Suggestions on the BEST affordable camera??

Hi Meghan! Last summer I picked up a Nikon D90. I LOVE it, and learning to take pictures has been a learning experience. I also picked up a Nikon D90 for dummies book, still need to finish reading it but I learned more in the first 10 pages of that book than I could of figured out reading the manual. Before the D90 I had a Cannon Powershot, just a little pocket camera and thats what I took pictures with. After taking pics with both and playing around some heres what I think.

My D90 takes way better quality pictures but I could of done just fine with my powershot when it came to food photography if I would of taken the time to learn how to take better photos. You could pick up a book (for dummies) or another learning book specific to your camera. Always try to take photos of food in sunlight, it makes a huge difference. I take most my pictures right next to a window. After you take the pictures double check your pics on your computer. The LV screen on your camera is small and pulling them up on your computer is a good idea. I find more flaws that way (blury pics, crooked pics, crap in the background) I go back and take more pics if needed. I hope that helps some! I look back at lot of my photos and think how I would of taken the photos differently but it’s all a learning experience.

-- Jessica, Kodiak Alaska http://www.facebook.com/ConceptualConfections

I just have a Kodak EasyShare M530…I don’t even use the ‘share’ feature on it. I picked it up from Wal-mart for about 70$. considering the fact that I was using my cell phone prior- this camera is great LOL!! I wish i had a nice fancy camera but this one seems to do the job pretty well and is super easy to use.

-- find me at: www.facebook.com/CorrieCakes

You might want to check out www.kenrockwell.com for some camera advice in (new) user friendly language. Because your camera is really just a tool to get a good picture (like a mixer is just a tool to get a good cake, though some mixers do make it easier than others), it would be a good idea to do some searches on google for how to take good food photos for blogs. A lot of bloggers have some great tips on camera settings and lighting that will help you take a good photo, even with a point and shoot. I have a basic Nikon D40 that I just adore that is use with a SB400 external flash ( it flips up to bounce light off the ceiling to fill the shot when needed, no direct flash), and a f/1.8 lens. Of those three things the lens is the most important to getting nice and easy shots.

-- www.facebook.com/SugarSongCakes

I’ve just gotten a Canon Rebel T3. I love it for close ups!

-- Janiepie from GA - Find me on Facebook Cake Studio J

I just got the Canon t3i back in September. It’s affordable compared to a lot of really nice cameras, but at $600 it’s certainly not “cheap.” That said though, it has taken my cake photos to an entirely new level. My cakes don’t even look like the same person is decorating them. hehe. This is a “forever” camera for me. I’ll never need to upgrade. If you’re thinking of spending a few hundred dollars, my suggestion is to save up and wait until you can afford a camera that will last you a lifetime. Good luck!!

-- https://www.facebook.com/PeggyDoesCake