I am keen to start an evening course but i don’t want to spend thousands. Is there anything else i need?
I really just want to be able to take good quality pictures beyond the class (which is digital). I can spend up to about £400. I love taking photographs but only have a cheap, basic, compact one at the mo. Do i need a SLR to take really good pictures?
I want to start digital photography as a hobby. Can anyone advise me of a reasonably priced camera?
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The sony A200 with lens is £245 at Amazon UK. I think as a starter camera its brilliant spec wise but you need to handle the camera to see if you find the layout and buttons and handling are to your taste. This will leave some money for filters, spare battery, case, cleaning wipes, memory cards, flashgun. You don’t need an SLR but it helps especially if its sports or wildlife you are interested in. The majority of my photos were taken with a 8mp compact as I can’t take my SLR everywhere because of the weight and size.
If you start an evening course your teacher may want the class to buy a 35mm camera (not digital). So find out what type. Also should you ask same basic question again, write how much you plan to spend.
Check out your class first, they may require a film camera instead.
The Nikon D70s, Nikon D50, and Canon 10D are probably the most affordable, quality digital cameras available today.
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Addendum:
"Do i need a SLR to take really good pictures?"
Taking really good pictures is entirely up to you. That is independent of hardware.
That said, however, there are a number of good arguments for using a dSLR. Faster lenses, less digital noise, better color control, faster maximum shutter speeds, more accurate exposure, manual zoom control, less shutter lag, real time subject focus, you can use a circular polarizer and overall more flexibility. I personally never use a digital point & shoot for still photography only a dSLR. 400 pounds will buy you a right smart dSLR with a kit lens.
Hi Caroline
The other answers are correct that if you are taking a beginning photography course they may require you to have a 35mm camera. However I am sure you are thinking of taking a digital photography course since you are interested in digital. In my opinion the absolute best camera for a beginner is the Nikon D40. Right now you can get them for around $400 that includes the lens. Nikon also offers a D40x and if you have the extra money it will run you around $500 with lens. These cameras are very good and for the price they really cannot be beat.
I did a review titled "recommended digital cameras" on my website it includes the Nikon D40 you can check it out if you like.
http://www.TysonJamesPhotography.com
It sounds like you don’t have deep pockets. So I would advise you not to take a course that would require a film camera. Film and processing will cost you money. Eventually, you will be getting a digital camera. So you will have paid for two cameras. The photographic skills that you will learn for both types of cameras are very much the same.
If you’re serious about photography, you will eventually be using a digital SLR. Look at the entry-level kit versions (includes a lens) from Canon and Nikon. Sony, Pentax, Fuji, and Panasonic have competitive offerings. However, the best lens selection in the world is for Canon and Nikon cameras.
Honestly, in my opinion, anyone recommending a new photographer get a film camera is blinded by his or her own out-dated devotion to that technology. Anyone who teaches a course that requires a film camera is in the same league, again, in my opinion.
Canon Rebel XSi with a kit lens.
Nikon D40 (though it is not totally compatible with all lenses. The lens needs to have a focus motor built in)
Sony A300 with a kit lens.
All three can produce great images in the hands of someone with experience. It takes a little time when jumping to a DSLR to produce compelling images, but keep after it and you will.
I have used all three and my favorite for beginners is the XSi. Beginners seem to pick up on that one quicker in the learning process. But you should actually put your hands on one before you make up your mind. Hold it. Cycle through the menus. Whatever one feels the best in your hands, and whatever menu system seems to make the most sense to you, that is the one you go with. Like I said they all produce great images. So comfort is important. If it feel right in your hand, it will shorten the learning curve.
http://freephotographytutorials.blogspot.com/
http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/2418722/art/pentax/k-m-black-digital-slr-cam.html
The camera will have everything you want. 10.2mp, anti shake built into the body, NOT the lens like other makes, water and dust seals, superior dynamic range over other cameras in the same class, and as Pentax have had the same lens mount for 40 years, there are an abundance of cheap prime lenses out there.
Good luck in your choice.
Also, have a look at, and consider joining http://www.redbubble.com/ which is totally free, and you can learn a lot on there.
OK first, if you want to take good pictures you need an SLR. Why? Because a compact camera shoots an automatic, which doesn’t allow you any creativity. So if you shoot a specific subject with a compact, it will come out exactly the same as anyone else who shoots it with the same camera. But an SLR allows you to make decisions about exactly how you want the picture to come out. It allows you to develop your own style, and this is what creative photography is about. Another benefit of an SLR is that you can use different lenses with it eventually – a zoom lens/macro lens/portrait lens, as you get into the hobby, but the camera comes with a basic lens to start.
Secondly, I would buy second hand. I always buy my equipment second hand, as you get about 50% more value this way. A higher spec used camera is much better than a lower spec new camera. I would look in the classifieds and get the best SLR camera and lens deal possible for 400 pounds. You will get much more value than buying new. I would go for a Canon or Nikon SLR, and if you can get an extra lens in the deal even better. Canon and Nikon have the best lenses.
You should start out with a working film slr that you got at a pawn shop. Preferably a nikon if you want to play with lenses. If you want something that was well taken care of try minolta or canon. Nikons tend to get passed around and beat up. After that you can go for something like the sigma dp1 or dp2 or your choice dslr. Panasonic also offers a line of nice compacts. You could always get a film rangefinder for fun.
A Nikon D40. D50 or D60 would be the best starting point. The lenses and flashes can then be used on later better systems too. Having said that, I’ve been using a D50 for years for paid jobs too no problem.