I am an amateur photographer and am looking for a camera...?

Question

Okay I don't do pictures professionally, but I am constantly taking photos for everything from family functions, to my neices/nephews, to nature, engagement photos for friends, etc.  One day I do hope to get into it professionally, but for now I'd just like an affordable camera with good potential. I've looked at several, but would like a photographers opinion on this.  I was hoping to find a camera that has the capabilities to focus on a certain aspect and blur the rest. I'm not sure what its called, but basically its like the bouquet of a wedding being the focal point at the front of the picture with the background being blurred (where the bride & groom might be standing). 

Here is a photo that pretty much resembles what I'm looking to do.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/abellastudios/2975019770/

So please give some suggestions.  Also, I'd love to get photoshop but its approx $700 which I don't have. Is there somewhere to get it cheaper?

Thanks in advance!

Pastafarian · Accepted Answer

You are going to want to look into getting a DSLR. Nikon and Canon are the major brands that make DSLR cameras. Buying the camera is just a small part in your journey into photography. You will want to take a couple classes on photography at your local art museum/community college. Get down the basics ya' know? I own a D40 and a D300 and both are made by Nikon. The D40 is my camera that I take out if I don't feel like lugging lots of equipment around. The d40 is an extremely easy camera is can basically be used as a point and shoot if you put it on Automatic. 

best place to start looking for cameras is called bhphotovideo.com

As for photoshop, if you know anyone that goes to a university have them buy it from the apple.com store...Photoshop CS4 costed me $169 with the academic price. If not, look on ebay for a old version such as Cs2 and then you can upgrade cheaper on apple.com opposed to buying the full program.

Good luck!

Sentimental Treasures Photo · Answer

So are you actually looking for a camera or you looking for photoshop?
For what you want to do like in the picture is done with a wide aperture maybe around 1.4 or 1.7 at around 50mm I would recommend a Nikon D40 with 2 lens kit for $549 and pick up a 50mm 1.8 but then you would be around $650... so close to that $700 that you don't have

So I would say download GIMP as a photoshop replacement

Anonymous · Answer

I would suggest Canon Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012YA85A?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0012YA85A

or Nikon D40 with 2 lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX and 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens is a great choice.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SDPMEI?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000SDPMEI

? · Answer

try the Fuji HS10... good for a trip, as it has a great range, but without the need to change lenses...

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I am an amateur photographer and am looking for a camera...?

4 Answers