Good digital camera for young, pre-pro photog...?

I used to be a pro photographer, but that was back in the film days. But anyway...my friend's daughter is 15 and a very talented artist/photographer. Problem is, she uses a cheap digital camera suitable for snap-shots and not the "artistic" stuff she wants to do. (By "artistic," I mean she wants to have the ability to better manipulate focus, apeture, etc. So, what's a good, relatively inexpensive (roughly $400-500 rage) SLR digital camera for a 15-year-old with a lot of talent?? Any suggestions?? Thanks!

In that price range, you're really somewhat limited to the Nikon D50 with the kit lens and possibly the older D70S also with the kit lens (still a popular camera today even though it was superceded by the D50 and the newer and more expensive D80; check with www.keh.com for great prices on used D70S).

As you may be aware, that buying into a DSLR camera nowadays also involves buying into a lens system and Nikon lenses (Nikkor) are among the best in quality build and quality glass formula for superior image detail quality. Also, Nikon uses the same lens mount since 1959 and there are many, many lenses in the used market to select from for when she's ready to start expanding. Good luck and best wishes.

EDITED: Check this out: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/d200-d80...

Anything fuji.

I look into buying a SLR off of ebay. Try to stick with preferable Canon Rebel XT or Nikon D60.

To know where you're going with your photography, you should know where you're coming from! A $400-500 range dSLR more than likely would not stand up to a film SLR. Let's not forget that within any type of reasonable price range that film still surpasses digital in color scheme and resolution. Also, a film photographer learns to take the picture correctly the first time, instead of "shoot and photoshop later" digital techniques. Canon Rebel all the way! They're easy to use, and still deliver stunning quality across the board. Don't give up on film just yet. If not, add about $100 more to your acceptable price and get a camera that would be more intermediate/entry level. Good Luck!

There are a lot of really good entry level digital SLR cameras on the market, but the main complaint I have against many of these cameras is their build quality and the limited choice of lenses. My suggestion like the previous post is to go with Nikon because of their backwards compatibility with older lenses that you can purchase for a bargain and are of excellent quality. However, instead of going out and buying an new entry level camera why not purchase a used professional digital SLR camera. For example you can get a used Nikon D-100 with a 50mm lens for just under $500. It is a much more rugged camera with lots of really nice features. Now you may be hesitant because this camera doesnt boast the highest megapixel rating, but you really don't need all those megapixels if you don't plan to print beyond 8x10. Besides the point megapixels don't necessarily equate to a high resolution image as a lot of the resolving power has to do with the quality of the lens you are using. My suggestion is for you to go to KEH.com and buy yourself a good used pro digital slr. This is a very reputable company that has really great deals.