Can somebody recommend a DSLR camera for a beginner photographer?

My friend recommended the FinePix s8000fd to me (he said it was perfect for a beginner), but I just want a few other opinions as well.





I've saved up around 300 bucks or so.





Thanks!Can somebody recommend a DSLR camera for a beginner photographer?
If you want a DSLR, then the S8000FD is not for you. It is NOT a DSLR.





If you want a DSLR, you will have to save up another $200. The Nikon D40 with 18-55mm lens is under $500 and at present the least expensive DSLR.





The Nikon DSLR has a much larger sensor (25.1 x 16.7mm) than any P%26amp;S camera like the S8000FD (5.27 x 3.96mm) .





http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm


http://www.jdpower.com/electronics/ratin鈥?/a>





Here is some important information you will need to know before you choose your camera and spend your money:





There are four factors that can help you determine the quality and resolution you can expect from a digital camera in order of importance.





* Quality of the lens


* The quality and sophistication of the analog to digital converter within the camera.


* Sensor size


* Pixel count





As you can see, pixel count is at the bottom.Can somebody recommend a DSLR camera for a beginner photographer?
You'll need to save more money, and I would recommend doing that instead of settling for something used. The warranty may be well worth the extra money. There are no bad choices among entry-level dSLR's these days. Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, etc. all make excellent products that you won't be ashamed to own. But the camera is just the start of the show. Lenses are what will cost you. You won't be happy for very long with the ';kit'; lens that comes with most dSLR's these days. Along that line of thought, I'd go with the Canon Rebel XTI ( or 400d as it's known everywhere but the USA). Prices for the XTI are coming down now since its successor, the XSI, is on the market. There are more lenses out there for Canon cameras than any other, so you can usually get a pretty good deal on a used one. Aftermarket manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron make lots of lenses for Canon, and you can pick up used versions on auction sites at good bargains.





One word of caution: Make certain that you buy your camera from a reputable dealer. Most manufacturers, including Canon, will provide you with a list of authorized dealers if you call them. There are many scams out there, so research carefully before you buy.





Good Luck!





Gibbit
A digital SLR is not a camera like the S8000fd. You can't change lenses on it and the sensor is physically much smaller than an SLR.





Essentially, true entry-level digital SLRs would be the Nikon D40 or Canon Rebel XT, which are around $480 with a basic lens.





Just below that in price, try the Olympus E410, about $449 at stores; I've see it for $439 at buydig.com for example. that's with a basic lens.





For $300, you're looking at used digital SLRs. In that price range, try for a Canon D60 or Canon 10D. You might get lucky and be able to get a Fujifilm S2 Pro.





And your friend may not be a good source of info, if he's suggesting essentially a point and shoot camera with a big lens. It's not a true SLR.
Yes, I can!





The Canon Rebel XTi is a great entry level DSLR... you'll have to save up a few more hundred dollars though. You can find them for about $600 right now, which is pretty good for a DSLR. I have this camera and I love it! In fact, most of the students at the Art Institute of CO use this camera.





You may also be interested in the Canon Rebel XT which is a little cheaper... it costs around $450 right now.





If you want a DSLR then don't get the S8000FD... it's a point and shoot!
Although nearly everyone who answers seems to believe that there are only two DSLR camera manufacturers, there are actually many to choose from.





Two that come to mind are Sony and Pentax. Both have their version of Image Stabilization (IS) in the camera body, something the ';Big Two'; don't offer in their comparably priced (and most recommended) models. With IS in the camera body you don't have to buy it with every lens.





The Sony ';Alpha'; series (A200, A300, A350, A700) can use every Minolta Maxxum AF lens made since 1985 and they will have full functionality - and the benefit of IS.





The Pentax ';K'; series can use evbery Pentax AF K-mount lens made with full functionality. They can also use every manual focus K-mount lens made since 1975 with some limitations. Of course, any lens you use will have the benefit of the in-camera IS.





I suggest a visit to digitalcameraguide.com and a side by side comparison of the different comparably priced DSLD cameras from all the manufacturers. Read the Pros %26amp; Cons for each one and decide for yourself which one offers you the most for your money. Don't choose a camera just because ';Well that's what everybody else uses';.





Regardless of which camera you decide to own, plan to spend some time to really READ %26amp; STUDY the Owner's Manual for it. Taking some photography classes would be a great idea.





Good luck and happy shopping.
Currently, you can get a Nikon D40 (with 18-55mm zoom lens) for under $500. There are other DSLR's in that price range, but none for $300. If you save a bit more, you should be able to find a nice used Canon XT or Nikon D50 on your local Craigslist. I found a D50 for my daughter last year for $389 and used it myself for a while. On Craigslist, you can actually meet the seller and try the camera out before paying for it.





Many photographers ';upgrade'; and will have their well-loved older models available. I know as I've gotten several DSLR's that way.





Pentax and Olympus also make very nice entry level DSLR's, but all are currently way above your $300 budget.
save up another few hundred dollars and get anything among the lines of a Canon Rebel XT, or XTi. Or Nikon D40 or D40x.





All are very good choices and the finepix you're looking at is not suited well as an introductory into ';real'; photography.
Check out what www.bhphotovideo.com has to offer your budget. I have been a customer for about 25 years and Ive never had a bad experience with them.





The Fuji finepix is a nice digital and they have not only lots of models to chose for just about any budget.
my suggestion


go to yahoo shopping


digital cameras


digital camera GUIDE


be sure to check titles on the left side


the guide should answer your questions
for the beginers kodak c713 and samsung d75 is good choice both are 7 mp 3x optical zoom and very handy and friedly user
Thats not a DSLR though, maybe check out the d40, canon xsi, or a pentax k100d.