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So for the longest time i've wanted a camera that doesn't suck but I have never bought one before. I want something with pretty good manual control and something that will produce nice pictures with the stock lense. I am not a photographer or anything so I don't need anything fancy just something half decent.

 

What should I be looking for?

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That depends; what's your budget?  "Entry level" can mean different things to different people ;)

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If "entry-level" means sub-500 USD, then the Nikon D3300 with the 18-55mm kit lens is your best bet.

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Nikon has the best budget cameras on the market... The d3300 is a solid choice!

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23 minutes ago, megaant4 said:

Nikon D3300

 

20 minutes ago, tmcclelland455 said:

Nikon D3300

 

18 minutes ago, BringBackLCT said:

d3300

imma be that guy and say the pentax k50. it has fewer megapixels, but it has higher iso, faster shutter, larger sensor, weather sealing, and ~$100 cheaper

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2 hours ago, Ryan_Vickers said:

That depends; what's your budget?  "Entry level" can mean different things to different people ;)

The "best" camera doesn't necessarily turn the user into a "decent" photographer. 

 

@OP, if you're priority is on photography, any of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Fuji, etc. cameras that fall within your budget should be more than enough.  And what people have recommended in previous comments are all decent cameras.  What you should be looking for, at this point, is getting a camera you feel comfortable using.  When you've gained experience and have determined which direction you want to take as a photographer (if you ever want to), then you'll have a better idea of what to look for.

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2 minutes ago, ALwin said:

The "best" camera doesn't necessarily turn the user into a "decent" photographer. 

 

@OP, if you're priority is on photography, any of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Fuji, etc. cameras that fall within your budget should be more than enough.  And what people have recommended in previous comments are all decent cameras.  What you should be looking for, at this point, is getting a camera you feel comfortable using.  When you've gained experience and have determined which direction you want to take as a photographer (if you ever want to), then you'll have a better idea of what to look for.

Good post as always :)

I just know if it was me though, I like having great gear so if the picture is crap I know I've got nothing to blame but myself :D Also, for that one time you get a great shot, you really do get a great shot rather than wishing "damn if only there was more resolution" or something

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2 hours ago, DrM said:

 

 

imma be that guy and say the pentax k50. it has fewer megapixels, but it has higher iso, faster shutter, larger sensor, weather sealing, and ~$100 cheaper

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D3300-vs-Pentax-K-50/detailed

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5 minutes ago, BringBackLCT said:

they are close and the pentax has some cool benefits, but overall I agree the D3300, more lenses, more availability, more users so more tutorials and advice, better video features,mic jack, 60fps, better battery life, lighter, etc etc

 

the K50 is a tough piece of kit, but a D3300 should be robust enough for normal users

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3 minutes ago, ShadowCaptain said:

they are close and the pentax has some cool benefits, but overall I agree the D3300, more lenses, more availability, more users so more tutorials and advice, better video features,mic jack, 60fps, better battery life, lighter, etc etc

 

the K50 is a tough piece of kit, but a D3300 should be robust enough for normal users

Agreed. I f you look above i recommended the D3300. A D5200 or 5300 would be even better and they are known widely as the budget DSLR kings.

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2 minutes ago, BringBackLCT said:

Agreed. I f you look above i recommended the D3300. A D5200 or 5300 would be even better and they are known widely as the budget DSLR kings.

yeah absolutely!

 

Id also say an A6000 if you can get it for the right price

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5 minutes ago, BringBackLCT said:

Agreed. I f you look above i recommended the D3300. A D5200 or 5300 would be even better and they are known widely as the budget DSLR kings.

Sorry but I just have to chuckle a bit... D3300 is great, and a 5200 is good too.  So is the 7200, and the D810... :P hence why I wanted to know budget; where do we stop!?

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6 minutes ago, Ryan_Vickers said:

Sorry but I just have to chuckle a bit... D3300 is great, and a 5200 is good too.  So is the 7200, and the D810... :P hence why I wanted to know budget; where do we stop!?

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10 minutes ago, ShadowCaptain said:

yeah absolutely!

 

Id also say an A6000 if you can get it for the right price

Yeah, picked up an a6000 here in Australia for $450 at Teds Cameras, really good deal!

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5 minutes ago, BringBackLCT said:

Yeah, picked up an a6000 here in Australia for $450 at Teds Cameras, really good deal!

wow nice! its such a beast

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