I'm a beginner photographer and im looking to buy a camera sometime soon. I just wanted to know what camera would be good for a beginner and won't kill my wallet? Like a good camera that takes good pictures and is less than $600.

 

EBAY....you can get good sales there..

I ONLY have a canon xs and its been good so far. I rather a 5D but im broke...

 

nikon d40 with the "kit lens" is a good start
as well as the
canon xti (rebel whatever range) similar kit lens

i suggest staying with canon or nikon for you first few cameras as they both have great lighting and lens systems

also i'll just revile this comment and response i've heard and said many times

someone - "that camera takes great photos"
me - "you mouth makes great comments" <- stole from someone else feel free to claim

what thats referring to is even the simplest of cameras can produce good results the greatness is between those that control the cameras and deiced what the eye is going to see and those that just allow it to do whatever


i noted rican said what camera ('s) he shoots so i'll list also, i have a d40, d60 (used mostly) d300, and d3x (only used for work) along with those a host of lenses and an array of flashes

 

For $600 maybe get a Nikon D40 and some accessories, like a tripod, bag, possibly an extra lens. Cause sooner or later your gonna end up buying those things so why not get them right at the beginning. Plus since your a beginner a D40 or D60 will help you to learn without confusing the hell outta ya and they still takes awesome pics.

You can get a new D40 for about $450 or a refurbished one for $375. Or if you want to spend a little more then that go with a D60. Do some research, read reviews, and make sure you know what you want before you buy.

I shoot with a D40 w/kit, the 55-200 VR, a 50mm prime, and a few flashes.

 

That is perfect! I'm not claiming it but I'm going to reclaim it lol

As Alex said, you can get a deal on eBay but you just need to watch where you buy it from. Your best bet is to go through Adorama or B&H. You can find the kits there (body, lens, lens cleaner, etc) for fairly cheap. They've got new and refurb'd units with warranties so you can't go wrong. Buying for someone on eBay, you're unlikely to get a warranty if something goes wrong.

Whether you go Nikon or Canon, it's all preference to you. Go to Ritz, Best Buy or North Tampa Photo and play with both. See which one feels better in your hands. Even though I'm a "girl" the Nikon's feel smaller in my hands, while the Canon Rebel line felt a little beefer. Again, it's all preference.

Good luck! And welcome to the world of digital

 

^^thanks everyone for ur comments!! they really help a lot!

 

D40 ftw.

 

btw, if you're a beginner - this will be your new bible.

 

^ya ive been lookin at the D40 and the D60. thanks TR!

 

IMO D60 isn't worth the extra bit of money... picture quality between the D40 and D60 are IDENTICAL, I promise.