# Looking to buy a new camera thats not point and shoot, need some input. **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [May 1, 2011, 7:24pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904 "2011-05-01T19:24:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JDMSIR](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jdmsir/32/7376_2.png) [@JDMSIR](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JDMSIR)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2011, 7:24pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/1 "2011-05-01T19:24:56Z")
I want a good beginer camera, looking to spend ~$500. What are good brands, lenses? I really am new to this but I am willing to give it some time. I really want it to take photos of my baby daughter, my point and shoot works good but its obviously not professional looking. Let me know what would be a good setup, something in my price range. ---
**Author:** ![b5a4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85e7bf/32.png) [@b5a4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/b5a4)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2011, 7:43pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/2 "2011-05-01T19:43:32Z")
I’m using a nikon d3000. Its an entry level DSLR, the replacement for the d60. It takes great pictures in auto mode, and also allows for full manual control if you decide you want to get more into photography. It’s right around $500 with the 18-55mm lense. If you want to spend a bit more and have the hd video function I’d recommend the d3100. ---
**Author:** ![JDMSIR](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jdmsir/32/7376_2.png) [@JDMSIR](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JDMSIR)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2011, 7:50pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/3 "2011-05-01T19:50:52Z")
Ok, sounding good. whats the newest badest one out there? What are some nice lenses? ---
**Author:** ![Paulo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/paulo/32/7328_2.png) [@Paulo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Paulo)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2011, 8:09pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/4 "2011-05-01T20:09:53Z")
Look into compact systems. They have a smaller body, but you still have the option of replaceable lenses. Plus they still shoot good video etc. ---
**Author:** ![JDMSIR](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jdmsir/32/7376_2.png) [@JDMSIR](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JDMSIR)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/5 "2011-05-01T20:20:57Z")
↑ What brands? I just paid $600 for photos of my baby and would like to do them myself. I thnk I have a good eye, just need a camera. Im looking for maybe a D90? ---
**Author:** ![llink78](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/llink78/32/8037_2.png) [@llink78](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/llink78)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2011, 8:35pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/6 "2011-05-01T20:35:45Z")
i just picked up a nikon d5000 factory refurb off ebay for $602 shipped…[http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320689085304&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT](http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320689085304&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT) thats the link and there price just went up about $50 from when i got mine. ---
**Author:** ![JDMSIR](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jdmsir/32/7376_2.png) [@JDMSIR](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JDMSIR)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2011, 8:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/7 "2011-05-01T20:51:48Z")
↑ Is that better then the D90, i have not researched them yet still trying to get opinions on what people like. ---
**Author:** ![llink78](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/llink78/32/8037_2.png) [@llink78](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/llink78)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2011, 9:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/8 "2011-05-01T21:14:09Z")
the big difference is there is no motor on the camera to control the auto focus. so the lenses you need to buy are a little more expencive as they need to have the motor in the lens. the flip around screen is a great feture though also the ability to take 720p video if need be. not sure if the D90 does. but i love the camera iv only had it a few days though ---
**Author:** ![ZOMGVTEK](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/zomgvtek/32/5063_2.png) [@ZOMGVTEK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ZOMGVTEK)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2011, 7:54am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/9 "2011-05-02T07:54:39Z")
D90/D5000 are good cameras if you can find them cheap. But theyre not really going to give you better pictures than a little lower end camera, like the D3100. I would vote D3100, don’t bother with the D3000. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2011, 8:00am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/10 "2011-05-02T08:00:05Z")
It takes more than a good camera to get professional looking photos. It’s not nearly as easy as it looks. With that said, just about any of the entry level nikons or canons will suit you well. A good portrait lens will be needed. Something fast, 35mm f/1.4 would be great. ---
**Author:** ![pirite](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pirite/32/5308_2.png) [@pirite](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/pirite)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2011, 8:00am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/11 "2011-05-02T08:00:27Z")
try and find a used D40 for cheap, itll be perfect for what you want and should be on the cheap. all the lenses will still work if you upgrade in the future to a higher end body and you should still be able to get your money back on the D40. ---
**Author:** ![mike125k](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike125k/32/7282_2.png) [@mike125k](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/mike125k)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2011, 8:00am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/12 "2011-05-02T08:00:53Z")
You said you wanted the badest one… This: [http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518204-REG/Canon\_2011B002\_EOS\_1Ds\_Mark\_III\_SLR.html](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518204-REG/Canon_2011B002_EOS_1Ds_Mark_III_SLR.html) With this for portraits: [http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423691-USA/Canon\_1056B002AA\_EF\_85mm\_f\_1\_2L\_II.html](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423691-USA/Canon_1056B002AA_EF_85mm_f_1_2L_II.html) ---
**Author:** ![b5a4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85e7bf/32.png) [@b5a4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/b5a4)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2011, 9:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/13 "2011-05-02T09:16:54Z")
If you’re not opposed to buying used you can also find some great deals. Look for seperate body and lens and you should be able to get what you want for under $500 with no problem. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2011, 9:17am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/14 "2011-05-02T09:17:46Z")
> [@pirite](#): > > try and find a used D40 for cheap, itll be perfect for what you want and should be on the cheap. all the lenses will still work if you upgrade in the future to a higher end body and you should still be able to get your money back on the D40. D40 isn’t bad, but it won’t autofocus some lenses. ---
**Author:** ![ZOMGVTEK](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/zomgvtek/32/5063_2.png) [@ZOMGVTEK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ZOMGVTEK)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2011, 9:29am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/15 "2011-05-02T09:29:30Z")
I wouldn’t bother with the D40 unless you really just want a fairly good cheap DSLR. Its really starting to get old. High ISO performance on my D3100 is VASTLY superior to the D40/D60. Its only 6 MP, vs 14, 3 AF points, etc… The D3100 would be easier to use. ---
**Author:** ![ryanmcell](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ryanmcell/32/7510_2.png) [@ryanmcell](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ryanmcell)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2011, 6:24pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/16 "2011-05-02T18:24:47Z")
I have a brand new D90 w/ 18-105 VR kit as well as a used D90 w/18-105 kit for sale. LMK if interested in either. ---
**Author:** ![JDMSIR](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jdmsir/32/7376_2.png) [@JDMSIR](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JDMSIR)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2011, 6:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/17 "2011-05-02T18:34:32Z")
↑ What the prices? ---
**Author:** ![ryanmcell](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ryanmcell/32/7510_2.png) [@ryanmcell](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ryanmcell)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2011, 6:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-buy-a-new-camera-thats-not-point-and-shoot-need-some-input/211904/18 "2011-05-03T18:02:16Z")
PM’d