First Slr-Like camera

[mike_mac]

I am looking for a camera to take impressive, not professional grade pictures. Something for outdoor, still life

photography mainly, and i am working on a short budget something short of 300 dollars. I am leaning towards the

fujifilm s700. Any replies or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[mendonphoto]

Don't be tempted by the SLR look - that is definitely a point-and-shoot camera.

 

Don't be tempted to try to get the most megapixels and largest zoom range for the least money. To achieve those two things at a low cost, they always sacrifice in other areas that are more difficult to quantify (or at least less commonly recognized by consumers), but just as important.

 

If you insist on a super-zoom for $300, look at the Panasonic Lumix cameras. They're pretty good, and a good value.

 

My opinion, though, is that Canon makes the best P&S cameras - though you will pay a little more for them.

 

If you're serious about this, you might try to find a used DSLR on Ebay for $300.

 

BUT! The most important ingredient to taking "impressive" pictures will be your skill. Learn how to use your camera, read a few books on photography (both on the technical aspects and the creative aspects). Some people can take impressive pictures with cardboard boxes. Other people can only manage total crap with thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

[chinmaya]

I am not sure if this is called SLR-like camera. But it has lot of advanced feature, including manual mode.

DPReview 'highly recommends' it.

 

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona720IS/

[kickstand]

At your price range, look for a used Canon G-series P&S or a used DLSR.

 

However, even used 20D's seem to be going for upwards of US$500 lately. You will have trouble finding one for less.

[mike_mac]

thanks for all the input. I may end up leaning towards a entry-level DSLR on ebay due to the advice here. What

would be a "general purpose" lens to start with.

[SCL]

Typically, in prime lenses, around a 50mm f1.8 has been the standard for many years. Sorry, I can't advise you on zooms.

[chinmaya]

I use 28-135mm as general purpose lens. Its not that wide. Its a nice lens.

You can get a used one for about 300+. And new one for 400+.

 

There are other general-purpose lens, may be this link will help you deciding

 

http://the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-General-Purpose-Lens.aspx

[jbs]

Maybe a used Konica Minolta DiMage A200. sweet.

 

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0409/04091501kmdimagea200.asp