Very new poster

[Katieutley1977]

Hello all, and I am very happy to have found this site. I am new to photography and currently only have a little point and shoot camera. I am curious what would be a good camera to start out with? I don't have a lot of money but I would love to hear everyone's opinion about this. Thank you in advance to all that reply to my question.

 

[Judobreaker]

Point and shoot camera's can make nice photos, no doubt about it.
If you're planning to grow a lot though you're probably going to want some sort of DSLR.
The entry-level DSLRs aren't too expensive (at least not when you compare them to the big boys ).
You could look into something like the Nikon D3100, D3200 or D5100. They're very capable cameras and not too expensive.
Canon, Sony, Pentax and some other brands also make very nice entry-level cameras, but I don't have much knowledge in those areas.
Just go to a store in your neighborhood and hold a few different cameras to see which you like best.

Also do a bit of research in lenses, you're going to be needing those.
Remember that once you buy a camera brand you'll be needing lenses that fit the camera. Canon lenses don't go on Nikons for example.
There are some 3rd parties like Sigma and Tamron that make lenses that fit on the big brands. They're cheaper usually (a bit less in quality sometimes but they still make very nice lenses).

 

[Katieutley1977]

Thank you Judobreaker, I really appreciate the info you have me

 

[vandervalk]

You also might want to consider finding a nice used camera system. There are a lot of people who chase after the next best model and in doing so sell their well kept used model, such as a 5d or 5d ii. If you are serious about getting into the DSLR game consider what brand you'd like to be with and plan to stay with. A good camera body is just that, but lenses is where your investment should reside. A good lens(es) is what makes you photography shine and allows you to be creative.

 

[21limited]

As a guy who still uses a 4 year old camera, eventhough he owns a new one, (the wife really likes the new one) I'd go with vandervalk's suggestion. IN a DSLR, I don't think there is a model made in the last 4 years you couldn't learn on. My new camera has much better low light and better colour depth than the one I use. I really have to nail the exposure on the older one. But learning how to nail an exposure is a good thing, useful for the rest of your photographic career. And when I do nail a shot, it's just as good as one taken with the newer camera. By the time you're ready to buy a new DSLR, you'll know what you're looking for.

 

[Katieutley1977]

Where would be a good place to look for a used system? And what is DSLR?

 

[vandervalk]

DSLR = Digital Single Lens Reflex. It's the camera you see everyone shoot with that can change lenses. The most common prosumer camera.

Go to your local camera club, local camera store or check places like Craigslist. I would suggest a physical place that would offer a warranty of some sort, even 10 days etc.

 

[KmH]

Some other good sources of used camera gear is the used departments of Adorama.com and BHphotovideo.com. Both are very reputable and respected camera gear sellers based in NYC. Both have very fair used gear return policies.

You can also look at Buy & Sell New & Used Cameras and IIRC KEH gives a 6 month warranty on used gear they sell.

Craigslist sellers generally don't have return policies nor give warranties with used gear. Camera manufacturer warranties only apply to the original owner.