Shorty50

Hello I'm new to photography. I alway used a point and shoot cameras. I love taking pictures so I would like to step it up. I would like to buy a new camera and learn a lot from uglyheadgehog and practice. Can someone suggest a camera for me under 600.00 Dollars. Thanks

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Being a Canon guy that's the brand I recommend. Look at the Canon Rebel models. Excellent cameras at good prices - all dslr's.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Welcome to the Hog, there are many great folks here full of information. You have a wide choice of cameras to choose from if you buy a refurbished or a used camera. You need to get a feel for them to see what brand and model you like( you will get many brand s suggested but in reality they all do the same job and they do it well. Good luck and again welcome. Go to a local camera dealer or best buy and pick them up see if you find a good fit for your needs

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

There are a lot of Canon and Nikon UHHs, but my suggestion starts with how far do you want to go in photography and how much do you want to spend? There are the 4/3rds cameras of Panasonic and Olympus. The E-M10 mark II will meet you requirements and still allow system growth without as much size, weight, and cost as FF or APS-C. Each format and each camera system has its own pros and cons. Since my photography usually involves travel, I have to go with the size and weight so I can carry on several lenses and still meet the size requirements for personal carry-on at zero charge/fee.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Welcome to the forum. There are many variables to consider when looking to purchase the first "big" camera. What I mean by "big" camera really has nothing to do with size, it has to do with features, functionality and interchangeable lenses. If you plan on getting something to learn digital photography with first, you may consider buying a camera made by a company that has and still does offer a wide variety of lenses. The two biggies based on lens availability are Canon and Nikon. There's lots of camera manufacturers and there's lots of really good cameras. One of the things that makes Canon and Nikon so appealing is the availability of lenses that fit their cameras. There's also new vs used vs refurbished. Then there's size and weight to consider. Do you want a well featured camera that's relatively small and light. The Canon SL1 with an 18-55 mm zoom lens can be had new from Canon for $500. It's a very small, full featured DSLR that will take all of Canon's EF mount lenses, of which there are well over 100 different sizes. The Canon T6 with the same lens goes for about the same price and the T6 is larger than the SL1 and has WIFI. The Nikon D3300 is an excellent starter camera also, and there's also lots and lots of Nikon compatible lenses out there. Then there's refurbished and used...

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Welcome to UHH.
Nikon has just released a new entry level DSLR, the D3400. With an 18-55mm lens, it runs about $650.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Welcome to the forum.

I've had a Canon T1i for years now and really like it, but that's a carryover from my Ftb and AE-1 days. I also have little a Sony H-1 and its color saturation is fantastic. (Closest focus is 2 cm.) I would not discount Sony. Many brands will perform equally for you, so the best thing to do is to compare options, where the controls are located, and how they feel when you use them. A camera that feels awkward will spend more time on the shelf...
You can check out various reviews at http://dpreview.com/

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Welcome to the Hog, Shorty50. You'll find lots of friends & plenty of good advice here. I agree with Mac on the Nikon D3400 (& I'm a Sony guy). Nikon & Canon has the best lens selections, both their own brand & other manufacturers (Sigma & Tamron). I would recommend Bryan Peterson's book, Understanding Exposure.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

I like Nikons, and if you're interested in a DSLR, I can recommend the D3400 and D5500. I always look for refurbished cameras first. I've never had bad luck with used on ebay, either. Just make sure it is a Nikon USA model, not gray market. The next step up would be a D7100 or D7200.

Before you buy use Google to find comparisons, like D3400 vs d5500.

https://www.google.com/search?q=D3400+vs+d5500&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS710US710&oq=D3400+vs+d5500&aqs=chrome..69i57.479j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

OK, $600... get a super-zoom commpact and carry with you 24/7 take lots of shots... use auto a lot... learn from the camera what is a good setting. Getting a DSLR if a mindless burden to the starting photographer... too heavy to bulky too complicated... KIS.. keep it simple. With the $ left over buy PSE or use GIMP (free). Software is important. Today go to Giveawayoftheday.com and get an excellent color to B&W converter FREE.

Quality of a photo is not as important as the composition.... for composition do a lot of looking and a lot of reading start here:
http://truecenterpublishing.com/photopsy/article_index.htm

Bridge Cameras are OK, but also bulky.... Ms Stokes give a good argument for using smaller cameras ... she is a published pro of Birding
http://stokesbirdingblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/canon-sx-50-hs-for-bird-photography-i.html

mickeys Loc: Fort Wayne, IN

try the canon t6i. if you can goto a camera store and ask them to let you take a few pics in the store.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Shorty,

Take a look here at very reasonably priced Canon DSLRs, directly from Canon.
http://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/list/cameras/dslr/

Likewise here for Nikon: http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/dslr-cameras/entry-level-dslrs.page

Some cameras come with a 2 lens kit. Very good idea.

Also check very good prices for both at Amazon.com.

Everyone has their favorite. I am neutral, owning neither brand, but the buzz is that Canon has a less steep learning curve than Nikon, and controls are easier to master.

Best of luck. >>> Alan

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog Shorty, enjoy.

RWCRNC Loc: Pennsylvania

Agree

Armadillo Loc: Ventura, CA

Shorty50,

I am a long time Canon EOS photographer, so my recommendation is from Canon.

Look for a "Factory Refurbished" Rebel kit. It will carry the Canon USA factory warranty, has the body and at least one general purpose lens, and software for your computer.

You can find these from reliable camera dealers and sources on the internet.

Michael G