Kodak Semi

Kodak Semi
I’m looking for a semi-professional digital camera or better?

I’m camera shopping for a graduation present, and i’m hoping I can find an “amazing” camera for around $800 or less. Preferably more than 7.1mp (current camera has that, Kodak c743) with a somewhat medium to large display screen, and must be digital. Anyone have any ideas?
I probably should have specified that it needs to be around $800 including the lens and such. Like I said, it’s a graduation present for myself and they’re giving me around that amount of money so I can pick whichever I want. I know which I really want, but they’re not buying me that one, (Canon EOS-1DS Mark III Digital SLR) , i’ll just have to get that one another time. What I need now is an affordable camera with great quality that I can work on my photography business with. I plan to minor in photography in college as well, so something that will help me with that too.

Fhotoace must have some bad math, because your budget is $800 or less. The camera and lens he cited, the D40 (body only, about $450) and the 18-200mm VR (about $650) add up to WAAY over $800.

So, first, don’t get caught up in the megapixel hype, because point and shoot megapixels are not comparable to SLR megapixels.

I do agree that for an amazing camera at $800 or less, you should look at the Nikon D40 (about $450 with an 18-55mm lens) or a Nikon D60 (about $660 with an 18-55mm lens) or a Canon Rebel XT (about $450 with an 18-55mm lens) or a Canon XTi for about $600.

All of these cameras will be absolutely amazing. Reliable stores would include, in no particular order:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.us1camera.com

http://www.buydig.com

http://www.adorama.com

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

http://www.beachcamera.com

I would urge you to handle the cameras in hand to find the one that “fits” you best–feels right in your hands, has the buttons in the right place, has high build quality, and a menu system that’s logical for you.

If you have any money left over after getting the camera, consider accessories like more memory cards, a flash, a second lens, or camera classes.

I would also start off with the affordable basic lens and then add on when you feel the need to accomplish a particular task and can afford it.