What basic gear do i need to start in photography as a hobby? Any good non-SLR dig. c

[satokenta]

I want to get into digital photography as a hobby, mostly taking pictures of nature and small objects to display online (like an ebay picture only much better .) I would like suggestions for a digital camera that is at least 7 mp. I've seen 10.2 in non-SLR and am willing to pay for it, so any suggestions? I don't have the money to buy an SLR, although I'd like because I want to do this as a hobby and it seams that all my hobbies end up being outrageously expensive. My career is too. Do I need to worry about changing lenses on non-slr cameras? What are the items that will make my hobby enjoyable, besides the camera of course? any not so expensive, but decent photo editing/storing software around or below $100? thanks

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by satokenta

I want to get into digital photography as a hobby, mostly taking pictures of nature and small objects to display online (like an ebay picture only much better .) I would like suggestions for a digital camera that is at least 7 mp. I've seen 10.2 in non-SLR and am willing to pay for it, so any suggestions?

I don't have the money to buy an SLR, although I'd like because I want to do this as a hobby and it seams that all my hobbies end up being outrageously expensive. My career is too.

Do I need to worry about changing lenses on non-slr cameras?

What are the items that will make my hobby enjoyable, besides the camera of course?

any not so expensive, but decent photo editing/storing software around or below $100?

If you're posting to the web, you'd be more than served with 4mp: anything more is overkill. You don't have to worry about resolution with cameras any more.

If you dont need an SLR, there might be something better out there for you, depending on what you plan on shooting. If it's, as you say, small objects for online shooting, you might be better served by a compact camera with a macro functionality than an SLR.

Changing lenses is only necessary in two types of cameras: SLR and Mirrorless cameras. Mirrorless cameras work like compacts but offer SLR-like image quality because they use SLR sensors. They're very expensive right now, and still need to be further developed before they become more mainstream and more adaptable.

You'll likely want a tripod, and maybe even some lighting equipment. But not much else, based on what youve posted so far.

If you're looking at photo editing software, you can go the free route with a software packaged called the GIMP.

[TFord.LTTP]

You say you're willing to spend on the camera but what range are you looking in? I think for a small more automatic with manual controls available camera the Canon S90 is as good as it gets or if you want a big zoom the Canon SX210 is a step down in image quality and speed but you get the 14x zoom. The Canon G11 is a little more serious, and a bit bigger but closest to an SLR in a point and shoot.

Those are $400, $350 and $500 respectively though and while they're as good as it gets for compact cameras it's a slippery slope where the Canon and Nikon SLRs are $500-550 right now depending on sales, or $500-600 for an entry level mirror-less system like the Olympus E-PL1. If it is going to be a long term thing then it's absolutely going to be worth the $100-200 more if it's possible for you to go there.

I tell my customers on a daily basis, sell cameras as the day job for now, that you get what you pay for more than with any other electronics currently. Doesn't mean spending a couple grand is right for everyone but there's a reason cheap cameras are cheap. Even when you look at the high end compacts you're making a lot of sacrifices, it's just the way it is. Ultimately comes down to how much you want to invest in time and money not just now but down the road as well. Those are my recommendations though if they're in your price range.

Tripod's a must, maybe one of the little LED panels like the one they reviewed on the site for lighting?