lisatravels

Can anyone recommend a decent film camera that costs somewhere between $100-$200? I've been able to find a lot of reviews of digital cameras, but nothing on traditional cameras. I took a disposal camera along for my last trip and was very disappointed in a lot of the pictures; I'm hoping to have better mementos next time.

tcapp

Last year we purchased an Olympus Sylus Epic Camera and have been very pleased. The quality of the pictures have been wonderful.
We took the camera to Alaska and the pictures were knock-your-socks-off.
It's also very easy to use.

rkkwan

You can buy "a lot" of film camera with $200, including a SLR with zoom lens, like the Canon Rebel G2 with 35-80mm lens. Or for just over $200, the better Rebel K2 with 28-80 lens. Really excellent deals if you want to stick with film cameras.

Loki

Get a Canon Rebel of some sort. If you can get the body without the stock lens do that and then either get the 28-105 or the 50mm prime. The stock lens is junk, be it the 28-80 or 28-90. As a matter of fact I still have my 28-80, if you get a body and want it, I'll sell it to you cheap, but I wouldn't recommend this lens to anyone. FYI, I use a Rebel 2000. Canon lenses tend to be cheaper and more versatile than Nikons though Nikon makes great glass. Don't get a point and shoot. Take little time to learn how to use an SLR and it will be rewarding. You can get loads of info at photo.net.

bookhall

Olympus has been selling a lot of refurb/rebuilt cameras on eBay. Great prices, and a wide range of both film and digital point-and-shoot cameras. Minimal shipping charges, as well. Their user ID is olympusamerica.

If you're willing to dedicate yourself to taking great photographs, by all means get a SLR. You can take some pictures that can be blown up to 11x14 and even larger. You do have to recognize that there is a learning curve, and also one of dealing with the hardware (changing lenses can be a hassle...)

However, if what you're after is getting some excellent pictures of family, friends and scenery, a nicer point-and-shoot will probably work quite well. And you're more comfortable with throwing it in purse or pocket when you go out....

lisatravels

Thank-you for all your advice. It is so helpful, because all the info. out there is a bit overwhelming. After doing some research it sounds like an entry level SLR is really what I want and I'll definitely being checking out the Canon rebels. My next question is what do you look for in a lens (if you're a novice photographer)? I see that Loki doesn't like 28-80 or 28-90 - are stock lenses usually bad? Thank-you for any advice.

rkkwan

The 28-80 or 28-90 zoom lens that come with the camera are okay for amateur use. Of course the professionals won't like them, but a good lens can easily cost several times the cost of your camera and zoom lens COMBINED.

lisatravels

Thanks again! I bought a Rebel GII and now I get to go play with it.