[BMW86]

I'm a camera newbie on the market for a new camera. I've only ever used simple point and shoot digital cameras that cost a couple hundred dollars. I've noticed a few of the members on here take some great shots and have a fair bit of knowledge about cameras so what can you recommend me?

My preference is for something basic with easy to use features. I don't want to play around with too many advanced settings, I'd like to set the camera to different modes depending on day/night etc and point and shoot. I don't want to spend more than necessary but at the same time I don't mind spending extra if it is a camera that will last me 2-3+ years.

I would probably cap my budget at 1300 but would like to spend closer to 1000 or even less if there's something that will suit my needs. I've heard great things about the D90 and I hear you can even record HD video which is something that appeals to me. Again, I'm a complete newbie, I don't even know anything about lenses so any advice would be great.

[zamboni]

I just bought a D90 and it's a great camera but you can only record 720P on video mode, also got a 17-55mm f2.8 lense you can't go wrong with Nikon.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by zamboni

I just bought a D90 and it's a great camera but you can only record 720P on video mode, also got a 17-55mm f2.8 lense you can't go wrong with Nikon.

What type of lense do you recommend? Is yours a budget or top end?

[Dackelone]

What are you looking for? DSLR ? Or point and shoot?

[Yvette]

I recommend sony alpha series dslr.
Its very simple to use and best bang for buck.

[derekL]

if you want to record nice videos, i recommend canons. Nikon's ability to record videos can not match up to canon's technology yet. If you are really into videos, a solid beginning set-up would be the Canon T2i with the 18-55mm kit lens. On the other hand, if you aren't into videos, Nikon or Canon would be good choices

[BMW86]

Thanks for the responses guys. If you could include some links to the models of the camera that would be great. Video recording isn't a necessity but it would be very handy.

Originally Posted by Dackelone

What are you looking for? DSLR ? Or point and shoot?

Yes, I'm after a DSLR.

[jmcgraw013]

+1 Canon T2i - http://www.popphoto.com/reviews/came...-eos-rebel-t2i

[Xios135]

I've owned a D90 for a couple of years and love it. Nikon recently came out with what many are calling it's replacement, the D7000. Now shoots 1080p w/autofocus. Check it out.

[Xios135]

[QUOTE=xiosmx5;8909386]I've owned a D90 for a couple of years and love it. Nikon recently came out with what many are calling it's replacement, the D7000. Now shoots 1080p w/autofocus. Check it out.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25468/D7000.html

[rsjean]

My Nikon D90 has been a real joy to use. It is categorized asa prosumer camera since it is realatively simple to use but can step up to the plate with sophisticated features and superb results. I've accumulated about half a dozen lenses from tele to fisheye.

It's real video downfall is not that it is limited to 720p but that it does not autofocus in video mode.

But just an excellent DSLR.

[aypeeone]

The 60d is a great choice for a consumer dslr. Its quite similar in to the t2i in regards to it's specs but it has full manual audio control and also has a swivel LCD which is awesome for videos.

I love nikon for stills and canon for video and it's just too expensive to shoot 2 systems and my main focus lately is video so I made to switch to canon a few months ago.

[Diver]

I shoot with a Nikon D700. It is out of the OP's budget limit, but the performance of full frame is fantastic in terms of improved subject isolation and low light capability. It also lets you use lenses designed for film and professional use the way they were meant to be used.

[BMW86]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm leaning towards the Nikon over the Canon simply because my Canon point and shoot camera is terrible and I have a friend that has a Nikon and he's very happy with it.

Here's my short list so far -
1. D90
2. D7000
3. D3000
4. T2i

[bogart]

I just got a Canon T1i, which is basically the same as the new T2i except that it is less megapixels. It takes full HD video at 1080p, and shoots at 15.1 megapixels. I got it for $500 at Target, sweet deal, which left me a boat load of cash for lenses. I bought a 28mm f/2.8 wide angle and a 50mm f/1.8 for very low light. The lens makes the camera. The best lenses are fixed and cannot zoom in and out. You can look into just buying the body and then getting a lens of your choice to go with it. Look at Amazon and B&H. Canon or Nikon are great, because they have the widest array of lenses. Also, do not go with Sony. They claim to have great new "technology", but in reality the technology hasn't really caught up to where they claim the camera is at. The new autofocus during multi-shot panning on the Sony doesn't work that well. Stick with companies that specialize in photography.

[RoundelM3]

What does this have to do with the 1 Series and why is it being discussed here?

[imported_mega]

probably because 1addicts general is shared with all the other forums, I wont go there anymore

with dslr pick one with lenses you like, because the body will be replaced but the lens's will stay with you for many many years

[bozola]

D7000 with the 18-200VRII lens is all you need.

[M_Six]

You might want to wait for the Canon T3. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it sounds like you don't need them. It does shoot HD movies and even within your $1000 budget you'd have plenty left for a nice prime lens or another zoom.

[Litos]

x2 on the D7000

it has the same low light capability as my $2300 D700 and shoots excellent video.

it's a toss up on the D90 vs the D7000 - here's why

1) D7000 replaced the D90
2) D7000 is superior in low light
3) D7000 is superior in video mode at 1080p
4) D7000 has 2 memory card slots
5) D7000 shoots at 6fps - D90 only does 4.5

for the price, whether it be a Nikon or a Canon, the Nikon D7000 will give you the best picture/video quality for the price.

i believe you can have the complete kit for less than $1400.

if you're a noob and just want to take pictures without really getting into photography, you'll need a nice 24-70 F2.8 lens or a nice 16-35 F2.8 lens.

[bogart]

Save yourself some money and get a Canon T1i body with a good lens.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T1i-Digi...7708178&sr=8-1

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...0mm_f_1_8.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_EF_28mm.html

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by bogart

Save yourself some money and get a Canon T1i body with a good lens.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T1i-Digi...7708178&sr=8-1

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...0mm_f_1_8.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_EF_28mm.html

Having suggested the T3, I should also add that I just bought a T1i back in December and I'm really happy with it. In addition to the kit lens, which is mediocre at best, I also have a 55-250mm zoom and a 50mm f1.4 prime. I have a 35mm f2 prime on the way. The primes take much sharper images than the zooms, which is no surprise. I haven't played with the vid side much, so I can't elaborate on it. The few quick vids I've shot seem very clear and crisp, though.

I've also been monitoring Craig's List for lenses. I bought my 50mm off CL. In the month or so I've been keeping tabs on it, I've seen many more Nikon lenses for sale than I have Canon lenses. So you may find more decent used lenses if you go with a Nikon.

I don't think you can go wrong with either brand.