Recommend a camera

[Sevven]

If you want a dslr you have to get a canon! But I love my canon so am probably a little bias.

[IndigoJ]

I have a canon. I would recommend a nikon. My canon had stuffed up 3 times in 2 years.

[4underfour]

I wouldn't get a full on DSLR, unless you know how to use it. SLR's don't magically take better photos than other cameras if you have them on auto the whole time. There are a few great cameras around now that are 'almost' SLR's but far better for amateurs.
We are Nikon people, but recently purchased the Sony NEX for travelling, as it is far more compact. I highly recommend you take a look at it, it takes just as good quality pictures, has interchangeable lenses, PLUS takes good quality video.
http://www.sony.com.au/productcategory/nex-camera
The panoramas it does are pretty good too!

[Anjalee]

When we were looking for a camera the sales rep said any SLR camera no matter the price is better than the most expensive of the digital range.
We bought a nikon D3100 and love it

Sent from my GT-I9000 using BubHub

We have the D3100 too and love it! Very good entry level SLR and is really easy to use.

[Caviar]

DSLR's are easy to learn to use if you have the patience to mess around with them. Having said that, the Nikon range for 2012 is fantastic and the D3100 is an absolute gem for beginners and intermediates.

But it really does depend on what you intend to use it for.

While I do prefer Nikon and I do have a DSLR, I use it for landscape shots and portraiture. I use a Canon IXUS for my regular, everyday "family" shots. It's a 230HS, cost me $198 and produces superb, clear shots and the camera is dead easy to use... a five year old could master it.

So if you're just going to be using your camera for family shots and you want a clear, fine shot then a mid to top range point-and-shoot is a viable option.

[mum2one99]

I wouldn't get a full on DSLR, unless you know how to use it. SLR's don't magically take better photos than other cameras if you have them on auto the whole time. There are a few great cameras around now that are 'almost' SLR's but far better for amateurs.
We are Nikon people, but recently purchased the Sony NEX for travelling, as it is far more compact. I highly recommend you take a look at it, it takes just as good quality pictures, has interchangeable lenses, PLUS takes good quality video.
http://www.sony.com.au/productcategory/nex-camera
The panoramas it does are pretty good too!

this sounds perfect for me (sorry for hijacking!). which model in the nex range did u buy? would the NEXC3KB (the cheapest) be ok??

[FiveInTheBed]

I have a Sony Nex3.

It is small enough to throw in my bag, even with the larger lens attached.

the auto 'i' setting is great - but you have the option to fiddle and control your settings.