Emmasmom Loc: Missouri

I would like to upgrade my camera and need some suggestions on which camera you all think is best for the money, I am looking to spend no more than $1,200. Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

What are you using now?
Staying with the same brand, if your using a DSLR is wise. You wouldn't need to change glass that way.

Hando Rei Loc: Long Island New York

Take your camera to your local camera shop.Speak with someone you trust and see what they would recommend. For the money you mentioned you can possibly get a descent upgrade. As suggested keep to the same brand so you can use your old glass. You have not mentioned what your system is so it will be difficult to give any suggestions...

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Also, contact B&H, Adorama and KEH they all take trade ins and sell new. They have always been reputable with me.

CD Photo Loc: St. George, Utah

I have spent about three months researching, mostly on "D Preview" on various cameras. I owned a Olympus Digital camera and found that after seven years they won't service their product because of age? This really seems pretty ugly as far as treatment of consumer is concerned. So as for Olympus, I have a resounding NO! Of course this is the story of technology. "They" don't want to be bothered with repairs, such as was my case, but to continue to buy, buy, buy. Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I will tell you what camera I've settled on. The Pentax K30. One factor was materials used in the body. Polycarbon and steel chassis. Very light and strong. Unlike many new entries in the digital cameras which are all plastic. Also, the Pentax has excellent optics and the body is sealed from rain and dust. Also, much thought has gone into all the buttons gizmoes and so on. Also, the price is in your price range, depending on what lenses you settle on. Hope this helps.

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Emmasmom,
.....we need to know what you're using now. Is it an entry-level DSLR or a point-and-shoot? The fact that you're willing to spend up to $1200.00 leads me to believe you DO have a DSLR and, if so, what brand is it? Do you have any lenses now? How about an external flash? Let us know, please.

For just a simple recommendation, I would say that getting the VERY highly regarded Nikon D5100 with an 18-55mm kit lens, a 55-300mm lens, and a 40mm micro lens for closeups would be just slightly under your target price and give you a great range of coverage. Here is Nikon's link for the D5100:

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-slr-Cameras/25478/D5100.html

ole sarg Loc: south florida

I would say the Canon T3i. Great camera and great lens choices.

see comparison review

http://www.digitalphotographywriter.com/2011/04/nikon-d5100-vs-canon-rebel-t3i-600d.html

also go to camera store and hold both cameras and look at the menus the one that is the most transparent to you is the one to buy

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

OK, you found a site that gives a slight edge to the Canon T3i. My own research concluded that it is a good camera with great features. I guess the reason I chose the D5100 over the T3i is because there seemed to be more praise for it than almost all other entry-level cameras, mainly because the D5100 was often compared to the VERY highly regarded Nikon D7000. When I bought mine, I found out why: it takes fantastic photos, better than I could have hoped for.
Others seem to agree.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-T3i-vs-Nikon-D5100

....and a TIPA award (Technical Image Press Association) went to the Nikon D5100 for best entry-level DSLR. Here is the link:

http://www.photographyblog.com/news/nikon_wins_three_tipa_four_red_dot_awards/

However, either of these cameras will produce great photos IF the photographer behind the lens knows what he/she is doing and has a command of the camera's controls.