jgarciaj81

I'm just starting to get into taking pictures. To be honest the only camera I use is my phone, to take pictures. I would like to buy a nice used or new camera with a good lens, just to take my own pictures. What do you guys think would be a good camera to start with? I've be able to find some good deals on craigslist, but I'm not sure where to start.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Look at entry-level DSLR's from Nikon or Canon. Also, there are many different types of cameras, DSLR, mirrorless, point & shoot etc. Find out which camera you would like to shoot with. You can get good deals on refurbished and used cameras from vendors on line. Good luck.

stillducky

My daughter also wanted a wanted a nice camera with a good lens so I got her a nikon d3200. She never uses it because she said it is just too big and bulky to carry around.

What do you want to do with it, just show off your big lens to your friends while you snap a photo or two, photograph bugs, maybe wild life or landscapes or perhaps grandpa kissing grandmas best friend?

Patriot66 Loc: Minnesota

Welcome, do you have a budget in mind? I'd suggest going to a local camera store and start handling different brands and models that feel good to your touch. I prefer Nikon but that is me - there are many good brands to choose such as Nikon canon, sony etc etc. A good thought would be to find a camera that you like and then add a "walking around" lens - a lens that has multiple focal lengths ie 28-105, 18-300. Good luck

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Look atname brand dslr with a solid selection of lenses. So Sony, Nikon, Canon etc. However firstconsider what kinds of photos you'll be taking? Travel, sports, family, outdoors all do well with a DSLR or mirrorless have a myriad of selections to address all these choices.
But keep in mind none of these come cheaply. Consider refurb if $ is an issue especially if you want to explore options. You should also build in another for a case, flash, tri or monopod, etc.
If there is a decent camera store nearly where you can test drive some cameras, then by all means do so.
But above all, just have fun!

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

Welcome to UHH.
All the major camera companies make excellent gear. Since I use Nikon I can't really speak of other companies, but Nikon has recently released a new entry level DSLR, the D3400, that has gotten good reviews. I am sure the other brands have an equivalent camera.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

go to a camera store or Best Buy and get a feel of the cameras they have to offer. find one that fits your hands and has the options you are looking for to start your new hobby. there are many brands that are reputable and good. once you have decided on the brand of camera you like, check out B&H Photo, Adorama, Ebay, and others online for used or refurbished cameras for a better deal than buying brand new.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I prefer Canon.
But just starting out there are many options available to you. Olympus makes a killer compact system. Fuji has also a great system and optics second to none. Give Pentax a good look as well. And the standby Canon and Nikon systems. Rent, borrow from a friend or co-worker, go to a store etc. and feel the cameras. All these systems have pluses and minuses going for them.
I chose Canon due to the incredible and highly advanced lens mount system that still leads the pack. Also for me the ergonomics I like, with Fuji and Olympus a close second.
Good luck and have fun in your quest.

Dick Duffy

I have a Panasonic FZ -100 camera I M thinking of selling it has a 2.8 leica 24 x zoom lens takes very nice sharp pictures camera is like new I paid over $400 hundred will sell for $225 & will guarantee satisfaction
if interested call 1-920-231-6519 for more information.

repleo Loc: Boston

If you want to 'get into taking pictures' start with your phone camera. Learn to take better pictures with it. There are plenty of courses on line or at local Adult Learning centers on how to take better pictures with cell phones. Learn to move beyond taking snaps and selfies and gain sound understanding of subject matter, composition and exposure. If you have a newer phone, see if you can save RAW files. Learn how to post process your pictures. There are plenty of PP apps for your phone. Without those skills, there is not much point in spending money on a camera that you won't be able to benefit from and probably won't have with you when you need it most.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Nikon D3400 is an excellent entry level camera and I believe you can get on from B&H with two lenses for about $600.

jgarciaj81

Thanks, for taking time to respond. Have a wonderful day.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Just a few suggestions for starting out with little to no experience. DSLR's--Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras- are wonderful tools for photography but for someone just starting out, a DSLR may be quite daunting and discouraging, as they aren't simple cameras and require a bit of a learning curve. And I don't know what your budget can afford. DSLR's can be expensive, even the entry level ones if one has limited funds to invest.

Certain cameras are good at landscape photography, some are great for action photography, like sports, races, etc. Carefully consider what it is that you are interested in photographing, then look for a camera that meets those needs. I'd suggest starting out fairly simply and avoid a complicated camera like a DSLR or advanced mirrorless camera, until you get the hang of photography and even decide if that is what you want to do. There are a number of compact cameras that can be used in a fully automatic mode where all you have to do is point and shoot--hence the name point and shoot cameras. Yet these cameras, or at least most of them, offer most of the controls that allow you to make your own settings instead of letting the camera do your thinking for you. There are also what are referred to as "bridge" cameras, which resemble DSLR cameras, but have fixed zoom lenses on them so you don't have to buy lenses to go with the camera as you would with a DSLR or advanced mirrorless cameras.

Starting out with a point and shoot camera that also allows you full control of the camera lets you get into photography for less money, and allows you to develop and improve your skills as a photographer without breaking the bank. And if, after awhile you decide that this was a good idea at the time but turned out to not be for you, then you haven't lost a lot of money, and you can either sell the camera or pass it on to someone who will appreciate and use it.

Just a bit of advice, when you ask such a question as you did, be sure to provide some specific details, such as your budget limits, type of photography you are interested in, your experience, if any. That way we can be better equipped to help you.

therwol Loc: USA

D3400 lacks the sensor cleaning feature. Sooner or later you'll pick up something on the sensor and find yourself blowing air into the camera or worse, wiping the sensor with something. The D5500 is more expensive but a better choice. The D3300 has the sensor cleaning feature as well.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Think carefully about what you want. 1. Size 2. removable lens 3. viewfinder. Here are 3 things I'd consider first. Sony,Nikon, Canon,Fuji,Olympus, Panasonic all make good cameras. Go to a camera store and try different camera for their feel. Get refurbished or used from a good dealer such as KEH,or B&H.