Just learned quite a bit about cameras and camcorders today, and I read some threads in this section - which I don't visit much. I still have a few questions though.

I was planning to get an SLR and a tripod, extra or extended life battery, anything else? A bag, possibly... any recommendations? The only brand preference that I have for the camera is possibly Nikon, Canon and Olympus because I can get a discount on those. For tripods, do I have to buy a tripod that specifically fits the camera or what? And are there different materials of the tripod or what? Another thing, whats up with lenses?

I'm a total newb at taking pictures and I'm not looking to spend more than $400 on the camera. I'll probably mostly be taking car shots. Optical zoom would be nice though. I like image stabilizing features, I may be taking some motion shots.

 

youll need a memory card.
and remember, its the lens that matter, not the body. but with your budget, its really hard.

lens, if you want car shots, youd probably want an UWA (ultra wide angle) like a 10-22mm, and something like the Sigma 17-70. If you want motorsport, youll need a longer lens.

tripod, carbon fibers the hot thing lately but theyre expensive. just dont buy a el cheapo best buy tripod. some wont even support a SLR.

400bucks...
300bucks for a used 300D (or a D30)
100bucks for a EF-S 18-55 (youre gonna have to mod the mount though),
...and thats already 400. digital SLR isnt cheap.
anybody wanna fill me in with Nikon and Olympus?

 

$400 is too low for getting into DSLR, unless you want get used equipment.
If you want new equipment, including minimum accessories, you're talking close to
double that. And if you just want to scratch the minimum, I don't even recommend getting an SLR to begin with.

The major benefit of an SLR is to have different equipment for shooting different things.

As far as your other questions, I would personally go to a bookstore and pick up a beginner's photography book and browse through it. It's the quickest way to learn about stuff like lenses, focal lengths, shutter speeds. Learning fundimentals through a forum isn't efficient.

 

$400 for a DSLR?? Even for a used one, thats going to be near impossible to find. Unless you want something kinda meh, like the D40 (basically a PnS).


You can barely get a good lens for $400.

 

get a Holga.
or something with a prime lens.