What kind of camera should I buy if I want to get into photography?
I was looking to get into photography. Partly because I’m really interested in it.. and partly because I wouldn’t mind turning it into a side business. Headshots and weddings maybe.. but primarily events/concerts to compliment reviews I write and whatnot. Any suggestions on what camera to buy? Also any sites that have deals? Film to use.. where to develop.. tell me everything! 
OK first off – nobody use film any more. Those that still use film are people who are really old (and can’t learn digital technology) or more likely they are at the very high end that can afford to charge for the extra cost. Personally I think film is actually lower quality, but it does have a special “old world” look to it.
Second, as the poster above said, don’t do wedding for a while. That really is some body’s once in a life time event and if you screw it up, it is a big screw up. Volunteer at your family’s and friend’s wedding (but not as their sole wedding photographer).
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OK when people say buy Canon or Nikon, etc. what they really mean is that that’s what they bought and what they like – not necessarily the best for you. There are plenty of great camera companies out there. Having said that, I have experience with Canon 10D, and currently own Nikon D70 and Fuji S2 pro. When you buy a camera you are not just buying one camera but a system (of camera, lens, flash, etc.) You will often upgrade cameras but keep the accessories (lens, flash, etc.). Also think of the long run. Minolta just went of out business (and Sony took over the DSLR section- but for how long)? If you want to be taken seriously as a pro then stick with Digital SLR. Also you would need external flash (the look of small on camera flash is not professional looking).
The poster above said to “get the best you can afford.” I agree. But don’t confuse the BEST you can afford with the most expensive camera. There are plenty of people out there making money with “amateur” Nikon D40 or Canon Rebels. But then again, the pro lens and flashes are definitely more expensive.
When you are doing PEOPLE PHOTOGRAPHY, in movie industry terms, you are the director, camera-man, lighting person, stage director, production manager, etc. You will also be working with non-professional (models). Which means you have to know coax people to be their best.
Don’t confuse picture of a beautiful person with a beautiful picture of a person. There’s a saying that in photography, beauty is a problem. But you can easily convince plenty of people in to thinking you take beautiful picture by taking pictures of beautiful people.
To begin head shots and portraits, it is always best to shoot outdoors at a natural setting (I like parks – some people like beaches, etc.). All of studio lighting is to copy “God’s one great light – the sun.” So just use the sun. If you intend to shoot on one particular day of the week (like Saturday), visit that park one week before (same day of the week) to see the “crowd” factor. Check to see if you need a permit to shoot professionally.
For outdoor portraits, long lens is flattering. For indoor events, wide angle lens is often very useful.
Contrary to common notion, sunny day is NOT the best day for portrait (harsh shadows). Overcast day give even soft lighting. Be careful of shooting under the shades of tree (you’ll get ugly bluish / green cast). Just to be safe, use flash on auto flash exposure (for fill flash).
Photography is a huge subject matter. It is always safe to go get a book on the subject and learn one chapter at a time. But you’ll never learn as much by experimenting. Also buy picture books (with nothing but great pictures) and magazines and study the photography and how you would recreate those images.
You can research camera choices here:
http://dpreview.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/
You can learn some stuff about photography from here:
http://ir.webphotoschool.com/
Good luck – but most of all have fun.
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