Buying a New Camera

[Ronald]

I want to upgrade and get a new camera but don't know much about what's out there. Right now I just use a point-and-shoot digital camera that came packaged with a printer from Best Buy. I've had it at least three years and have been able to get some great photos, but it's abilities are limited.

Right now I'm thinking I'd spend between $300-500 on a new camera for professional photography (alongside my graphic design/illustration work). It would be great to have features like adjustable shutter speed, manual focus, and other qualities like in film cameras, so I'm guessing I need a DSLR or bridge digital camera. I've used a nice film camera just once for school and am not skilled with using said features but am eager to learn. I know the very high-end cameras cost much more than $500, but I'm curious what's available in that range.

Thank you.