Need new camera

[KJ89]

Perfect. Good deal I think. That's a pretty damn solid camera that will do everything you need it to and more. I don't know how it compares to the 60d I mentioned, but it should be similar..

I prefer buying the body alone and then choosing a lens but the kit (18-55) will work for you. I'd still buy a cheap 50mm for it.

[PhillyB]

i've heard good things about it. it's a decent size. if you just need something to keep around the house rather than hauling it with you wherever you go it's probably a pretty good buy. 

[PandaPancake]

What about this camera for $600?

Nikon D7000 16.2 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJNTBGI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=DWNZIT43Q937&coliid=IUFMSZGJ6O6IK&psc=1

That's what I have.

[Towelboy]

canon has a 50mm 1.8 for around $100. I use it for all kinds of things but it's perfect for family stuff, portraits and poo. It's their cheapest lens, and you can tell in the build, but the picture quality is great. The option of opening up to 1.8 gives you perfect depth of field for that stuff.

get a decent DSLR body and you'll be able to use it forever and buy different lenses for everything you need. Take some time to read about how DLSRs and lenses work and you'll be glad you have one. You might end up using it for other things.

A 60d body is like $400.

 

the nifty fifty lens is great, but it helps to have a quality external flash to go with it. i use my cheapo 50mm ($75 used) for all portraits on my canon 40d ($300 used) but use a canon speedlite 430exII ($300 new). makes for great, clear images. it can be a bit bulky, but the quality is terrific.

[KJ89]

the nifty fifty lens is great, but it helps to have a quality external flash to go with it. i use my cheapo 50mm ($75 used) for all portraits on my canon 40d ($300 used) but use a canon speedlite 430exII ($300 new). makes for great, clear images. it can be a bit bulky, but the quality is terrific.

Yeah I haven't bought myself a good flash yet. Everything I shoot is pretty much outdoors and I like using natural light. But I should get one.

[Trev_GFC]

For point-and-shoot you can't go wrong with whatever the latest Panasonic Lumix TZ camera. My old camera was one, it never got old giving the camera to my friends who know nothing about cameras or photography and see them loving it. Served me well for many drunken holidays and even family holidays to the likes of SF, BC, Niagara Falls etc.

Agree with the NEX recommendation. A great mix of compact click-and-shoot and true DSLR, with compact form (as long as you get one with a pancake lens). As you get familiar with it you can start spending money on fantastic lenses like the 18-200.

[Dex]

Are you looking to do video and photos? Either way I recommend a Canon or Nikon DSLR. The bodies usually aren't too expensive it's the lenses you want to save your money for. 

 

 

Here's an example of a solid starter DSLR with a great walk around lens.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/945054-REG/canon_8595b003_eos_dig_rebel_t5i.html

 

 

 

I am a bit of a Canon boy btw. I shoot on a 60D, 5D, 6D and a 1D X. You can't go wrong with Nikon though either.

[davos]

Yeah either go DSLR or stick with your phone IMO.  PhillyB's is pretty legit though, that's a good one.