I hope this is the right place....

Can anyone recommend a really good camera for under $650? I'm trying to find something for my brothers birthday and I really know NOTHING about cameras.

All I know is that he wants RAW....what ever that is?

No one?

I'm currently looking at the Nikon D40 and D50.

I picked up an SLR Canon 400d for around 240 British Pounds. it was on ebay reconditioned 1 year w/t just an idea.
its a lovely camera,

Moved to Digicam Lab

Olympus Evolt E-510 10.0 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera with 2.5" HyperCrystal LCD Screen with 14-42 mm & 40-150 mm Lens - $650.00

Or if you don't need the long zoom:

Olympus Evolt E-510 10.0 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera with Supersonic Wave Filter and 2.5" HyperCrystal LCD Screen with 14-42 mm f 3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens - $564.95

Or just go with a Nikon D50 / Canon 400D, all of the three are great for your brother if he knows a little more than you about cameras if he's just starting, I'd recommend Olympus as it's the most features packed out of the box.

Tantawi at it again!

i said this in another thread...

Canon 400D = 520$
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4575..._Rebel_XTi.html

Canon 350D = 400$
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3711...l_Rebel_XT.html

Nikon D40 = 470$
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4717...tal_Camera.html

but personally i wouldnt go with the Nikon D40. I bought it knowing nothing about cameras and just knowing that Nikon is a good brand. But since it being such a entry level camera and so small. the AF motor is slowwww because its in the lens so you will miss a lot of action shots.

hope that helps.

Thanks for the help guys, and for moving the thread, I didn't know this place existed

Rebel XTI body + 18-55mm IS lens. (replace with the XT if you can't afford XTI) would be my recommendation. Fantastic combo especially with dropping prices from new models.

Excellent AF performance. (9 pt AF for XTI, 7 pt XT) Great ISO performance due to CMOS sensor. (feel free to use ISO 1600 if necessary) Huge selection of lens for any particular field your brother wants to venture into. "New" IS kit lens is much improved with better optics and effective image stabilization. Overall excellent dynamic range (less blown highlights) and resolution.

New 18-55 IS Review: http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/canon_...3p5-5p6_is_c16/

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews...ens-Review.aspx

XTI review: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/

I agree with giga, the Canon 400D is great! I have it sitting here with me now after 6 months, battery is good, I brought the battery grip for it and it arrived today its brill!

Nikon is releasing the D60 these days, the camera that will probably replace the D40x.

Looks like a great beginners camera.

http://www.photographybay.com/2007/12/28/nikon-d60/

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d60.htm

It's basically a D40x with sensor cleaning--really not worth the price hike.

See I now nothing aobut the speak aobut lenses...IS? sensor cleaning? 9 pt AF?

Is there a place that I can go read up on thses things? I have a month before his B-Day, and I'm mildy interested myself......just have a cheap Casio Exlim 10.1MP point and shoot I got on sale, right now. I'd love to read up more on digitas Photography if anyone can recomend a few good sites.

I have a D50 for sale if you want it. That way you get an internal autofocus motor. PM me if interested

Here is a very good start: http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/ .