Looking for advice on a camera for my daughter

[Tripper11]

Damn they are so expensive, but we're looking for a good starter camera for her. She wants to take a photography class in school and such.

Found this on craigslist : http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pho/2833625505.html and this http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/pho/2792333146.html

cross posted to the Lounge as well

[NYC_SKP]

1. Depends really on the class, she should ask the instructor, I think.

Will they be developing film or is it a digital photography class?

Will there be a lot of outdoor or evening or low-light photography?

Will she need a high shutter speed for action shots or will it all be still photography?

If it's for a class, these things really really matter.

If it's for general use then it's a whole different ballgame.

[Tripper11]

2. Her class is just general digital photography class

It's just getting her feet wet mostly.

[NYC_SKP]

5. The cameras you linked are very nice...

SLRs with interchagable lenses.

Back in the day when I had a college class I bought a Nikon FM and lenses, the lenses add up in price.

If money is tight, those might be more camera than necessary.

OTOH, if that's what most of the students will be using, then is seems appropriate to go with what's most common in that class.

Again, if I could speak with the teacher in advance then I would.

After that, go on eBay and Amazon and Craigslist with a shopping list of cameras, or come back here with the teacher's comments.

[CurtEastPoint]

3. Post in the Photography forum. Many good knowledgeable folks there.

[Tripper11]

4. I thought this was the photography forum?

Or is there another one I'm missing?

[CurtEastPoint]

7. No, just me being dense. This is the Photo Forum

[Major Nikon]

6. I would go with this...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800833732-USE/Nikon_25214_D70_Digital_Camera_Kit.html

You'll save quite a bit of money but still get a nice camera and lens that would be great for a student.

[Sherman A1]

8. Check the Best Buy ad this week

I think they have a nice Canon with a kit lens for a good price as well as a bundle deal with longer zoom lens, battery & memory card. You will pay a bit more, but it's new & covered by warranty.

[alfredo]

11. A fast memory card is a good idea. That's important if shooting RAW or video.

capacity- 4gig is the minimum, 8gig is good for most people.

Prices are good now, so get the best you can afford.

[CC]

9. I would still talk to the instructor.

Not sure if this is high school or community college but both here have cameras to loan to the students. The community college has a variety that students get to choose from as their skill level improves. Also the instructor may be able to guide you not only on what camera but to places with student discounts. Oh and don't for get pawn shops. People up grade a camera and decide to sell the old one and with digital you should be allowed to take a few photos to be sure it works alright. Good luck.

[rdking647]

10. i would start with a used camera

I bought my wife a used nikon d3000 from keh.com for her first starter camera. it can use interchangable lenses and it a good choice to start with.
you can also look at adorama.com and bandhphoto.com for good used cameras.

I know canon has equivalent camera but im a nikon guy and dont have any knowledge of starter canon's