Good semi-pro camera?

wrote:
Hi all,

I did a lot of freelance journalism in the 90s and was pretty
successful. In those days I carried a Canon AE-1 35mm, "the AK 47 of
the freelance photographer," and various accessories.

Now I'd like to get back into it, but sadly, I find that cameras just
like my trusty AE-1 (which still works perfectly) are now going for
50$ on E-bay. Sigh.

So, what's the new AK 47? Bearing in mind that I'm still learning
about digitial photography, and will be buying used because I can't
afford new. (I bought my AE-1 used, too. Sigh.)


I would say you should look at the Canon XSi Digital Rebel aka Canon
450D. A second choice would be the Nikon D60 but I think that Canon has
the edge between those two models. Canon also makes an XS but for the
small difference I think the XSi/450D would be the best. Canon also
just announced a new lens: 18-200 which will give you approx 28-300 in
35mm terms. Now reviews yet but if the lens is good and price right you
may want to consider it. Canon also makes one of the best wide angles
in the 10-22 which translates to about 16-35 in 35mm terms.
I realise this is a huge question, but any advice on models or
desirable features would be very much appreciated.

Thanks.