intro to photography camera question
 

Im taking an intro to photography class and I have to buy a 35mm SLR for it (sucks, I know). Once the class is over with I plan to trade it in and get a digital to do content production. I was recommended by the store to get a Canon ELAN 7N. Is this a recommended 35mm camera?

My prof also said I need a 50mm lens. What lens would you recommend? I plan on keeping it to use on my digital, so Id like it to be benefitial for content production.

thanks

Don't know what your budget is, but if you like the Canon 20D EOS Digital SLR for instance for your future camera, you could get an EOS lens that fits both your Canon EOS SLR film camera for the course, and the 20D.

Budget wise, a 50mm prime lens is cheap but not going to serve you well shooting content unless you have a big studio. If the money is there, invest in an L series lens. And do research ->www.dpreview.com the reviews are outstanding. :2 cents:

For intro level, i.e. learning the basics....get with the basics. No need for spending serious cash any current fancy camera. You need a light-tight box, a lens, and a simple light meter. Learn how to use a simple, manual camera well
and you'll always know when the computer on your new fancy camera is making a mistake. My recommendation is something like the old Minolta SRT-202. Did a quick search on eBay, found precisely what you need for this class:

Minolta SRT202 w/50mm lens on ebay

Note this isn't my auction, just one I picked from a search.

1.4 ? 50mm will cost about $300 - sharp - low light - good quality - or - you could get a 1.8 ? for half that - everyone learns film with low end cams - its the best way - learn how to compose the shot - light the shot - the shot is important - not the equipment - it will be fun if you get into it - otherwise jsut another class - take advantage of the opp and learn all you can grasshopper.

The camera I posted comes with a 50mm 1.7f lens, current price w/shipping is $55.

OP should go this route for his intro class, and save his $$ for the camera of his dreams after he's done. And he'll still prolly get almost the same money for it if he turns around and sells it after he's done.

IMO, of course.

I checked out the local camera store for a used camera. I need it for Tuesday, so I cant go the ebay route. Here are my options for bodies:
Canon AE-1P - $219.99 (Canadian)
Canon AE-1 - $189.99 (Canadian)
Pentax K1000 - $269.99 (Canadian)
Pentax Super P - $179.99 (Canadian)
Pentax ME Super - $188.99 (Canadian)
Nikon F50 - $183.99 (Canadian)
Canon EOS 650 - $159.99 (Canadian)
Minolta SRT 200 - $179.99 (Canadian)
Minolta X-700 - $199.99 (Canadian)
I want to learn how cameras work and not have some computer chip do it for me. Which would you recommend I get?

Thanks

Buy a digital slr instead.

DID YOU READ HIS POST

The Minolta SRT200 is the little brother to the SRT202, no features missing that you'll need. Highly recommended.

The Nikon F50 and the Canon AE-1 are also good cameras that have stood the test of time.

Out of those three, I'd pick the one in the best condition.

Good luck!

Hey I had an AE-1 - Fantastic results

Like the idea of being able to reuse the lens. But the instructor kinda didn't give ya a lot of choice. I'd say cheap out and buy wht you want latter.

Why the instance on film these days (by the instructor)? Digital = instant results on what you did right and wrong.

if you must buy a film body buy either nikon or canon, because shortly you will be moving to digital and at least you can use the lens on digital SLR.

if you are just starting out i would stay with canon equip.

better color and better lenses for digital IMO.