Hey /p/,I'm pretty interested in photography and always see things throughout the day as if i had a camera and how i would capture the moment/scene. I'm looking to buy a camera soon if possible, and could use your advice.I have basic photography skills (took photo 1 in HS) and plan on maybe taking a class over summer or sometime next year in college.I'm looking under the $500 range (but i dont think i'll get to 500 with my skill limitations). Any suggestions for what to buy?I'm looking for control over shots too, not just some cheapo teenager-take-to-a-party camera. One that can cater to some good potential use.EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakePENTAX CorporationCamera ModelPENTAX *ist DSCamera SoftwareACD Systems Digital ImagingSensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaFocal Length (35mm Equiv)46 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2006:07:08 21:48:20Exposure Time1/45 secF-Numberf/16.0Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length31.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width720Image Height478RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeDistant View
You can get a used dSLR for under $500. http://www.adorama.com has a good selection of used gear for pretty good prices, and you're a lot less likely to get screwed by them than by some random guy on eBay.