What is a 35mm digital camera?

I want to sign up for a digital photography class and it says that a 35mm digital camera with manual options is preferred. What does this mean? I have a nikon s700. Does this mean I should get a DSLR like a D90?

They say 35 mm because it compare to the 35mm negative camera, but if your cam have manual option then you should be fine unless they want you to buy a certain camera for that course but i would not see the reason. If your cam can go manual then you can shoot like any one else that is shooting manual. However you don't have the manual lens which give you the feeling of a photographer.

Ask your teacher again to clarify if what you need is a film SLR or a digital SLR. 35mm cameras use film. The two samples below are brand new film SLRs.

This is an example of a digital 35mm SLR camera. ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...amera.html ) The picture includes a lens but the actual item does not. You will need to buy a lens for it. It's called digital for its use of an LCD to show current settings and for the use of buttons and a menu system to change those settings. Make no mistake. This camera uses 35mm film.

This is an example of a manual (older mechanical type) 35mm SLR camera with lightmeter. ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...amera.html ) This one includes a zoom lens. Ask your photography instructor if you can use this instead if what he requires is a film SLR.

You can find cheaper secondhand cameras at eBay. Just look under "Film SLRs" and make sure you get one with a working lightmeter and an attached lens.

If what you need is a digital SLR, here are your choices. ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...4288586280 )

Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera
* High-powered 20x wide-angle optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
* Capture 720p HD movies with stereo sound;
* 2.5-inch Vari-Angle System LCD;
* DIGIC 4 Image Processor;
* Powered by AA batteries;