jdtx Loc: SA, Tx.

the other selling point for a DSLR is that you can resell it pretty easy if you do decide photography isn't your thing.

RonaldLewis Loc: Chicago, Illinois

I prefer Canon cameras and that is what I know about. I would check into the Rebel T2i, T1i. My daughter has the T1i and she loves it. She moved up from a Canon G5. If you are going to really get involved in photography you need a DSLR because you can change and upgrade your lenses.

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

I started with a mid range DSLR Nikon D80 and grew into it and out of it. Find a mid range camera with two kit lens package and shoot shoot shoot and have a ball. Join a camera club and get involved in some meetup groups and folks will help you as they did me.

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

What kind of pictures do you like to take? What kind of budget are you working with?

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

What's the best to buy? Gas to get you to a book store and/or library to do some basic research. After identifying the features you might want and/or pictures you might like to take go to a camera store. Look at the different makes and models, play with them, find out what feels best in your hands, and then make a decision. And, of course, think seriously about how much you are really willing to spend, now and in the future. In the world of photography the cheapest often ain't.

Darkroom317 Loc: Mishawaka, IN

Canon AE-1 Or Nikon F

wierdphotoguy Loc: the snow belt in Michigan

Sony shooter here! I vote for a used Sony because you can pick one up reasonably priced (like every other brand), they are loaded with features, and since the image stabilization is built into the camera you can use any Sony or Minolta autofocus lens with an A type mount. I don't think the brand matters that much, as long as it has the capability to let one progress upward as far as technical skill is involved.

Start with your price point, check eBay for a while and see what used cameras are selling around that price point, and google each model that interests you. Once you decide on what features you want (ease of use, battery, lens and memory compatibility etc) you should compare specific models side by side to see which ones fit your needs and what you anticipate your needs to be.

The Sony I just bought will accept almost 400 lenses already on the market, it takes Sony proprietary memory and SD cards, but I didn't realize that the higher end Sony cameras use a different battery than mine. (they use the style from the older camera lines, while mine uses the same ones as the NEX line) I didn't realize this before I bought it, but it isn't a major issue, but be aware of things like that. More research pays off; talk to a seasoned photographer face to face who as used different brands and they can fill you in on the pros and cons of each brand.

Used cameras should be a better deal in general, but many people who upgrade keep their nice lenses and bundle the low end ones, if any. Either buy from a reputable dealer, or have a pro check it out first.

f4frank

Katrina;

Most appear to be suggesting what I would call an advanced beginner or medium level camera. Before you lay down your cash there are some things that you should consider.
First, buying used is OK if you personally know the individual your dealing with and they are extremely honest.
Consider why there selling it. Maybe it has some issues that aren't easily apparent. What is the actual shutter release count, every camera has a useful shutter life.
Second, why buy something that you could eventually grow out of or who's capabilities are limited to start with.
You never know what your images may turn into and what you may want to do with them.
Having said that, don't do like I did, first camera EOS10D,
it lasted 2 years before I upgraded to a 1Ds MII. The financial hit on the 10D was enlightening and I really didn't like a sensor crop. If your going to experience photography get a full-frame camera, yes there more money but so worth it. For example a Canon 5D MIII, I doubt that you'll ever outgrow this camera. It has every feature that you'd most likely ever need or want. If money is an issue I'd recommend checking out Canon's web page for their remanufactured equipment. These are new camera's previously sold and returned to the factory because they didn't work correctly. The great thing about these cameras, they come with a full Canon warranty. When last I looked you could pick up a 5d III for about 1/2 of the retail price, not a bad deal and its direct from the manufacturer.
I don't know if other camera manufacturers offer this, so if your leaning toward another brand, check them out they may offer something similiar. I always to back to what I was told, "You get what you pay for". Honda's are great, but there not a Harley.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

As you can see a wealth of knowledge and lots of opinions. The selection is tremendous, and where to start can be confusing to say the least. As I said before, do some research and try/test as many as you can before making a decision. Good luck and let us know what you finally get. December issue of Outdoor Photographer and recent issues of DigitalPhoto and DigitalPhoto Pro magazines have some articles that may be of help.

wierdphotoguy Loc: the snow belt in Michigan

Really? You recommend a 5DIII to someone who admits they know nothing about photography? You need to learn to stand up before you learn to run a marathon, that's why toddlers don't do triathalons.

