Buying a beginners camera for a veteran.

[rsc07c]

Hey guys. About 5 years ago I got into photography but had to take an extended break and probably haven't picked up a camera in over a year. It's something that I want to get back into doing and am now in need of a new DSLR. I lost touch with which cameras I should be looking at and I feel a little overwhelmed right now trying to find one.

My criteria isn't anything outrageous, I'm just looking for a beginner type DSLR that has the ability for lens upgrades down the road if I want (but won't need one out of the box). Kind of want to go with a brand like Nikon, but any recommendations for a sub $600 starter is greatly appreciated. Maybe something like a Nikon D3000 or Olympus E-620?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Nikon_Dude]

Well all DSLRs have the ability to add more/different lenses. Do you already have a lens and are looking for a body only? Or are you going to need a kit lens?

 

[John Mc]

Agreed,what was your Previous Camera.if you have lenses its probably best to stick with that brand

 

[Village Idiot]

You may be better off buying used. People generally take good care of their cameras and if you buy used, you can find a good deal on a camera that has more features than an entry level offering.

 

[Bram]

I would opt for used as well. Starting out with maybe a D60 or D3000 maybe even a D5000 wouldn't be the worst thing possible. Perhaps go to a lacol shop and hold the D3000 and see what yuo think about it personally also try and get a feel for the body right. Buying used isn't all that bad, I would see if you can get a hold of a D60 or something to start with maybe a D80 if you can find it. Good luck!

 

[rsc07c]

My previous camera was an Olympus E-500. Long story short- it is in need of quite a few repairs after lending it to someone against my will for quite some time and am considering getting a new DSLR all together while I put off sending it in to get fixed up. Only has one lens with it which is the one that it came with, so no real reason to stay with Olympus other than it is the same brand as my first DSLR which doesn't mean a whole lot to me. Nikon is just a brand that I want to get involved with because of the name and reputation, although I will admit I really really did like my Olympus (probably because it was my first camera and I learned so much with it).

 

[Light Artisan]

Well, without knowing what your objective is for shotting...

If you can swing it, I'd go for this @ $650 shipped and no sales tax:

25472 Nikon D3100 14.2 Megapixels Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm NIKKOR VR Lens, 3in TFT LCD Display

 

[Village Idiot]

Well, without knowing what your objective is for shotting...

If you can swing it, I'd go for this @ $650 shipped and no sales tax:

25472 Nikon D3100 14.2 Megapixels Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm NIKKOR VR Lens, 3in TFT LCD Display

FS: Brand New Nikon D90 Body - FM Forums

$720 for a brand new D90.

Used ones go for cheaper if you can search Nikon forums.