azlynn Loc: Arizona

Along with everything else, check out 'KenRockwell.com' He has lots of advice for the average person (although he leans toward Nikon... not necessarily a bad thing). Then go somewhere & handle the cameras you are interested in... makes a difference!

Shone Jarvis

Thank you

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

Hi Shone and welcome! I have a Manufactured refurbished in the box, never opened Rebel T5 EF-S 18-55mm IS II & EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Kit I would sell you. $390.00 plus shipping. That's about $60 to $110 less than most are selling it for. Good beginner camera with 2 lenses that will get the job done in most cases. :-) Cheers.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

1. Figure out your budget.
2. Decide if you want a DSLR or point and shoot (DSLR has expensive interchangeable lenses but very high quality images can be taken)
3. As your friends what they shoot because if you know someone that shoots Canon or one that shoots with a Nikon, they are more likely to be able to help you navigate the menus and aid in camera function.
4. Look for a good deal on a camera or kit. A DSLR kit comes with one or more lenses and a few other things as well. It will save you some money and get you started. If you like the hobby, you will likely upgrade to a better camera, but you have to start somewhere. I've seen many people buy the top of the line camera equipment, and they still can't take a picture to save their life. My sister is one of them. I sold all her equipment and showed her how to make the best of using her phone camera. She is much happier now.

PS - use only reputable companies to purchase your equipment from. Either local camera stores, or top tier online stores. If the price is too good to be true, or if the price is much lower than everywhere else you've checked, it's probably going to be a bait and switch purchase. Don't get involved. B&H Photo and Adorama are top tier online stores.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Since you are a beginner, I would suggest a simple-to-use camera. Many of the suggestions so far made have many controls and settings that can baffle a newbie. Just understanding the long list of acronyms can be off putting. So take your time. Some have asked what kind of photography you want to do. That might flummox a newbie for at first glance photography is just making a picture of what one happens to see, like a funny belly flop at the pool. Learning photography is not unlike learning to read - take it one word at a time. As a little tip: I found on Wikipedia a list of abbreviations used in photography - kinda helpful in its own way.

marty wild Loc: England

At last some one else speaks sense wringing you wallet or purse is not the answer. Surly some one in you group of people you know has a camera (Dslr) in a cupboard you can boot into life to see if that's the way you want to go

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

A newbie might wonder what a 'prime' is. What is a 'prime' and why is it special?

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

A newbie might wobder what 'legacy' glass is and why is 'legacy' different.

marty wild Loc: England

Question and answers honesty lies. LOLOL

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Most of the suggestions have focussed on the Canon and Nikon cameras. So let me put in a pitch for the Sony line. The Sony a6000 is in the 500-600 dollar class and is not a physically large camera. If you have a purty good camera store fairly nearby, go in and handle several and make a mental list of possibles. Then rent to try.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

I will not attempt to propose a camera but will suggest that when you do get one, learn to use it in either 'aperture' or 'shutter priority' mode rather than 'auto'.
If you let the camera make all of the decisions them you will not be learning much.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

get thee to a camera store and speak with the folks there. you will probably find a good unit for your needs.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Depends on your budget and what kind of photography you plan on doing. Since you're just starting I'd recommend something fairly cheep because if you lose interest after a year you won't have a lot of cash tied up in a camera you no longer use.

mikenolan Loc: Lincoln Nebraska

As a relative newcomer to UHH myself, I sympathize with your problem. I went through two point-and-shoot digital cameras then decided this summer I needed more control and flexibility. I spent several weeks reading reviews of cameras, spent several hours at the local camera shop looking at cameras and finally went with the Canon T6i. No, it's not full-frame (eg, 35 mm sensor size), but it is 24 megapixels.

ronf78155 Loc: Seguin Texas

A Great choice !