Basic Photography (what kind of camera?)?

first see what kind of camera your photography teacher wants you to have. Usually, with all beginner photography courses on all levels, high school through college, they will start you off with a Film SLR camera so you learn how to correctly compose shots, be patient, and NOT be hasty. They will probably also take you into the dark room and do all of that as well. as for Film SLR cameras, I suggest you look in the classified section of your local newspaper, they are usually in there. Craigslist, Ebay, Amazon all have used cameras that usually come with a lens (suggested lens is a prime 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8) Minolta X-700 Canon AE-1, or AE-1 Program Pentax K1000 Nikon F2 if your class is going to do digital and wants you to get a DSLR camera, you will have to spend around $600 for a small setup (the Nikon D3000 or Canon Rebel xs) if any cameras are allowed, I suggest you go to a store and see what you like from these brands: Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony, and Panasonic