What is the best photography camera for a starting photographer?

Also, if I enter pictures in a portfolio can they be pictures that I have took, but also edited, like enhanced the picture using a photo editing software?

"photography camera"? all cameras are made to photograph, so that part kind of makes no sense.

Get a Nikon D40, or Canon Digital Rebel. Your portfolio should be photos that you took.

1) photography implies that you are using s fully adjustable camera like a 35 mm SLR or DSLR
2) most of the first classes in photography use film cameras. This is to a) allow the instructor to see all your images on each roll of film you use b) to slow you down, so you have to actually think about each shot you take and
c) limit you to one or two rolls of film per assignment (36 exposure rolls)
3) portfolios are supposed to show the best work you are capable of doing. This means perfectly exposed and composed images (with NO need to later ‘fix’ using a photo program).
4) if you are making composite images or want to show off some amazing before and after work, then using a program like Photoshop may be indicated.

answer here

A Canon Cyber-Shot 10.1 :) I love mine.

The Canon XS or XSi and Nikon D40 or D5000 are very good entry level DSLR cameras.

Yes, it’s fine to include photos that have been post-processed (S/W edited) in a portfolio. Try to show a range of different types of photo types/subject matter in the portfolio (nature, animals/birds, landscapes, portraits, macro, monochrome, etc.). Make sure they’re technically and aesthetically solid.

I highly recommend something from Nikon.

The new nikon d3000 model has new user interface, thats great for beginners, it shows them what there doing in detail. If your wanting something better, go for the Nikon D5000, Nikon D60, or if you can afford it the Nikon D90 as a first DSLR.

Nikon:

Nikon D40, D60, D3000, D5000 = Entry Level DSLRs

Nikon D80, D90, D200, = Semi Professional Cameras

Nikon D700, D300 = Pro/Semi Pro Camera

Nikon D3, D3x = Professional Line Cameras

I havent used canon’s brand so i coudnt tell you what there line is like but i have watched reviews.

If your into canon, i recommend there new basic DSLR, the Rebel T1i i think its called, just bearely got released.

Good luck!

ALSO: Sony, Pantax, Olympus make great DSLRs. If you want reviews, i watch this guy on youtube all the time,

http://www.youtube.com/cameralabs

If you are really on a budget and want the best quality for the money, check out the P&S Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 [with a Leica lense and Live View] which has more features than most pro DSLRs that require auxiliary lenses not even equal to the single initial full-range lense that comes with the FZ28. It is reviewed at:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/panasonic_fz28_pg5.html

It’s an all-in-one 10.1 megapixel digital camera which includes (i) built-in image stabilization; (ii) HD720 quality video [Quicktime] which permits zooming while videoing skateboarding, action sports; (iii) a 18x zoom [27 - 486 mm (35mm equiv.)] “Leica” lense for nature and concert photography; (iv) up to 0.39 inch macro option; (v) up to 6400 ASA; (vi) takes up to 380 pictures per 120 min. battery charge; (vii) has a “burst speed” of 13 fps; and sells new for $464 at amazon.com. in the U.S.

Here’s an actual handheld picture of the moon:

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/bf/1b/a83ac060ada0881604bad110.L.jpg

Re: Portfolio.

Almost any photos you have taken are allowed in a portfolio. However, the one’s with the greatest value are those which you were able to sell to major publications or were commissioned for pay.
Good luck!

If you are talking film cameras, I would still say Nikon F4 with a 50mm or 85mm f/1.8 lens. Look on Ebay. They are still inexpensive at around $150.

If digital, go new. Since many people ask similar questions, here is what I wrote for another person addressing the matter:

A Professional cameras run around $2200 just for the body. A D300 or D700 (I use Nikon) are pro-grade. D90 (what I have) is semi-pro… between an entry level and pro-grade.

-Camera with different lighting features – Nikon or Canon has this.

-I’m planning to take nature photos so a camera that takes pics with crisp detail – now you want a good lens that has a high focal length. I use a Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC. Does me just fine.

-can take photos with no glare (like if you’re taking a photo of water.)-think about polarizing filters then. It would be the best way to reduce such glare.

-Can take not blurry photos-honestly, this on is on you. You must learn to use the camera/lens to reduce blur. Usually blur is due to either photographer motion or subject motion.

-I’m also doing portraits of others (black and white.)-get a good prime lens or a good zoom.

-good quality-Canon or Nikon again!

-good features of being able to take crisp pics at nigh time and daytime- again, Canon or Nikon.

-many options of how to take a photo-again, Canon or Nikon.

-can zoom in and zoom out a lot-like I said, the Tamron 18-270 does alot and covers most focal ranges with more than adequate quality.

-can take photos very fast-how fast? is 1/4000 sec fast? How many frames per second (fps)? Anything more than 4fps will cost $$$

-I’m willing to spend $1000 or less- Well, I can recommend a D40 with an 18-55 f/2.8 and a 55-200 f/2.8 for around $1200. My realistic recommendation is a D90 +Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 for around $1500 if you shop around. Don’t go used. You don’t get the warranty. Pay for new stuff and get the 5/7 year warranty!