Need help buying a camera

[el_capitan10]

Hopefully there are some photographers on here who can help me out. I'm looking to buy a new digital camera for my girlfriend. She has always had just a crappy point and shoot, and it recently took a swim on her trip to Costa Rica. She is always talking about getting a nicer camera but I'm not quite sure she will be able to take full advantage of a dSLR, which seems like it would be a waste of money if that is the case. I have been looking at some bridge cameras, which have had mixed reviews.

Does anyone have any experience with these? She likes to take close ups of flowers in our garden, but also likes to take pictures when out hiking. This is where I think the super zoom of the bridge cameras will come in handy. I was looking at the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS, but the zoom almost seems like overkill and I was reading that it wasn't the greatest performer in low light. I also came across the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 which doesn't have quite the zoom capabilities of the Canon, but reviews said it performs well in low light and keeps the F2.8 aperture through the entire zoom (which I think is good). I was also looking at the Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR.

I'd appreciate any help you guys could give me, or recommendations on other cameras that you think would fit the bill. It will basically be used for macros, nature shots and pictures of family and friends. Thanks!

 

[Just_Me_D]

I recommend the camera that comes with the iPhone 4S and above. Other than that, two cameras come to mind:

A. The Nikon D90
B. The Canon 40D/50D

 

[el_capitan10]

I recommend the camera that comes with the iPhone 4S and above. Other than that, two cameras come to mind:

A. The Nikon D90
B. The Canon 40D/50D

Thank you very much for the response! Unfortunately dSLR's are a little out of my price range, which is about $500.

 

[Just_Me_D]

Thank you very much for the response! Unfortunately dSLR's are a little out of my price range, which is about $500.

In the 90's, I used a Canon EOS Rebel and Rebel II - both film based at the time - and it was an excellent camera. The newer digital versions are within the price range you mentioned. Go to a nearby Best Buy, Target or Walmart and check 'em out.

[URL="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/612734/9383?sharedid=159229&subId1=UUimUvbUpU2112891&subId2=vbim&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fm%2Fphoenix%3Bjsessionid%3DA0610F35960240CE2C1FFA4B7EBB0BDC%23ip%2FCanon-12.2MP-5157B002AA%2F15754560%22]http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canon-12.2MP-5157B002AA/15754560[/URL]

 

[el_capitan10]

In the 90's, I used a Canon EOS Rebel and Rebel II - both film based at the time - and it was an excellent camera. The newer digital versions are within the price range you mentioned. Go to a nearby Best Buy, Target or Walmart and check 'em out.

[URL="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/612734/9383?sharedid=159229&subId1=UUimUvbUpU2113005&subId2=vbim&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fm%2Fphoenix%3Bjsessionid%3DA0610F35960240CE2C1FFA4B7EBB0BDC%23ip%2FCanon-12.2MP-5157B002AA%2F15754560%22]http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canon-12.2MP-5157B002AA/15754560[/URL]

Ok thank you for the information. Unfortunately those are DSLR's as well, and the $500 price is usually just for the body. I'd have to buy lenses for it as well. Thanks for the help though!

 

[RumoredNow]

I think you may be looking at it from the wrong angle...

...point and shoot... took a swim... not quite sure she will be able to take full advantage of a dSLR...

...She likes to take close ups of flowers in our garden, but also likes to take pictures when out hiking... used for macros, nature shots and pictures of family and friends...

Think ruggedized: waterproof, dustproof, shock resistant, freeze resistant. Get her a camera she won't have to worry about or baby.

2013 Waterproof Camera Roundup: Digital Photography Review

I've had 3 such cameras and keep trading up. Great for pics on the go with no worries about taking them on any excursion.

 

[strangerbeat]

consider a Panasonic Lumix LX5 or LX7. You can nab an LX5 for around $200 and an LX7 for more or less $350. Theyre amazing cameras with great image quality and built in features. Great for video, too.