Basil Loc: New Mexico

Canon just came out with a new T7i EOS Rebel (available for pre order) which is about $900 with a 18-55 kit lens. This is a crop frame camera and the Rebel series makes a great entry-level DSLR (in my sublime opinion). This new version looks to have pretty decent capabilities with a new, very decent 45-point auto-focus system (previous T6i had a 19-point AF system), a very decent 24meg pixel sensor, built-in wi-fi and ability to shoot 1080p High Def movies at 60 frames/sec (Previous T6i would only shoot 30fps). See here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1318769-REG/canon_1894c002_eos_rebel_t7i_dslr.html

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Valerie, welcome to the Hog!
SS

cyclespeed Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada

I own and now have 4 other members of our photo club own the Sony a6000 mentioned earlier. We all have diverse knowledge levels, types of photography interests and post production practices. We all have come to really appreciate this camera. You can grow with it and Sony is expanding their lens choices.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Hello and congratulations. And welcome to the hog.

No one seems to have advised you note the fact that we classify cameras in 3 categories: Point & Shoot (P&S), bridge, and DLSR. Mirrorless is a 4th, but is a DSLR without a mirror. You need to decide which is best for you. That is best done by going to a store and handling a few to see what feels the best. You need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each type, so here goes.

The P&S is the smallest and most easily carried around. It usually has a Micro 4 thirds (M4/3) sensor, the smallest and therefore requiring the most light in order to get a good shot. It usually has a limited zoom lens, not having a strong telephoto end.

DSLR is the top of the group, and is the largest and heaviest. It requires interchangeable lenses. It has either a "full frame" or "crop" sensor, the largest of the 3 types of cameras. They are the most sensitive, requiring the least amount of light. They also offer the best image quality, but that mostly can only be seen when making very large blowups.

MIRRORLESS are slightly smaller and lighter but usually require different lenses than the DSLR. They have electronic viewfinders or no viewfinder but use the LCD panel. Otherwise they are quite similar to the DSLR.

Bridge cameras are in between. They can use sensors as small as the M4/3 or larger such as the 1" but less than a DSLR. The larger the sensor, the less light needed. Bridge cameras often come in mega-zoom form, having fixed (non-interchangeable) lenses with wide angle to very strong telephoto.

All can be had for less than $1,000. Any brand makes a good camera, it is more important when starting out to get the one that feels the best in your hand and has the best and most logical for you set of controls. That is bet determined by handling them at a store.

Good luck!

Magicman

The Sony rx100MK2 is an amazing choice. Read any review and many are trying hard to copy but have only come close. One reason is the zeiss lens. . Sony has a clear image zoom which is far superior to digital zoom and takes you from 3.7 to 7x which should cover you. It also has digital which takes you to 11x but I turn it off and never use it. Comes with built in flash. Use it on sport scene mode or superior auto mode to capture movement Put it in my jean pocket. I use the Alex White has a great book on the camera so you can learn how to maximize the abundant features. I would suggest 3 accessories. Mega gear uv lens protector. Invisable. Richard franiec grip. Sony semi hard screen protector. You will be amazed at the quality of the images. Once you learn how to use the settings results will rival many bulky DSLRs. My daughter took this camera to her European tour at 15 years old. The photos were better than semi pro cameras which the guide and some students had. They used hers for the yearbook

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

You cant go wrong with a Nikon, Canon or a Sony. All good cameras. And don't forget to look at the refurbished cameras the camera store has on the shelf. As long as they will stand behind the camera you can get a better camera for want you would pay for a new one with less extras. There are a lot of people out there that has to have the newest thing that's comes out. And their trade in is still like new.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

If you want the flexibility of being able to change lenses - Either a Canon or Nikon from this page wouldwork very well, and would be within your budget:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/9-recommended-entry-level-dslr-cameras

I also like Sony, but I think their A6000 would be what I would end up getting - and with two kit lenses covering from 18mm to 210mm it would only cost $800.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1261344-REG/sony_ilce6000y_b_alpha_a6000_mirrorless_digital.html

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

Photography of children is easier with fast AF and Eye-AF. Look at the Sony RX100 camera options.

ELNikkor

Many years ago, I also was motivated to buy my first digital camera when my son was about to be born. At the time, Nikon had just come out with their D40. I also bought a Pentax waterproof camera. I actually used the knock-about Pentax more than the Nikon DSLR, just because it was always "there", so compact, so durable, so dirt, sand, saltwater, peanutbutter, KID proof, that it was able to capture those many moments that I just didn't have the Nikon with me.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I'd look into a D3300 kit instead of D3400. They downgraded the D3400 by eliminating the sensor cleaner. A big mistake IMHO.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

I tend to lean in the Nikon direction because I have used them since 1975. I think a D5200 or D5500 would be a great choice. In order to save $$$ check out a refurbished one. Check Nikon USA, Adorama, B&H, Cameta or KEH. All are reputable firms that you can trust. Stay away from grey market cameras and lens. Good luck on what ever brand and model you select.

Don

thephotoman Loc: Rochester, NY

Valerie, congratulations on the baby to be. If you want something that will capture good photos but lightweight, you could go with a mirror-less camera. They are small and take very good photos. You can get them either with a fixed lens or interchangeable lens. I am not sure about the cost, but you can go to either B&H or Adorama and check the price. Just be sure whatever you buy feels comfortable in your hands.

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Aloha Valerie and welcome to UHH. Congratulations on the baby to be. There are so many wonderful cameras out today that will be able to capture your growing family. Many today offer the capability of taking stills as well as movies. The only suggestion I can really offer is that you go to a camera store where yo can place the camera in your hands. This way you can get a fill for the camera. Does the camera feel to large, small or just right in your hands. Check the feel of the buttons -- are they easy to reach. Have fun with your new camera, go out and take pictures and most of all enjoy.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Professional looking results will come from pros - although one doesn't need to be making a living as a photographer, but they have the talent and skills. Since I am not paying for your camera, I can't tell you what you should purchase, but if I was buying, I'd get a camera where you can change the lens. Most everything nowadays is fantastic. So any M4/3, DSLR (APS-C) or FF (full frame) camera with a fast prime lens or zoom can work. "I" would stay away from some of the recommendations, typically those with very small sensors. In good light they maybe ok, but inside in a room, they will not do a good job. For $1K it is very doable.

I'll post this link here for you. This photographer is as good as they come. As you will see, pressing the shutter is not enough to produce these results. You need to be as good at post processing as you are taking the shot. You may or may not like her style, but in any case, her work should get you pumped. http://ljhollowayphotography.com


Good luck finding the right camera, if you have a store in town, do go by and handle each camera and see how they feel.

PS: You will learn that the lens is crucial for excellent results. I wouldn't get a kit lens. Invest $$$ in a good lens. More important than the body.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Or D5300...it includes GPS and does not have anti aliasing sensor filter like D5200.

D5500 if you like touch screen but you lose the GPS.