New camera

[Ethereal_sheep]

The baby just pulled my old Nikon D40 off the table...and it landed with a sickening crunch! Ruh Roh...So now I'm in the market. I only had 1 extra lens and a very cheap external flash. So I'm not heavily invested in Nikon.

So...What should I get next? I'm on the fence between another DSLR or just a point and shoot. Over the last year, I've used my phone more and more. I rarely shoot in anything other than Auto...but you know...I'd like to start shooting more in manual! Suggestions?

[luckyme]

I'm dreaming about getting a Fuji x100t - it's smaller and lighter than a dSLR, but still takes really good photos.

[Ethereal_sheep]

I think my budget will be under 600 Maybe I should just use my iphone until I can really save up some money.

[Valgal]

I've been using my Nikon D3100 for several years and I like it well enough. I suspect it doesn't take the world's crispest pictures though, just from reviews and other articles I've read. A year or so my girlfriend's toddler pulled it off the table and threw it and now it makes a weird clicking noise when I'm trying to focus and will frequently flip out of focus. I was getting ready to have it looked at but the Mr. bought me a new lens. I suspect something is still not right though.

Sorry yours broke!

[anelia]

I've been working with DSLR cameras for years but I've used only Fuji and Canon. I'm a Canon fan
I'd suggest Canon Rebel T5 (700D European version) with kit lens for your budget. It's an entry level DSLR that has everything you might need to start shooting manual and learn the basics. Those cameras last years (I actually sold mine to upgrade, it never let me down).
You know, I also use my phone sometimes but never for important stuff.
Something else, if you use a DSLR camera, I highly recommend two things:
1) Shoot mainly in P mode (semi-auto). Only use fully manual when you know what you want to achieve
2) Shoot in RAW. Then import into Lightroom and process those shots. That's where the magic happens
Since I began shooting RAW, my life changed.
In the end, whatever you choose, just have fun!

[joelsgirl]

That makes me feel sick for you! My greatest fear is seeing the demise of my DSLR, even though I only take it out like once a month these days!

Why don't you just upgrade your iPhone? The camera in the new ones is really good, it's with you all the time, and if you're not making professional photos, it's really a good choice, imo.

[Ethereal_sheep]

To be entirely honest, I wasn't all that upset. LOL...My iphone 5s has taken better pictures for quite some time. Also the autofocus had already died on my D40, and something scratched the sensor. SO when it fell off the table....I was not really sad. HAHA! I'll have to sell some paintings before I can do anything. I was thinking a certified refurb Nikon D3200

[Valgal]

LOL! So... baby did ya a favor?

[Ethereal_sheep]

Originally Posted by Valgal

LOL! So... baby did ya a favor?

Pretty much. I bought it 10ish years ago with my very first tax refund. Haha...now that I'm out of school, and have a big girl job, I should buy a new camera right? Lol...but a big girl job...mean big girl bills! Adulting is hard work!