machia Loc: NJ

Buy a used Canon Rebel. User friendly and it’s a DSLR. Unless you have no interest in upgrading from a bridge camera , then the Nikon you mention is an excellent choice.

JeffL Loc: New Jersey

You are going to get many opinions with this question. So, here is mine. I totally agree with the idea of learning the basics of composition and light. New cameras of any type (DSLR, mirror less, bridge, P&S) can take great photos with acceptable or even great IQ. If you can find a used bridge camera (Coolpix P7000, for example) for less than $100, go for it. Learn how to be a photographer without having to deal with the complexities of the camera. My ancient Minolta SRT-101 from the 60’s took great photos with only a built in light meter. But, only if I properly composed and focused the shot. So, learn those skills, then decide the direction you want take and start the search for new and more capable equipment.

george19

Bravo. You have crystallized my thoughts perfectly.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

That pretty much sums it up. If you found a Coolpix P500 for that price, go for it. It will give you all the control you need while you learn the basics without the distractions of a DSLR. By the time you find your progress being hampered by any limitations of this camera (and that will be a while) and you want to move to a better camera, advances in technology will give you a better step up at a lower net price than what you would spend now to get that future camera. And you will have the P500 as a backup.

Often those new to photography spend way too much on an advanced camera with capabilities they cannot really take advantage of. By the time they are ready, the tech they bought is out of date and replaced. So saving money now will also save you money later and position you for a better kit.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

She doesn’t need a DSLR just a point and shoot maybe a bridge camera

SonyBug

So, a newbie wants to learn photography. Then the "experts" chime in with every buzzword in the universe. Of course, it's all Chinese to the newbie. Why not tone down the rhetoric and talk in the understanding level of Megan, instead of trying to overpower with all of the knowledge of the world.

Pullam gave good advice. Megan, at this stage, a simple point and shoot like you are looking at would do you well. I gave my grand daughters cameras in that range, and one took to photography and the other didn't. But they did not spend a fortune finding out.

Go for it. And I hope that you love photography as much as most of us here on this forum.

WarpedWeaver

I have used (and still do as a grab and go camera) a Nikon Coolpix P610 for several years now. I used to have film cameras but was rusty on skills and wanted to make sure this was the hobby for me to revisit. This little bridge camera taught me a lot and helped me with my composition, lighting, etc. I am now shopping mirrorless as a birthday present for myself but I would never have been able to reach a conclusion about what I wanted in a camera if not for the little P610.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

I think that you have underestimated the intelligence of the OP. Bridge, M43, Compact or DSLR are hardly buzz words. Any one contemplating a first purchase should realise that there are different types of camera - and would do well to seek unbiased advice on each of those types.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

A DSLR plus lenses is big bucks. A photographer doesn't need a "DSLR" to take good, interesting photos. You only need a "DSLR" to impress DSLR snobs who own DSLRs. You also don't need a full frame or APS-C format camera unless a lot of your photography is in low light, for wildlife, or for sports. If you have photographed an interesting subject, no one will ask what camera you used. What is behind the camera is much more important than the camera. A lot of amazing images are being recorded on cell phones by people who understand composition and exposure. If you already have a cell phone, check out the amazing photo apps that are available like Snapseed and ProCamera.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

rcarol

Not for $130 which is her price goal.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

I've owned 3 of the Nikon Bridge models - L830 and 840, and the last one was a P530. They were all fine cameras, all had pretty impressive zooms, and decent overall sharpness, compact enough, and had a number of different shooting modes. My son has the two L models and I traded the P530, or I'd offer one. They take very good images for the small sensor, and if you get to know them and get your technique up to speed you'll be happy with a bridge (or superzoom) model, and can upgrade whenever you feel ready. They shoot full auto, scene recognition modes, and manual. Does not supprt RAW, but they do put out good Jpeg images, until you are ready to start manipulating image in post processing, Raw is not really necessary.

If you go to the NikonUSA web site, you can look over the specs for the various bridge models. Canon, Sony, Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic and others make similar cameras, hard to go wrong. Look at the camaera manufacturer web site, they often have deals, especially on refurbs (a good way to go) and places like B&H, Adorama, Cameta, Samy's, Amazon & Walmart (watch out for 3rd party vendors on those) and the used re-sellers like KEH, MPB.com, UsedPhotPro (Roberts) are good too. Ebay can be good, make sure they offer the Ebay money back guaranty in case your not happy with the purchase.

I have several of the Fuji bridge model (28X to 50X zoom, all tested and working well) if you would like info/pics on any of those, PM me and I'll send some info, they would cost in the $50 - $100 range, and would come with some extras (case, strap, cords, batteries, mem card, and such). Whatever you decide to look into, good luck with your quest, and welcome to the Hog.

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

Go on Craigs list and find a used DLSR. Get a more capable camera, so you won't come up short as you progress.

Pick a brand after you visit something like Best Buy. Test a few models on display. Make a decision because glass will be an important next step.

Al Freeedman

You are not going to find a good new camera for $130.00.

I would suggest going to KEH or MPB to see what they have in used or reconditioned
Cameras. Have used them both and are very reliable.

Captain Al

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Regarding composition, there is a great free excellent book online which is written from psychology and art view points. This book has many examples and is based on how people react to visual images... remember visual is primitive brain reaction center.. forward brain only generates verbiage to justify "feeling tone" of a photo. An excellent photo tells a story with feeling as opposed to a simple so-so documentation photo.

http://truecenterpublishing.com/photopsy/article_index.htm

With regard to bridge cameras... they are lumpy.... compact pocket super zooms are with the person 24/7 and there if on Auto will quick fire the momentary happening.

On the computer, there are simple tools that save that shot from the hip photo: Straighten, flip, crop [crop to the story], clone and if needed adjustments such as brighten and contrast.

Flip to be used if one wants to conform to the left lower to going uphill to the upper right. If you shot text in a mirror you would flip it to be readable... same applies to photographs. The other adjustment I mentioned are obvious.