Why not spend a couple hundred and have something that is less complicated than an aircraft? You may forget that to a beginner, knowing what PASM means and knowing how to use them are two different things.

An advanced point and shoot or a bridge camera will take excellent photos, and are a great way to learn to the art and science of taking photographs without taking out a second mortgage. Besides, with a bridge camera she can stave off "lens lust" for a while until she figures out what kind of photography she likes best. You don't buy a fisheye to shoot birds, but I am sure that a large percentage of wildlife photogs either own one, or have at one time.

The advice you gave in the first part was fairly sound, but then you mentioned that you regret spending a lot of money on a camera then upgrading two years later; do you think the 5DIII will never become outdated? And that everyone must like a full sensor just because you do? I like my ASP-C and the conversion factor it brings. Not to mention the fact that you can use full size lenses and all the rest.

I'm not trying to prove you wrong on what you advised, but rather asking you to put a little thought into the advice you give. My next camera will probably be the $800 a65; my ideal camera. I can use the other $3000 I save from not buying the Mark III to get. . . lenses!

f4frank

Photoguy;

I guess my view of the world is a little different than yours or others. I try to purchase things that I can grow into, thereby ensuring that I don't outgrow my investment, within a reasonable period of time.
As I started to experience photography I quickly learned that my first camera wasn't capable of allowing me to continue to explore all areas of the craft. So, I wasted a significant investment in the body.
What also jumped to mind was something my father kept pounding in my head, "you get what you pay for".
I happen to like Canon's, Nikon's are very nice as well and had Nikon had a CMOS sensor when I purchased my Canon I probably would have purchased Nikon.
When I offer suggestions, I provide information on what I've experienced as well as other photographers that I know. I don't make judgements as to how much they can or can't afford or what type of photography they will or won't do.
I would think that they would take all input and then decide for themselves what they want and what they can afford. Dodge, Chevy, Ford, Honda, Nissan....they all take you down the road, buy sometimes its how it takes you down the road that counts.
Happy shooting...

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Whatever fits best in your hand. Personally, I prefer m4/3 bodies with the 16mp Sony sensors. These tiny cameras are able to hold their own with the big-boys, but weigh less than half of a traditional dslr. I've owned several DSLR's, but this little gem fits in my coat pocket and goes everywhere with me.

The one shown below is my epm2 with a 45mm, but my 20mm f1.7 is my everyday lens on this camera (pancake lens)...I can shoot 6400 iso comfortably on this, which was unheard of before this new sensor on a m4/3 body.

http://douthittfamily.smugmug.com/2013/January-2013/i-2Lm47Hj/0/M/P1125431-20130112-M.jpg

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

She seems to have just wanted to start a conversation as she appears to have left the conversation. It would be nice to know what kind of pictures she takes and what kind of budget she's working with. You're not a beginner in this hobby for very long so in my opinion it would be a poor choice to buy something you'll be wanting to upgrade in a few months. Why not go for something that will allow some growth? Not knowing how much she wants to invest really makes it difficult to offer any meaningful advice.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Pepper, the original post in this thread was in July 2011 so yea I think you are right. I think the OP probably has left the conversation. I think by now she has probably already invested in an entry level, outgrown it, and moved onto a better APSC.

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

As a photo junkie who started with travel zooms and bridge cameras, progressed to micro 4/3, and finally the hard stuff(DSLR), I would recommend a bridge camera. If the beginner finds it becoming a paperweight. he/she can sell it for a small loss, if one remains a casual shooter, it will do everything they need, and then some. If one gets hooked, it makes a great learning tool and companion to a DSLR.