Need some suggestions ...

[Former_Member]

Hi!

I'm looking for a budget digital slr camera, it's my first one and i'll be using it to photograph my jewellery pieces so i'm a little unsure as to what to go for.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Former_Member]

First off, ask yourself why an SLR. Not trying to discourage you, but quite often a good point and shoot will do an amazing job if used right.
If you've made up your mind, and there's no stopping you, any of the low end offerings from Canon or Nikon will do more than you could ever ask.
Pair it up with a decent dedicated macro lens and a sturdy tripod, and you'll be laughing.

If you want to go the point and shoot route, the Canon G12 and the S95 are both superb, amazing cameras with fabulous macro capability.

[Former_Member]

Hi

I bought myself a digital SLR on ebay (dragging myself into digital, kicking and screaming). Lots of people upgrade their cameras and sell, generally, the boxed starter kits you might get from a high street shop, on ebay. I got a Nikon D40, which is pretty basic (more basic than my Nikon F80, which is my favourite), for £150, barely used, still boxed up and under guarantee (although these aren't transferable, but gave me an idea that the camera would work). And its a fab camera, even if I don't 'get' digital yet. You can get them cheaper if you look around a bit more than I did. I would spend serious cash on lenses, but save on the body.

[Former_Member]

I also have a nikon D40, a few years old now but I couldn't be without it.

[Former_Member]

I agree with bomobob about the point-and-shoots, but if you've had a good point-and-shoot and you just are ready to take the leap (on a budget), I recommend going to a local mom-and-pop camera store, if you have one in your city, and buying a used Digital Rebel XT or something of that ilk. The good thing if you are fortunate enough to live in a bigger city with a reputable camera shop is that you usually get 1) a great deal and 2) a limited warranty. I bought my macro lens used at one of the camera stores in Houston, and I've been very pleased with it.

If you do have about $450 to spend, Ebay is a good option for any of the newer DSLRs in the advanced beginner category. Just go for a slightly later generation of camera, and you should be fine -- both in terms of budget and quality.

Anyway, happy shopping! Let us know what you get! :)

[Former_Member]

I second the notion point-and-shoot. However places like costco sell slr starter kids reasonably priced in both canon and nikon. For shooting jewelry though you'll need to invest in a macro lens which could (easily) break your budget.