What camera should we get?

What camera should I get?

• I'm a college student and I really want to upgrade from my Kodak digital camera (compact, slim, point and shot). I am having such a hard time deciding what camera I should buy because once again, I've been using digital cameras mostly and I think it's time to get a DSLR camera because I want to take shots that will look crisp, clear, professional and enjoy taking better pictures. Photography has always been a hobby -- but I need a good camera! I've been researching and reading, but I still don't know which camera I should buy. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a DSLR camera but the ones I'm looking at that has more functions and features are well above $500. Originally, I thought I could find a good DSLR camera for no more than $400 but I don't think I'm looking hard enough. I heard that Nikon cameras are good but they don't use other brand lens. So I've been looking into Canon.. But they are expensive. A friend recommended Fujifilm but I'm not sure. I just want a good camera that I can take great photos with and then eventually buy special lens for effects and such later because that's not really important right now. I just want to know what camera, what brand, what price, and where I should get it. If photography is just going to be a hobby, should I just stick to a beginner level camera, maybe something like the Canon Rebel T3? I see that most people are saying to get a bridge camera.. I mean, as long as it can take great pictures, unlike the regular compact digital cameras, I'll give it a shot. But does these "bridge" camera have the ability to focus on certain objects or is that what a good DSLR camera does? Or special lens? I like photo effects and being creative, so what is a good camera to get? I'm so confused and I really don't want to waste a chunk of money on a camera that I don't actually need. But my problem is, I don't know if I should buy a cheaper one, and then later on, wish I would've gotten the better one (photography will never die - I will always be interested in it) or just buy the better, and more expensive, one and be happy with it without any regrets, but, what ifs, and such..... Please help! I know I just threw out a lot of information, questions and babbling, but anything would be much appreciated! Any links, pointers, stores/sites I should look into, other cameras (Pentax, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, etc) would be great. Thank you!

• Answer:

  A DSLR will cost you at least $600. Me thinks you have been getting some bad advice. Nikons can use several brand lenses, those made by Tokina, Sigma, Tamron, as well as bottom feeders like Quantaray, and Vivitar; all make lenses for Nikon cameras. And you can use a 50 year old Nikon lens on a new DSLR. Canon has a similar 3rd party lens support, but they changed their lens mount in the mid-80s and none of the older Canon lenses will fit a Canon DSLR. So there are actually more lenses available for Nikon than there are for Canon. Bridge cameras these days are not much more than a point & shoot compact camera fitted with a big zoom and made to look like a DSLR. They typically have the same sized sensors, so their performance is no better, and in some cases can be worse than regular run-of-the-mill point & shoots. High power zoom lenses have quality issues, and those lenses are typically found on bridge cameras. If you want to step up in quality from a compact camera/point & shoot, a micro 4/3 camera is the next step, then a DSLR is a step up from those. http://althephoto.com