Best Camara to Get...

I have purchased a few cameras in the last few years around the $200-250 range. Just a few days ago we purchased a Canon supershot SX40 HS. It is AMAZING. It was around $450. The sales girl aid it is the best camera you can purchase before getting into the "Professional" grade up in the thousands. Since you are starting out at tweeking your skills, this is where I would start. I am absolutely thrilled w/ this camera. There are so many great features on this camera. Good luck and have fun!!

With that much money to spend I would wait, wait until you start the classes and have a chance to learn as much about them as you can.

When I am looking for a camera I know that my pictures often don't turn out due to the shutter speed being to slow and my hands/body having too much movement. The image is always slightly blurry. When I am using a camera such as my phone the speed is quick and the pictures turn out clear and wonderful.

I bet that the professor will be able to address this issue very well during class, you won't be the only one asking either I bet.

Go "window shopping". Get a feel for the camera in your hands, which one is easy to switch out the lenses or shutter speed, how the weight effects your aim and waiting for just the right moment, narrow the choices down. Some camera's just don't feel right in my hands. They may be too heavy, to wide, too bulky, etc...

I don't think you can go wrong with either a Nikon or a Canon. Three years ago when we were in the market for a digital camera, I asked for a variety of opinion from both my real-life friends as well as a question on this forum and got a lot of answers, but in general, Nikon and Canon were both highly recommended.

While I'm only an average amateur photographer (or perhaps below average), my small Canon is plenty good enough for me and it takes great pictures (imo). A young friend of mine, though, was able to get *much* better pictures -- with my camera -- than I am able to, and I think it might be that she had taken classes. Another older friend always took good pictures, but she really bumped up her quality quite a bit just by taking classes -- they teach you what to look for and how to compose and take a great shot.

Camera quality is important, I'm sure, but there is a certain amount of skill and/or talent of the photographer that goes into the outcome of the photo, so I think you're on the right track of looking for a good-quality camera and taking classes.

i love my canon rebel!! it has sooo many lenses. i have 3 so far but i got mine from best buy and it was about 800 for 2 lenses the camera and a case. it takes wonderful pictures and is sooo easy to work

I love my Canon Rebel (sorry, I have had it for several years so I am sure there is a newer model out there). Make sure whatever you get is a DSLR...cameras that have this will take pictures one right after another (great for squirmy little ones) rather than the delay you get with the traditional 'point and shoot'. At a later time, you can always buy more lenses, too, which gives your more options.

Consider your own personal comfort level when it comes to size. You might find you like the 'happy medium' of a Rebel over some of Canon's upper line cameras because the more professional they get, the bigger they get! I upgraded once and I LOVE the features, but my camera case is so big, it's like a diaper bag, so I find I take my Rebel (or my point and shoot)because it is smaller. Still, even with the Rebel, my case is bigger than the case I have for my camcorder.

I personally have not used a Nikon, but I know they are great cameras, too.

Good luck!

There's a long running joke in photography land about the types of cameras that photographers have. It's several brands long, but here are the two that matter!

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Canon owners
You appreciate the benefits of owning a camera system that leads in cutting-edge digital imaging technology and that offers a wealth of body, lens, and accessory options for every level of photographer, from lowly consumer to top professional. You will switch to Nikon.

Nikon owners
You appreciate the benefits of owning a camera system that leads in cutting-edge digital imaging technology and that offers a wealth of body, lens, and accessory options for every level of photographer, from lowly consumer to top professional. You will switch to Canon.

(For the rest of the article... go here http://shutterfinger.typepad.com/shutterfinger/2010/10/wh... )
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I would STRONGLY recommend a DSLR in either brand. In GENERAL Nikon cameras have better lenses, and Cannon have better processors. Which = they both take the same sort of quality picture.

http://www.dpreview.com/camerareviews/?category=slrs&... is hands down the best place for reviews

I do the same thing. I love taking great pictures. I have a Canon, Rebel XT, and most everyone I know owns a nice Canon camera. I'm sure Nikon is great too. A friend of mine went through the same research and ended up buying a very nice (approx. $500 price range?) Canon Camera with video capability. Also a Canon Rebel. I want one! Another friend of mine who just recently posted some AWESOME pictures has a Canon Rebel t3i. She bought an 85mm f/1.8 prime lens that is good in low light (she doesn't like to use flash) and awesome Bokeh (blur background effect) at a wide aperture! My canon is about 7y.o. and I need to upgrade to the one with video. I too, love to take great family and friends' pictures but now I need one for sports - gymnastics/ action shots and no flash allowed. Good luck!