Best inexpensive beginner camera ?

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] 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/panaso...

It just came out on November 4, 2008.

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 $430 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/...

Good luck!

"Inexpensive" can mean a lot of things, but defintely check out the Nikon FM2, it is a great camera for a pro or a beginner. Start with something like that and you will learn all about shutter speed, exposure, depth of field, f-stops, etc. They run a couple hundred bucks, though. A cheap alternative would be a Minolta X-700 mps, which you could find under a hundred bucks. I would suggest a 50mm lens for a starter, and then eventually you might want a 70, 105, and a wide angle lens. Or just get a zoom that has all of those (but usually is inferior quality).

Canon A1000 IS. 4X optical zoom, 10 megapixels, image stabilizer for shaky hands and produces very good image quality. Very good on batteries also.

This camera hasn't a big lens just a simple point and shoot.

I don't exactly know what is meant by getting into photography.

Nikon D40 is a great inexpensive camera.It is $415 at amazon.com now and you have money for another good lens.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KJQ1DG?ie=UTF...

or for under $600 you can get better one Nikon D60

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012OGF6Q?ie=UTF...

and Canon Rebel XS

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CBKJGG?ie=UTF...

Both are better than D40 and cost your around $550

i started off with a canon kiss digital X. its like the 400D but the japanese version. i like it, once you start playing around with it you get the hang of it. but i also agree with fhotoface. its always good to learn film first.

I would say the Sony Cyber-Shot