Hi, looking for some suggestions

[cinderwannabe]

I have never owned anything besides a p&s. I want something that will take better pictures but I don't even know where to start so I am hoping someone here can maybe point my in the right direction. I am going to apologize now for my lack of camera knowledge!

These are the things I do know about and I would like these features:
tripod mount, self timer
something that won't be horrible to bring out (to Disney mostly)
good capturing motion and pics in low light
priced between $500 and $600 (hopefully)

I went on bestbuy.com but I really don't know enough to even understand what I would be buying.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

 

[photo_chick]

I have never owned anything besides a p&s. I want something that will take better pictures but I don't even know where to start so I am hoping someone here can maybe point my in the right direction. I am going to apologize now for my lack of camera knowledge!

Taking better pictures... most of this is on the photographer. While some cameras will have better image quality than others that doesn't mean they will actually take better pictures.

These are the things I do know about and I would like these features:
tripod mount, self timer
something that won't be horrible to bring out (to Disney mostly)
good capturing motion and pics in low light
priced between $500 and $600 (hopefully)

I went on bestbuy.com but I really don't know enough to even understand what I would be buying.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

Most cameras have the tripod mount and self timer. Even my ancient 1.3 MP point and shoot does.

Something that won't be horrible to bring out.. are you talking about size? This is really subjective. Some of us are fine with carrying a larger DSLR around our neck all day. Some of us like nothing bigger than a smartphone. It's really subjective so get more specific.

Good at capturing motion and low light... this is a really common request. And the truth of it is that getting consistently good images in low light or with a lot of fast motion is a lot more about the photographer knowing how to get the images than it is the camera. Sure, having a DSLR with a fast lens can make things a little easier, but you still have to know how to use it.

So, with all that said, go look at the camera reviews at places like preview.com and get even more specific with what you want. There are just too many cameras out in your price range to recommend one at this point. You need to do more research and figure out what features you want.

 

[cinderwannabe]

Sorry, I don't really know enough to be very specific that is why I came here. I tried to read reviews but I don't know which features to look for.

as far as size. I always carry a bag, either a backpack or a cross body bag. I would like a camera that could fit in a bag.

I have looked at the Nikon d3100 and the Nikon j1. they are offering a package deal for the Nikon j1 that comes with an additional lense.

 

[boBQuincy]

Size matters! In this case, sensor size. As the sensor gets smaller it gets more difficult to get good low light photos, all else being equal. So, the Nikon 1 series (J1) has the smallest sensor of common interchangeable lens cameras. Next is micro 4/3 (Olympus and Panasonic), then APS-C (Sony NEX and most dSLRs including D3100). To make this simpler I left out formats that you are not likely to encounter and formats that are way out of your price range.

Sensor size also dictates camera size in a general way, Nikon's J1 is a lot smaller than their D3100. All of these cameras have the *potential* to get good low light images, actually getting them is mostly up to you and how you use the camera.

My suggestion is to look at the various groups on this board (Canon, Nikon, Mirrorless, etc) and ask owners of the various cameras for their opinions and for their reasons for choosing the format they use. Then you may be able to use that information to translate to your wants and needs. One thing to remember is that on this board you are mostly seeing the best images from photographers with many years of experience but it does show what the various cameras are capable of.

 

[havoc315]

You can potentially boil it down to 3 options:
1. Advanced compact. I use the Sony Rx100 -- in many cases, the quality is comparable to dSLR. It's also great in low light (it's a super high quality lens), I've taken good Disney dark ride pics with it. The downside -- limited zoom ability, inability to change lenses (the included lens is fantastic but there are times you wish you had a different lens), and there are some ways it can't match a dSLR. (Can't get the great bokeh effect in portraits for example).
2. A mirrorless system. This covers a wide range. The Nikon J1 is closer to point and shoot, the Sony Nex is closer to dSLR. (The J1 has a poor reputation for low light). Depending on the camera, you can get potential dSLR quality in a smaller package. You get the potential for good low light performance, but not with the basic included lenses. Would need to add a specialty lens.
3. Actual dSLR. Most expandable, best potential quality. Best potential low light performance, though one again, you likely would need to add a specialty lens.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

priced between $500 and $600 (hopefully)/QUOTE]

Your budget is going to somewhat limit your choices. You can get into an advanced entry level camera for close to your budget, but then you may have to add a considerable amount to completely fill your needs. All of the below are with their 18-55 kit lenses and are somewhat comparable as to camera options:

Canon T4i $641.50
Nikon D3200 $596.95
Pentax K30 $689.99
I cannot speak to the Sony DSLT system's equivalent

The above are the latest iterations from the manufacturers. Older models of the above are still available and can save some money. Each of the cameras have their own feature set which you can compare on websites like dpreview.com. After you decide what features you require, then I would recommend handling the cameras. Canon, Nikon and Sony are usually easier to find than Pentax, although they are moving forward with returning to brick and mortar stores. After deciding on which system then its finding the best price. Personally, I do the majority of my camera shopping online at B &H, Adorama or Amazon.

 

[cinderwannabe]

Thanks to the posters who gave me some useful suggestions! I really appreciate it! The only store by me is a best buy. Is this a good place to go with a couple of ideas and have them describe the pros and cons?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Thanks to the posters who gave me some useful suggestions! I really appreciate it! The only store by me is a best buy. Is this a good place to go with a couple of ideas and have them describe the pros and cons?

You will be very lucky to find anyone in Best Buy who knows much about photography. In retail, there are sometimes incentives to push certain items, either from the store or manufacturer. You may be directed to purchase an item because the sales person gains the most from making that recommendation. When my son-in-law was looking for a DSLR, he went to Best Buy and fortunately he did not purchase, but called me first. It was unbelievable what they tried to sell him and the information they supplied. It was almost a joke. He knew just enough about photography to know when he was being led down the path and bailed. Sometimes Best Buy has deals, but you need to be more knowledgeable than the staff. Don't be afraid to ask questions here. You may get multiple opinions, but it all helps.

 

[havoc315]

Thanks to the posters who gave me some useful suggestions! I really appreciate it! The only store by me is a best buy. Is this a good place to go with a couple of ideas and have them describe the pros and cons?

It's a good place to see how some of the options feel in your hand. You won't be able to judge image quality in a store. The clerks are unlikely to be able to give accurate information. And models will be limited. (For example, few stores actually sell the Sony Rx100, would likely need to purchase online)
But they will have a few dslrs you can get a feel for, but won't have all the possible options. They will have some of the more popular mirrorless like the Sony Nex and Nikon 1. It's a good way to get a sense of the camera size you want.