Need to know a good camera for around 500

[Wicked1z]

Well everyone I have never posted in this forum before so I am going to give it a shot. I am not a pro by any stretch of the means. I have a pretty decent point and click camera. Its an old nikon coolpix 4100. It takes decent pics. I want to step up into a whole new world though. I like the feel of an SLR but I think that will be way out my league. Since tax time is here I want to get something under 700. prefer around 500 since im looking at an open box special on a cam corder also. can someone help me out here? Would perfer auto focas with manual adjustment so I can start using it right away. I love macro shots and I want to start taking pics of my corals also. But I also want some crisp pics when I go to the drag strip and get stuck in bad seats.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Nick A]

You should be able to get a Nikon D40 around $500 with the 18-55mm lens. Although it lacks an autofocus motor, its a great camera. If you want a macro lens, the AF-S 105mm VR is a good choice, but will run you around $700. The older AF-D 105mm micro is also a good option, its just that it doesn't have the nice VR function and will need to be manually focused.

If you are able to stretch your budget a bit you could go for the D70, or even a D80 if you're lucky on finding a deal. They have an autofocus motor, so you will be able to save money on not having to spend extra on AF-S lenses.

I also have a Coolpix 4100 as well. Pretty nice camera for how old it is . Check out this shot I took with it last Wednesday while snowboarding:

 

[Wicked1z]

What about a camera that is not a DSLR. But maybe have a body like one. that may be able to do what I need for some up close shots and far away action shots. like I said maybe DSLR might be outa my price range.

 

[sixfins]

You should check out the Canon S5is and the Olympus SP560-UZ. Both are great cameras that have extreme zoom and macro capabilities while fitting the budget.

 

[Wicked1z]

What do you guys think of the Sony 8.1 MP Cyber-shot DSC-H9/B. it has a crazy zoom on it. Plus the revies say that it is as close to a DSLR as you can get.