If you want to buy new, anyway)  Nikon stopped all production on film cameras in mid 2006.... except for the F6, which is a pro model.  Canon haven't said if they have stopped or not, but I suspect they have and are just selling existing stock.  Neither companies film cameras have been updated in a VERY long time.  Canon and Nikon are the two companies you should stick with.  And Canon's pro film camera is called the EOS 1v.  

I don't know what kind of advice you want on shutter speeds.  But I'd guess since you are even asking, what you really need to know is about basic photography.  You should get a book on basic photography and learn how shutter speed, aperture, film speed and flash all relate to each other.  

Lastly I would ask, why are you even wanting to fool around with film?  Is there some special need for it?  Most customers expect digital  now.  I haven't shot film in almost 5 years.  You could get a Nikon D200 for around $1700 (without a lens).  That's what I use.  

John

Answer
Lori,

Well, I think you would be much happier with a digital.  Very few stores even carry film cameras anymore.  
You don't have to call it a "35mm digital".  They are called "digital slr's", or "D-SLR".  35mm refers to a film type, and they don't use film at all.  

Two cameras you should consider are the Canon EOS 30d and the Nikon D200.  The Canon may be a little harder to find, because rumor has it that Canon are about to replace it.  The Nikon is current and a very nice machine.  I've had one since the end of last summer and I live it.

While most would admit that there are some benefits to film, they are outweighed by the advantages of digital.  I think many folks are disappointed because they try to print the photos themselves, and they simply don't know how to make a good print.  Printing is an art in itself.  So if you don't know how to print, you should go to a photo lab with your memory card and get a good print made.  Just like you did from film.

John