can i get a decent camera for around $600. (total noob)

[Suspence]

D40X, small as shit and takes nice photos. :)

[Mike325]

Some other options to look into are the ILC cameras (interchangeable lens camera) They are small like a p&s camera, but allow for lens changes and full manual control. This could be a good stepping stone for you because I bet that you would like something a little simpler with more control for when you want to play and experiment.

Also look at the new DSLR's from Sony, if you go that route. HAve some good features worth exploring. Video continuous auto focus is pretty pimp status.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SLTA33L-T...7777493&sr=8-6

Link to ILC camera guide.

http://www.popphoto.com/buying-guide/cameras

[TurboJake]

You can get a Rebel XT DSLR For 300-400 now with an 18-55mm lens. Takes great photos. Easy to operate. Cheap. More lenses than you can shake a stick at. GREAT Starter DSLR camera. My sig photo was taken with one for a good raw photo, and then post processing work.

[Peterkaczynski]

i have a sony NEX-3
i highly recommend it

[Aerton]

Sony NX3 or my favorite pocket cam the Canon G-12.

[richardkeith97]

i have a sony NEX-3
i highly recommend it

i like these a lot

[richardkeith97]

is the nex-3 a dslr. i also like how it aint so bulky. got anymore pics taken with this camera?

[mrsleeve]

is the nex-3 a dslr

kinda but no, its sony's answer to the micro 4/3's system of Olympus/Panasonic/Leica. Its a point and shoot sized and style body with the ability to swap lenses.

If you were to go this type of route I would be getting a Pan GF1 or GF2 because of the availability of Leica Produced glass as opposed to sony just licensing the Zeiss name for their up level glass. The 4/3's will let you run nearly any glass from any manufacturer with adapters but you lose metering and af and have to do that manually. But in any case the mirriorless have a long way to go when matching a traditional SLR. I would not want a electronic view finder any more (I have one on my old Minolta), I want to see what the lens sees in 100% real time.

[Suspence]

Nikon is the way to go!!!!

[mrsleeve]

or cannon really. All the other stuff is just not there yet, when compared to a traditional pattern SLR

[Brandon12V]

D40X, small as shit and takes nice photos. :)

This. been using the D40X for 4+ years now and it's never let me down. The only way I'll upgrade to another camera is if I want the video mode option(hint *D5100* hint)

Here's some of my photos with the D40X. I bought it with an 18-55mm lens over 4 years ago for $650. They can be had for cheap online these days. They are limited to certain lenses but unless you're professional photographer, you won't notice it.

[Brandon12V]

http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/29848080@N02/

[N2MYE30]

All my really good shots have been with a D40 with some ps for effect.

[e30slidewayz]

I got a nikkon d3100 for around $800 from bestbuy a few months ago. I spent a little more for the insurance, but I can completely destroy the thing and get a new one for free plus free annual cleanings. Came with the body, 2 lenses, a camera bag, and a few more accessories. It's been one of the best purchases I've made in a while. I'm sure you can get something similiar that isn't part of a package deal for around $600.

[mrsleeve]

the only thing you are going to run into with Nikon 3100 and 5100 is a lack of A/F drive motor in the camera itself. You will be limited in the glass you can use if you want A/F to lenses that have the A/F drive built in to them.