I need some photography advice?

1. A good camera for photography? Any ideas? Around 100-400 dollars? I don't want a cheap camera, but not one that is really expensive and hard to use.

2. Any good photography software? For professionals?

3. Just photography advice =]

Thanks you guys

Digital Cameras Please

digital or 35 mm?

the best brands for both digital and 35mm film cameras are nikon and canon SLR cameras, if you want to get into professional photography.

the canon rebel is good, it is available in both digital and 35mm. the 35mm canon will cost you about $250 (including battery and case). the digital will cost you a bit more though, but about $400 not including memory card battery and case.

photoshop is a good program to use with digital photography...a mac computer (which has photoshop installed) is probably even better..costly but better.

For the price I recommend a Canon A series camera. I have an older A75 (3.2mp) that I've had for years and that I've used to take shots for newspapers.

Most well priced digital cameras should include image editing software and some higher end models will sometimes include Adobe Photoshop Elements. GIMP is a free program available on the internet which comes close to the basic functionality of Photoshop.

As far as advice, be prepared to learn math. All camera settings and equipment ratings revolve around values, ratios, etc. that do make a considerable difference. If I had a choice between spending $400 on a camera or $250 on a camera and the rest on books I would do the later.

The books I suggest are Photography by London and Upton (about $80) and Light: Science & Magic by Hunter and Fuqua ($35).

There's really only one choice: point-and-shoot or DSLR.

If you have 400 bucks, you may be able to grab a Canon 300D and kit lens -- do it.

Software? Picasa is a great starter and Photoshop Elements is all you'll need.

Advice? Look at what pro shooters do and copy it. Then develop your own style.

HTH
V2K1

If you plan on going pro then get a DSLR... not a point and shoot! For your price range, the Canon Rebel XT would be a great choice. It has both automatic and manual features... don't be afraid to play with the manual features!

A lot of professionals use Photoshop. Photoshop Elements is the cheapest version and is great for beginners.

My best photography advice would be to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!! Work on lighting and composition! And again, use the manual features on your camera... it's the best way to learn what they do. Best of luck :o)