Hellobee Boards

I have a Nikon D3100. I definitely looooove it. I am no pro photog, but my engagement & wedding photog uses nikon and I trust his judgement! lol!

Olympus! I love how it fits in my hands and the blues straight out of the camera are amazing. I went with an E-420 since it its smaller and more affordable, but if you know your camera, you can still get pro results (as with most cameras).

If I had to choose a mainstream camera, my next choice is Canon, my brother's is very nice. You can read reviews if you Google dpreview, it's a great photography site.

@grizz: I think that is a great option! The only other thing I would recommend considering is an extra lens. The kit lenses are great, but wont get you the bokeh (blurred out background) that most people love! Consider getting the Nifty 50 if you can!

How funny, I just spent the morning trying to configure my camera for hospital pics (if this kid ever decides to crash our party).

I have a big clunky Nikon - basically 2nd generation DSLR. You can never go wrong with a Canon either.

But for a different rec, DH bought me a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 for my birthday. It takes fantastic photos, has a great lens, and is compact enough to carry everywhere. Professional photogs gripe because you can't change the lens, but I figure I already have a camera for that and the vast majority are pretty impressed with it. I'm no professional, so I figure if it can make my clumsy pics look good, then it must a good camera, lol! It took great pics of my mobile niece and nephew as well.

ETA: The real secret is taking a class or two to maximize the features of the camera.

We just bought the Nikon D3200, and so far I love it! My DH initially insisted upon a Canon, but the wifi transfer feature of the D3200 is what ultimately sold us. We bought the body separately and then purchased the 35mm/f 1.8 lens that has been raved about here (we mainly got it to take pics of the baby). DH wants to purchase a zoom lens in the next year, though. This is one of the first pics he took on it--I love how sharp it is! And it's been really user-friendly thus far.

I love my Canon Rebel. I have an XSi which is an older model, but any rebel is great! I really don't think you can go wrong going with Nikon or Canon. I guess I chose Canon since that was what my wedding photog uses and she does great work. I really recommend you consider going with a prime lens like the 35mm. I have a 28mm on my Canon and I love it! It never leaves my camera. Also, consider buying a factory refurbished one from a reputable source like Adorama. You can save some $$$ by doing that.

@grizz: Just make sure it's refurbished by the manufacturer.

I also have the d3200 and I LOVE it! I know nothing of photography and still manage to get great pictures!

Have Canon Rebel T4. DH had narrowed it down between two, Canon or Nikon. I liked the feel of the Canon better. No complaints. Takes great pictures and easy to use. We found a great bundle deal at Costco online.

@grizz: we got our camera body refurbished from Cameta Camera and our lens new from Adorama. We were going to get the lens from Amazon but we got free shipping + no tax from both Cameta and Adorama, so that saved us a lot of money!

@.twist.: Yay!! We just bought this exact model. Do you take much video with it? If so, do you have a memory card you suggest?

@maybebaby: It takes video? LOL.

ETA: haha sorry, I'm really unfamiliar with the camera and am still learning. I am also extremely uneducated in the best products for the camera. Sorry!!

@Navy_Mommy: That's what I have (Nikon D3100 with a 35mm 1.8 lens) . . . I am still learning to use it, but man, it takes great photos! (I get *lucky* every now and then!)

@MsLipGloss: I find I get *lucky* every now and then too!!

Here's one of my lucky shots with the D3100

I'm a wedding photographer, so I have lots of photo gear. My two cameras are a nikon d800 and nikon d700. I loooooove the d700! If you have the money and can find a used one on eBay, it's a great option. But it might be too much for some people, depends how into photography you are.

I used to have a d7000 as back up. That's a great camera as well!

@.twist.: haha no worries! yes, it takes video which is one of the main reason we purchased that one over buying DH's sister's used Nikon which had no video feature. We want to be able to take home videos of the babe!

@hellobeeboston: thanks! I got some AMAZING shots of one of my friend's daughters the other day, but since it isn't my baby I wouldn't post them here.

I have Nikon D300, but I am stuck with Nikon because that's where I started with when I was in high school. I saw many more professional people uses Canon and I wish I went with Canon, or at least have a chance to compare and make a decision then. I was young and stupid back then!