I wasn't really sure what category this fit into, so I decided general would be best.
Right now I'm using a Nikon Coolpix L110 but you can't manually adjust any of the settings. So I was wondering what camera is BEST for that, that still has high mp's. I've always been a huge fan of Nikon, but I've been looking at Cannons as well. I originally wanted to get a Nikon D3200, but I've heard just as much negative stuff about it as positive. Any suggestions would be great!
I can't say whether it's the 'best' or not but I'm quite happy with my Nikon D5000, it have full manual settings, bulb mode a built-in intervalometer and it can bracket shots as well. I't not the top of the line anymore so that means it easier to get a cheaper one used as others upgrade.
If you are looking for a beginner DSLR camera, a Nikon 3100 is nice and the price is pretty good right now. You should go to a store and try them both (Nikon--Canon) to see which one "feels right" in your hands. Also see which menu setup you prefer. I had a really easy time figuring out Nikon menus, but Canon ones are a mystery to me! I've borrowed Canon cameras from friends and I have a really hard time figuring things out.
Another nice Nikon is the D5100. I have some shots in my project using that model and I've been happy with the results. It's also a nice, light weight camera with some great features.
@mgirard
Yes, the D5000 is available for great prices right now. A couple weeks ago they had refurbished bodies at Adorama for $329, now they are $359. Get a nice prime lens for that body and you would be good to go!
Are you looking for a P&S with manual settings or a DSLR? If its the former, then I highly recommend the Panasonic LX-5. It has a nice 2.0 lens for decent low light shots and macro built in. You will get a much bigger sensor with a DSLR, but they can set you back a lot more money, depending on what type of photography you want to explore, and how many lenses you need to achieve that.
@snipsnap not sure I'd recommend a prime lens to start off with, I think the standard 18-55 and the 55-200 might be better to get used to the 'bigger' camera and move on to a prime once your comfortable with it.
IMO anyways
I had the Nikon L100 and then the L120 and now have upgraded to the D5100. Love it.. Don't know how to use it.. much much different than the point and shoot. Took me well out of my comfort zone, Can get a kit fairly reasonable too.. Good luck with your choice.
I could not be more pleased with the Nikon D7000. It's pricey but you get what you pay for. I guess what would be helpful is if you let us know your budget and what features you want. Also, another good site to check out is www.snapsort.com
@100summits I'm really not looking at any certain budget, I want to find a great DSLR that I can save up for. I'd rather save for something that is better quality than to settle for something that might not be as good because of price. I hope that makes sense. As far as features, I'm not really sure because I am not up on all the photography terms and such...bad me! lol
Aw! I'm just a nikon kid from way (actually way...way) back. But the truth is that there's not much between the two BIG brands. I'd really recommend the Nikon 5000 though. It has so much on board software that if you learn to use it to its full extent you'll never edit a shot on a computer again (now going off to check the price on the 800s)
I'd recommend going into a store, having a play and a feel of the different cameras and see what feels good in your hands. If you already use Nikon, I'd lean to sticking with them cos the menus work in a similar way (I tried a canon once and got confused very quickly), but that's up to you.
I got a Nikon D5000 18 months ago and love it, but you need to be aware that it (and everything below the D7000) doesn't have an in-built auto-focus motor, meaning you need lenses with the focus motor built in, so they cost a little more (but the camera is cheaper). This does mean that any second hand lenses and any not marked AF-S (the "S" is key) will be manual focus only.
I am happy with my Olympus E620 but would also get a Pen which may be the best of small and compact and changeable lenses. I suggest reviewing www.dpreview.com for a quality review
To read numerous reviews, check out www.dpreview.com.
I'm the dissenting voice in the "big two" wilderness, but in my experience the best camera is the one that is best for you, not the one that impresses other people because you own it. I've NEVER been a Nikon nor Canon person. I was always a Minolta girl, so my current DSLRs are Sony. They work quite well for me. Also, you can have (what others tell you is) the "best" camera, but if you don't put "good glass" (quality lenses) on that camera you will not be happy with your results.
A good stove, good pans, and nice knives do not make you a great chef or even a good cook. The "best" camera will not make you a great photographer. I've seen absolutely stunning shots from iPhones and compact point-and-shoots, and I've seen so-so, run-of-the-mill images that the photographer declares are top-quality because s/he used a insert-brand-name-of-camera-here to shoot it.
I recommend you get either a Nikon or a Canon as they have the most extensive family of lenses and as your abilities improve, you will want more than the standard kit lens. Nikon just introduced the 24 mp D3200 and preliminary reports indicate it has an amazing sensor. Street price $699 with lens. I have a Nikon D3100 and have been extremely happy with it. Street price $549 with lens. The D5100 has an excellent sensor and it now has a street price of $699 with lens. I have many friends with Canons and they love them as well. If you want to save a lot of money, get a factory refurbished Nikon or Canon from Adorama. Last week they had a D3100 with lens for $419.
I agree with @sjoblues -- check out dpreview.com. Think about the type of lenses you want first of all, then look at cameras that work with those. A lot of people are turning to the mirrorless technology, namely the Sony NEX-7, but some are turned away by the limitations in lens choices. I also advise, after you narrow it down to your top 2 or 3 choices, go handle the ones you're thinking about. In the end, once you've weighed the pros and cons, and read some revIews (I get a lot of insight by reading as many reviews as I can find, especially the negative ones), handled them to see how they feel in your hands, and played a little to see how intuitive the controls and menus seem to you, you will be able to make a good choice. In the end, it's really a matter of personal preference because these days quality is very good in most all cameras. Have fun shopping!
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Another nice Nikon is the D5100. I have some shots in my project using that model and I've been happy with the results. It's also a nice, light weight camera with some great features.
Yes, the D5000 is available for great prices right now. A couple weeks ago they had refurbished bodies at Adorama for $329, now they are $359. Get a nice prime lens for that body and you would be good to go!
IMO anyways
Thanks to everyone for the opinions!!
I got a Nikon D5000 18 months ago and love it, but you need to be aware that it (and everything below the D7000) doesn't have an in-built auto-focus motor, meaning you need lenses with the focus motor built in, so they cost a little more (but the camera is cheaper). This does mean that any second hand lenses and any not marked AF-S (the "S" is key) will be manual focus only.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/766903-REG/Hasselblad_70490520_H4D_200MS_Digital_Camera.html
Or this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/855962-REG/Canon_EOS_1D_C_EOS_1D_C_4K_Cinema.html
But if you're on a budget, I guess this should be okay:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/798870-REG/Leica_10703_M9_P_Digital_Camera_Black.html
http://www.red.com/store/products/epic-x-pro-bundle
The best.
I'm the dissenting voice in the "big two" wilderness, but in my experience the best camera is the one that is best for you, not the one that impresses other people because you own it. I've NEVER been a Nikon nor Canon person. I was always a Minolta girl, so my current DSLRs are Sony. They work quite well for me. Also, you can have (what others tell you is) the "best" camera, but if you don't put "good glass" (quality lenses) on that camera you will not be happy with your results.
A good stove, good pans, and nice knives do not make you a great chef or even a good cook. The "best" camera will not make you a great photographer. I've seen absolutely stunning shots from iPhones and compact point-and-shoots, and I've seen so-so, run-of-the-mill images that the photographer declares are top-quality because s/he used a insert-brand-name-of-camera-here to shoot it.
Happy shopping!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leica_M6