sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

The animosity aside, and as a continued user of Canon, Olympus, and Pentax products, I purchased a Sony a6000 a few months ago. I think for what you describe, it may be perfect for your needs.
Compact, good 16-50 kit lens, 24 mp., menu options galore, pre set custom functions. It is now my choice for a travel camera. Camera and lens both under $600. No camera is perfect, all cameras have one or more great features. The a6000 seems to get it right.
The most common complaint has been no port for exterior microphone by video shooters, and no touch screen. There is a proprietary mic that fits into the hotshoe if video is important.
The Canon sx50 or 60 may be worth a look as well for bridge cameras. Not as familiar with Nikons, but the D3300 looks to be a very good value.

coj Loc: NJ, USA

You've done your damage. Now go sit in a corner and repeat this 10,000 times...."I'm so wonderful but nobody else knows...".

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

Look at micro4/3s like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 and look at the Sony A6000. High quality images, low weight, and advanced features that most DSLRs don't offer at twice the price.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

The Olympus is an excellent choice as well. :thumbup:

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Billy,

I know I am not the first person to mention but, Yes, you are rude. You tell a person with 4 posts, who is looking to get more into photography, that his question is dumb. Then in your idiotic rant you say that people are not going to give him an honest answer. You are one of these people that inhabit forums that speaks long before putting his brain in gear. Was it necessary that you even say anything? Could you not have simply sat this one and many others out. Of course you have every right to say what you wish but several times I have seen other members say you are rude. Don't you get it? Are you like the military platoon where someone yells out, "Look, everyone is out of step but Billyspad"?

Sure the OP posted a question that is seen here many times per week but obviously with 4 posts he doesn't know that. He doesn't know about the search feature. He may live in an area where there are not stores like Samy's, B&H, Adorama, Camera or Keh. He is/was looking for information and you, single handedly by the way, decided to put him down. You could have just stayed out of it.

I can personally be one sarcastic SOB from time to time but when I see posts on a forum such as UHH I try to keep my brain in check and say nothing.

There is a reason people often say you are rude. It is because you are.

Dennis

BuddhaRunner Loc: Worcester, Massachusetts

Billy you are just plain rude please don't respond to any of my posts!

tbetress Loc: Skippack, Pa

I would try for the Canon T6i if you have the funds. I have a Canon 40D and also a Canon T5i and love them both. If the funding is a little tight you can get a good price on the T5i.

I have the kit lenses and they aren't too bad at all, especially for starters, but did get a Sigma 88-250 and love it. It is my main walk around lens.

tomeveritt Loc: Fla. + Ga,NY,Va,Md,SC

lighten up rsumners, this is not a place for the ultra thin skinned! Have a nice day. :roll:

Ovhnfinity

Sorry that happened. I don't come here often because of rude behavior I have encountered. It's not you, it's them.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I AM as rude as many will say. LOL

How about a Nikon guy saying I wish I had bought a Pentax?

cwhonda Loc: SLC, UT.

Great answer to an obvious lout !! I answer that as a relatively newbie who has asked asked all those "dumb questions" and who is truly grateful to all the UHH's who has helped/is helping me crawl forward in the terrifying world of digital photography. Thank you all again
Colin

GLbro Loc: Sacramento County

I am on my first DSLR and have gone with Canon. I have an xsi 450 with a couple lenses to carry. I use a tripod and a remote switch to cut down on the shake. I am looking at the new T6i that is coming out in April as a step up. I got a really good deal with my kit with Canon. Now I am looking at a model that will I can attach my lenses. They are a great deal of fun. Go for it!!!

INshooter Loc: Indiana

Sorry, but in my opinion you are rude! You just don't want to admit it.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I too am partial to Canon and I'm currently on my third dslr from them. Never a problem, never a glitch.

Now I'm doing mostly video with my t3i - excellent full 1080 video with external audio.

Canon bears your consideration as well. Good Luck

FramerMCB Loc: Northern, ID (formerly Portland, OR area)

First. Welcome to the HOG!!! Second. Welcome to "stepping up your photo "game"." My disclaimer: I am a long-time Canon shooter, since autofocus was first introduced and then on in to the Digital realm. Back in the day, as they say, I was an Olympus shooter. If I were you, I would seriouly consider a Micro 4/3rd's set up. You could get a slightly older Olympus EM-5 (not the newer MKII version of this - just released) and the 12-40mm f2.0 lens for around your budget requirements. Might be a little over. You should also look at the Fuji and Panasonic comparable bodies in this format too. As at least one other has posted, these are much more compact bodies/lenses and I think, for your needs would be very, very good for Travel and Hiking. Especially the hiking part - smaller and lighter than an APS-C DSLR or of course a FF, which, a FF is going to be beyond your budget anyway. You might also even consider, a point-and-shoot type - Panasonic, Samsung, Nikon, Canon, Ricoh, Fuji, etc, all make some very nice compelling models...

You can't beat walking into a store and trying/holding several different models to see which feels the best to you - obviously focusing on just those models that are within your budget. You might even try renting a set up or two if you're still having a hard time choosing.
Good luck! And whichever Brand/Model/Lenses you end up with...shoot, shoot, shoot. And then share, share, share - with us, here on UHH!