New to forums and cameras.. need some info

[Nikkilynn220]

I am an active duty military member living in Okinawa Japan. It is very beautiful here!!! I also have my very fist baby on the way in July. My parents (whome i havent seen in over a year) will be visiting for the baby's birth. I am looking for a decent camera that will do well with the low light of the hospitals for the baby photos and do great with outdoor images. I like the professional looking cameras and have a good while to learn how to use it. My price range would be some where under $400 if possible. Now I dont know if im posting this in the right section or not but any information would help!!

 

[CaptainNapalm]

For your budget you can either get a used entry level DSLR camera such as the Nikon d3100 or similar with a kit (all purpose) lens, or you can get a bridge (aka super-zoom) camera new camera such as the Canon Powershot SX40 or SX50 HS. Both will serve you well and offer either manual or automatic controls. The bridge camera would give you more for your money in the beginning but you would run into limitations in the longer run with this option. The DSLR would be more limited until you are prepared to spend some money on additional lenses. My advice to you would be a bridge camera to start and if you want an upgrade later on you can sell it and get a DSLR.

 

[ph0enix]

If you're not interested in getting into photography as a hobby then your best bet is probably a bridge camera like the Nikon P510 or Canon SX50. Either of those fits your budget pretty well.
Otherwise, you might want to save up a bit more and go with an entry level DSLR which is probably what you mean by "professional looking cameras". Those are more expensive (much more in some cases). There is a steep learning curve if you go the DSLR route. Mastering photography goes way beyond just knowing what all the buttons, switches and settings your camera has do.

 

[Mully]

Consider used ...you have time to find a good on....look on KEH.com

 

[CandySvoboda]

I would say go for a used/refurb Nikon D3100 or Canon Rebel T3. That's really all your budget can afford in the DSLR (professional looking) category. If you want to buy brand new, consider the Nikon P310, Nikon P510, or Canon PowerShot SX500IS. They're not DSLRs, but they can do more than a pocket point and shoot.