What's the best camera to get - $500ish Budget

[Decoy]

Hey, I'm looking to buy a camera, and my budget is in the $500 range. What would be the best camera I should get into, I was thinking of getting a Nikon D3100 SLR Camera.

 

[Joey_Ricard]

Will this be your first camera? Is this moving up from a super cheap point and shoot having already established an interest? General shooting or pull it out every now and then on birthdays?

 

[Decoy]

My first camera worth discussing I suppose. I have an already established interest, it would be for General shooting, as well as events and whatnot

 

[Joey_Ricard]

Well, you mentioned the Nikon brand, they or Canon are a good choice.
Canon has the EOS line that you can grow with as far as lenses go should you decide to take an extreme interest in later on.

All can be used on full auto and are easy to use and then be able to get creative as your learning skills sharpen.

I do suggest that whatever you choose, spend time reading good books if you want to do more than point and shoot.

 

[fsquare]

A used Nikon D90. I see them all the time for around $500-550.

 

[Decoy]

Well, you mentioned the Nikon brand, they or Canon are a good choice.
Canon has the EOS line that you can grow with as far as lenses go should you decide to take an extreme interest in later on.

All can be used on full auto and are easy to use and then be able to get creative as your learning skills sharpen.

I do suggest that whatever you choose, spend time reading good books if you want to do more than point and shoot.

Thanks for the advice, it's definitely appreciated. Any particular model you would suggest?

 

[nmoody]

I have been loving my D3100 that I got a few months ago. The other one I was looking at was the Canon t3 (not t3i, that will be above your budget)

Both are great camera's, depends if you prefer Nikon or Canon

 

[Joey_Ricard]

I think the Canon T2 or T3/T3i is very close to features for those Nikon Models offered.
I used to use Nikon when I shot film, but switched to Canon when I went to digital.

They are both excellent brands in every way.

If you look into the Canon line, you will have to decide for yourself and your budget. But those 3 I mentioned offer excellent features and will produce great images.
Some are offered as a kit, with a lens. A good start. When you get comfortable and learn more, then you can upgrade to a better quality lens

 

[mjhoward]

What are you going to do with it? For some things, it may be better to just get a Canon G12 and cheap flash with a budget like that.

 

[djacobox372]

I'd go for a nikon d200 with a 50mm f1.8 af-d lens. I've seen d200's sell for around $400, and the 50mm f.18 af-d sells used for $100 or less.

 

[sarconastic]

And yet again us poor Sony users get left in the dust LOL. So I have to pop in and Reccomend you Check out the Sony line of Cameras. There are a several new models that fall in the under $500 range like the A390, or you could pick up a used A500 or A560 for about that amount too. You get a lot of Features for the buck and a good quality Camera. Plus you can find all sorts of old Minolta glass around for really cheap.

Good luck in whatever you choose, As long as you enjoy it, that's what counts.

 

[KmH]

Canon has the EOS line that you can grow with as far as lenses go should you decide to take an extreme interest in later on.

Nikon doesn't use as much hype to name their cameras but also has a progession of cameras and lenses one can grow with.

Canon launched the EOS line, and the EF-mount 25 years ago. What they did is eliminate the focus and lens aperture actuating motors from all of their camera bodies so there are no mechanical connections between the camera and lens, only electrical connections. (EOS = Electro - Optical System).

A Nikon D90 is a Nikon D90 all over the world. A Canon EOS Rebel T2i here in the US, is a Canon EOS 550D in the rest of the world except Japan where it is called the Canon EOS Kiss X4.

 

[KmH]

And yet again us poor Sony users get left in the dust LOL. .

Sony has only been in the DSLR business since 2006 when they bought out Konica Minolta's photography and film business.

A lot of the design in a Sony is still left over from Konica Minolta.

Sony has opted to try and develope several new technologies like the EVF and using a translucent mirror that does not move out of the light path from the lens to the image sensor.

Sony may yet figure out how to surmount the issues both technologies present at a price point a lot of people would be willing to pay.

 

[jbarnes.US]

I have a Canon T3, you can get them for around $450. Im a beginner myself, but I really like this camera. I especially like the video feature, something a few other cameras didn't offer in my price range.

 

[cbrown222]

A used Nikon D90. I see them all the time for around $500-550.

I second this. Get this, an SB-400 and a kit lens if you have the $$$