Pretty much what the title says. I plan on taking classes next semester on photography and would like your ideas on camreas and any software to pick up and play around with before I jump into my classes.

I will have around $2000 for a camera but would like to keep it lower.

 

Check out the DSLR FAQ's thread that is stickied...there is good info in there, as well as links to other threads.

 

Just to be sure, this is a digital camera class? If you just need a camera just for your class, I wouldn't worry about spending the whole 2K. That's a good amount of money. Are you really going to get into this afterwards is the question???

You can get a good used body (digital) for $400-$600), a 35mm or 50mm lens for $50-$100. For a class that's really all the lens you're going to need.

You need to find out what is required of the class first. Their recommendations.

 

As for software, don't worry as a student you get major discounts. See what the class requires.

 

i took a photography class and all we needed was an SLR (non-digital) camera...no software or anything...

just to give you an idea on some costs, here's what my setup ran me:

Nikon D80 DSLR w/ 18-55mm lens - $959 (including taxes & shipping) from buydig.com (awesome etailer)

Nikon 70-210mm lens on ebay - $279

since then i've bought a couple filters (which are awesome) and a bag, of course...

software i use is Photomatix Pro and Photoshop...

whether you need stuff like this for starting out is your choice...i used to shoot with an Olympus C5050-Z point and shoot and decided to move up...

 

Thanks for the info, and yeah I've planned on asking the instructers what I need I just have set this aside for awhile and want a new toy. I thought maybe there was one that would be better suited for these classes. owell I guess I'm just trying to make an exuse to buy something. Maybe I'll save the money and just buy something more reasonable.