Hi Guys,
I am an amateur photographer planning to be a bit professional.
Therefore I've decided to purchase a new digital camera.

There are thousands in the market and that's why I am a bit confused at to which camera will actually suit my needs.

Before this I was using simple film cameras.

I think 5MP camera with 2-3x optical zoom will do (or should I go for more megapixels and optical zoom?)


I want to do a one-time purchase (as I am a bit miser) so please suggest me some nice, high quality cameras.

If you are planning to be a bit professional, I would like to know what your budget is.
Professional implies making a living from it, so I would suggest you get a pro digi slr. 5mpx will certainly not be up to spec for professional applications.
Canon has the 1Ds MKII (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_eos1dsmkii.asp). freakyclean has one, so I'm sure he'll fill you in on the details if you are interested.
Nikon's equivalent to that is the D2Hs (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Nikon/nikon_d2hs.asp).
Kodak have the DCS SLR/c (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Kodak/kodak_dcsslrc.asp).

You can read extensive reviews of all cameras at the links provided.

Then you will also need a wide range of lenses and filters to go with that.

Canon is the market leader at the moment. I think their cameras are superb, and their range of lenses is exquisite. As with most things in life, price follows quality.

If this is above and beyond your budget, check this thread (http://www.steeldolphin-forums.com/showthread.php?t=3996).

Please ask if you have questions. :)

Actually I want to start with small cameras.. between $400-$500.

Somebody suggested me Canon S1 IS and S2 IS.

Actually I am planning to make a website..with a wallpaper section..where I will be displaying pictures
(of landscapes, sunsets, animals, potraits etc.) taken by me with a facility to download these pics as
wallpapers with various resolutions like (1024 x 768)pixels and (1920 x 1200) pixels.


So I need a high quality, less-expensive camera.


As far as S1 IS is concerned, it's just 3.2 MP and I am not sure if it will suit my need.

One more question:
Whats the maximum size of the picture (in pixels) that a 3.2 MP camera produces?
I mean, will I be able to get wallpaper size photos (1024 x 768 pixles) with a 3.2 MP camera or do I need to
get a camera with more megapixels (like a 5MP camera)?

And also what about Canon A510 3.2 MP?
How is it different from S1 IS 3.2 MP (except for the optical zoom which in case of A510 is 4x)?

Optical zoom is the only zoom. Digital zoom is just a crop and resize, so you might at well do that in PS.
Even my old 1.3MP Fuji point and shoot, takes photos in 1024x768. It just doesn't do it in good quality.
I have no experience with the cameras you mention, but I suggest you have a look at reviews on sites likefredmiranda (http://www.fredmiranda.com) and dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com).
Remember, if you ever want to print out any of the pictures, you can't get enough MP. :)

I have read that the Canon G6 is one of the very best prosumer cameras out there. I think that it is a 7 MP camera in the $650 range. If you could afford the few extra $$'s on it, I think it would be worth it. Try http://www.stevesdigicams.com for what I consider to be the best digicam reviews on the internet. WR

http://billragan.exchrome.com

What about Canon REBEL XT?

I have the 350D /Rebel XT, and can only say the best about it. A good allround camera at a good price, with everything I could ask for in any slr in that price range, digi or not.
If it is within your budget, I would say go for it:)

Finally I have decided to start with Canon A510 3.2MP.


I think it's better to learn the basics first and when one feel confident of his abilities....only then he should take big leap.



Any comments on Canon A510 3.2MP?

It's a good choice for starters........
Its has auto features as well as a good extent of manual features, not common with its rivals......

3.2MP is enough if you just want to use your photos for web display.....
but at 1920 x 1200, I'm not too sure........
and its good enough for a 4R print....... for print sake.

if you're going for professional print outs...

Remember, if you ever want to print out any of the pictures, you can't get enough MP.

You're not going to get much out of that camera but if you get the lighting just right
you might get some pretty decent results.
Here are some samples of shots from that camera:
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/?gallery=canona510_samples/

As far as printing I'm not sure if you could get anything larger than 8x10 without looking like crap.

Hey Nemesis,

Those pics are really wow.
That's more than what I want at the start.

Camera is hot, since its not too expensive and good for starters.
Thanks once again for the link.

Yes I know it has limited features, but for me, who'd just stepped in into digital photography and wants to start with something inexpensive, this camera is more than okay. Once I feel confident, I will surely try my hands on SLRs.

One more thing..is there any other camera within the same price range but better than Canon A510?

What about Nikon Coolpix 3100?
Is it better than Canon A510?

Unfortunately, I have no experience with these cameras, but I suggest you have a look at http://www.dpreview.com where they have reviews of most cameras and even sample images.