Randyh Loc: Calif.

Hello to all, After searching, searching, searching. I've looked in to some older Nikon stuff, D 40 D 60 D 70. Very nice prices for items that are 4-5 years old.I would like to have a camera with a swiveling lcd. $549.00-$649. I'm somewhat gun shy about pulling the trigger in regard to having more confidence. I need to learn by doing and hearing. I'm tired again for doing all the reading part.
I have had point and shoots for about a year. I'd like to be able to grow into a camera that will last awhile, due to budget needs. Is there any one with ideas who may help me find a basic camera with one lens for now?
I don't mind a refurbished model that isn't ancient and still has some life in it. I almost bought a older D model, just to have a camera to start learning with. I'm a little scared to do that . Anyway, Thanks for allowing me to just vent my concerns and ideas. Randy Hopkins

MadMike Loc: SALT LAKE

I've seen the D5100 on sale for around $650.00 and would recomend it very highly. fairly esy to learn how to use, great high ISO ability, and 16.2 MB. you can also find them Refurbished which is usually just a dealers model, sent back in to be cleaned up. Just DO NOT go for the CHEAPO dealers. Lots of others have recomendations for where to buy. Get the best you can for the money, you won't be sorry.

micro Loc: Texas

I have the d5100 as well (artuculating LCD). Highly recomended.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Hi, Be sure you really want to go onto the dark side before you pull the trigger. There are a lot of great Canons out there. LOL Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Hold each camera a nikon and a canon. see which one feels best in your hands. hold them horizontally and vertically. next look at the buttons and the screen. go through the menus which menu system seems most transparent (easy to use), next push the shutter button which feels most natural to you. Then after all that buy the one that you like the best. Also, I would not overlook a new camera.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I believe Nikon has a $200 rebate on the D5100 right now.

Right. That's included in the price that MadMike quoted. http://shop.nikonusa.com/store/nikonusa/en_US/pd/ThemeID.18145600/productID.230054600?CID=SEM-0910-Google_buy_d_5100

cheineck Loc: Hobe Sound, FL

Canon D60, hands down.

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

Go to a camera shop and look at the options. You can always buy from one of the reputable used stores after you do your research.

Starting from scratch and not being tied to any particular manufacturer, I would recommend looking at Sony, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, (and I'm sure I've left some out). The stores will be able to show you the functionality and even let you play with a camera in the store.
That way when you're buying a used one from one of the well known on-line dealers, you'll know what you're getting. You'll know the retail price, and so you'll be able to tell if it's a good price on the used market.

I really don't believe anyone can really steer you towards a particular camera. Your needs and your photographic interests are going to be different from the next person's.

Randyh Loc: Calif.

Thank you to all for your input and advice. It means a great deal to me. I do need to go to a store and test the merchandise!!
I may find a rental to try out. thanks, Randy H.

Lupine Loc: SF Bay Area

If you really want to take a walk on the wild side, look at Pentax. The K-r is still available new from some vendors and on the used market well within your price range and IMO is as good or better than the 'equivalent' Canikon models. In particular, it's low light/high ISO performance beats the Nikon D5100. If you want to hold off a little while and maybe spend a little more, the K30 will be hitting the market in another few weeks.

Another advantage is that Pentax shake reduction has always been built into the camera body, not the lens, so lenses are smaller, lighter and less expensive. Pentax has also had the same basic mount(K-mount) since 1976, so there are decades worth of outstanding Pentax digital and film lenses available on the used market that will fit any current and all planned future DLSR cameras. You can even get adapters to allow older M42 screw mount lenses to be used on any current body with a K-mount.

The only thing Pentax doesn't have is the swiveling LCD screen. But frankly, I've never missed it, composing through the viewfinder has always been more comfortable and natural to me. Of course, I grew up on film, if you grew up on digital it may be a different story.

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

Hi, I understand budget , I have to work hard to keep mine in line. I use the Canon EOS Rebel XS a Fantastic Entry level DSLR camera. and I would use the book called "EXPOSURE" from PHOTO WORKSHOP by Jeff Wignall. The Canon Rebel XS can be bought online either EBAY or Amazon.com it comes with a EF18-55mm IS, nice starter lens too.

seeingwhatis

Don't be afraid to buy a used Dslr from either Adorama or B&Hphotovideo they both have served me well in the past and I have also used them for trades and have gotten decent prices for my trades. They have a good return policy. The only problem is they lack a good return your e-mail's policy in fact it's crummy!! It's down right frustrating!! Beware is all..

Lupine Loc: SF Bay Area

KEH.com is another site to consider for used equipment. I have made several purchases there and have been very happy every time.