shagbat Loc: London

One wonders why it took so long!
Not in the same league as Nikon.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

A very good 'bridge' camera will only cost between $350 and $600.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Somehow this was a duplicate post. Can't erase it. So, I'll just repost with this note.
--Bob

soli Loc: London, UK.

The Nikon D40 is the best DSJR for a rokoie. It is cheap & with the kit lenses, hard to beat. Good Luck.

nacknouck

I did extensive research 2 years ago and settled on the Nikon D3100. It has a lot of features and quality for the money, not to mention it's one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs. I recently bought a Nikon D3200 and have run tests on both with the same subject. The D3200 has a slight advantage in clarity when printing 20"x30" prints. If you don't plan on printing that size I have to say you would not notice the difference. Though the swivel screen on the D5100 and D5200 is a neat feature, I'm a little fearful that the connections will break from all that twisting and turning. I accomplish almost the same feature with a $20 add-on mirror that swings sideways or down.

Thombar Loc: Hominy, OK

I'm sure you'll get many great suggestions from the group here but as a "rookie" 71 old I just got my Canon EOS T3 and absolutely love it. It's an entry level DSLR to be sure but very reasonably priced and has a lot of bells and whistles for the money. Of course if you have an unlimited budget then go for a more expensive one and learn as you go.

granpa steve Loc: north fort myers, fl

Nikon d3100 with kit lens 18_55mm lens to get you off and running great camrea, handsdown. Prices around 398.00

mel Loc: Jacksonville, Florida

Garwig, I think I've has every camera imaginable over my 70+ year of photography, I cant a that any disappointed me. Now the thing that matters to me is size and weight. I like to travel and I don't want that brick around my neck. I found that the new mirrorless were the best for me, and settled for the Fujifilm line. I will never regret this decision as it has changed my whole world in this hobby. Top of the line are the lightweight DSLR and they down to amazing bridge cameras like the X10, X20. reasonable zoom capabilities and clear SHARP pictures. Loads of options like Raw Jpeg PASM etc. Try one, you will like it.

RKraatz Loc: New Castle, DE

:thumbup: I agree with Cd, check out the mirrorless cameras, smaller, lighter and will make you more inclined to take the camera with you rather than leave it home.
I am an Olympus guy myself so I'm gonna say Oly. They just recently announced the EM10 which is in your price range and they lowered the price of the EM5 which I think would put you at the upper end of your price range depending on the lens you get. And yes, you should also look at the bridge cameras. There are some good units out there with respectable zooms.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Garwig, by now you must be completely confused. So let me un-confuse you a little. First re-read my post on pg 2.
When I started I wanted a Nikon. Here's why I went with Canon. In about 86, Canon changed it's mount to EOS, foreseeing that to maximize it's product into the future, it was a needed change. Nikon did NOT make a similar move and stayed with the old mount system. As a result, Canon shooters have the luxury of using lenses that are much faster than Nikons, or ANY other brand made. A few examples are: 35(mm)f1.4, 50 f1.0, 50 f1.2, 85 f1.2, 200 f1.8, etc, etc. NO other brand can even make a lens like these and keep them Auto Focus, because of mount restrictions.
Plus ALL of Canons new mkll long lenses are up to 25% lighter than any of the offerings by any company. When a 500mm weighs 7 pounds, that's a HUGE user difference!
Now in all fairness, bodies come and bodies go. To base a system decision on a body alone is NOT very forward thinking.
Maybe you will NEVER use one of those lenses. But with any brand besides Canon, it won't even be an option.
All photographer have to start somewhere, but ALL want to be as good as they can be. Don't let your equipment hold you back. Also, Google a uTube called, "why I switched to Canon, Scott Kelby". It does have some insight to Canon body technology.
Now quonnie, would you care to explain your research?! :lol:
SS

yellerdog

I have a Nikon D3200 and have been happy with it. It came with a 28-55 kit lens and I found a refurb Nikkor 70-300 to go with it. Even with the extra lens I'm still well under $1000.

shagbat Loc: London

you have a fabulous set of equipment, few people are good enough photographers to need more than you have.

harclod Loc: OREGON

If you are interested, I have a complete starter Kit. Pentax K-X with Dal 18-55mm F3.5-5.6Al and Dal 50-200mm F4-5.6LED, Pentax Software CD, USB cord, Batteries (8pk), Battery Charger and a multitude of filters (15) and extra lenses. Camera is in like new condition, lenses in like new condition. Body and one lense sells on Amazon for 499.00 new.
I will sell everything combined for $350. + shipping to anywhere in the US. If interested, send me a PM. harclod

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Wow - Thanks for posting this reply - you just made my day- I have been disappointed that my used Canon Rebel 350d &400d did not have IS and now I looked on Amazon and can get the 18-55 with IS used $80 & refurbished $110-I think I'll go with the refurbished as this is the lens I use most often.



:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

DavidPhares Loc: Chandler, Arizona

Okay . . . I am not selling anything. I already made my recommendation earlier in this thread, but there are a few more thought that come to mind.

(1) I am 70, and have been in and out of photography for over 50 years, which still does not make my opinions any more valuable then the next guy.

(2) Given the poor guy wants to stay under a grand, there must be 50 cameras/lens combinations that will give him the photographs he wants and can be proud of. Don't forget in that grand you also want to download Smart Photo Editor for $29.99!

(3) A first DSLR will be exactly like his first computer. It will be more of a learning tool than a production tool.

(4) Keeping that in mind, just look at what is out there in the refurb market, do your research on a half dozen of the ones with the best reviews, and just pull the trigger. Since you first asked this question 4 more major companies have probably already announced upgrades to their current line!

(5) Do not buy a bunch of lenses for your first camera! Get a good "walk-around" zoom, and go learn photography. Maybe take an intro class at your local community college. With experience, you will be answering your own question in 6 months.

My guess is this poor soul has either already bought a camera and is seeking affirmation of his choice, or by now he is so confused he has decided to take up bowling instead. Either way, good luck to you, sir!