1st Camera

I am looking to get into photography and wanted to know what is the best camera for someone just learning? Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks,
Jessica

Jessica,

Thank you for taking your interest in www.opticsplanet.com
Since you are just staring out in photography a grate point and shoot camera that we have is the Pentax Espio 24EW, http://opticsplanet.com/pentax-espio-24ew.html, it is in stock and ready to ship. However if your looking into something that is more professional and that you can change all the settings on, such as the exposure time, or the focus, then you may want to look at Pentax *IST SLR, http://opticsplanet.com/pei35slrcawo.html. This camera is also in stock and is ready to ship.

If you don't mind spending a little money,or less mabey as they are all or mostly used. As anaolog chemical film cameras, the Nikon F1 and F2 are fantastic old battle axes! We had them when I was in the Air Force. Many of the F1's and 2s I workedon (I was a camera tech. int the service) had maintenance built in and were icredibly heavy and rugged, if you don't mind the weight! These same cameras we worked on could tell some stories as most of these Nikons had seen much action in Vietnam!

Hi

I agree, if you want to try film, but that is a decision that you should not take, lightly. I own and use both film and digital and can make good arguments on the merits of both. However, you are exactly right on those old Nikons. Wow! I have an F3 and an FE and both are incredible cameras. I guarantee, they don't make em like that, anymore. Those two I will never sell.

Yeah, thanks for the reply. I have also two Pentaxs (ME & P30T) along with my Nikon F2. They are great. As far as large proffessional format,in the service we also had those beautiful 120 Hasselblads for portraits and other big projects. Just the feel of those cameras and winding that crank in your hands is something that you won't forget. A fine swiss watch instrument of a camera. An old book on photography that I had said basically that the difference between amateur and proffesional photogs' was 1, time spent shooting film,2 miles and miles of film( or digital media today) and a few thousand dollars in equipment!

Yeah, I've been there. Photography can be as addictive and hard on your budget as any other addiction, I suspect. Seems like there is always another lens, another flash or another camera body waiting to tempt you into skipping meals, selling your car or, worse, but, oh the joy of using fine equipment!

Photography can be as addictive and hard on your budget as any other addiction, I suppose. appears like there is always another lens, another blink or another camera body waiting to tempt you into skipping meals, trading your vehicle or, poorer, but, oh the joy of utilizing fine equipment!