What is the best and cheapest digital camera on the market today?

I am willing to pay up to $1000 for one.

 

1000!? They have some for as low at 60 bucks. And some that could spend almost your whole grand. Though I wouldn't. 250 would get you a great camera

 

I think I should have been more specific in the use!

Its not for every day use but for lets say going to the race track and being able to capture NHRA speeds lol!

Or being able to go out in nature and have the proper lenses to zoom and capture the smallest of details.

 

Trying to figure out which is better, the Nikon 7100 or 5200 ....hmmm

 

Both are good cameras. It's kind of like cars. You need to separate your must have features from likes. There is always the buy as much camera as you can afford system but I always thought most folks over spend that way. I try to spend the least I can to get the features I need.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D5200-vs-Nikon-D7100

 

I was just on that site, and by the looks of it, the 7100 doesn't provide much more then the 5200 so it may be a better option

 

That would be my buy. I am a hobbyist and ex camera salesman. There are several professional photographers on here that might give you a different opinion.

 

Well I hope that I can get a professional opinion since I don't know anything about cameras, this is a present for someone that owns a dinosaur for a camera lol

 

I love my D5100 (older version of D5200) if that helps any. Keep in mind that lenses can be a bit pricey too, so if you want more than what the kit lens is capable of, you might want to factor that in.

 

Oh I know that the lenses are and can be crazy expensive!

Nathan,if some of the pictures you post on Facebook are from that camera then the 5200 should be perfect!!!

 

The Nikon 5200 would be the way I would go. I have the D5000.
Very easy to use and recommended to me by a premier photographer. He told me the glass is superior to the Cannons lenses. You should be able to get two lenses with the camera for approx. that price. Costco for price and warranty.
Mike

 

Thank you! I was looking to get it on Amazon

 

If you're still looking, also check out the Panasonic Lumix, and Sony Nex. They seem to get rave reviews, and 2 co-workers have the Lumix (not sure which model), and they love them. They arent DSLR. If that is what you are wanting then the Nikon that was recommended is a great camera.

There are some really good 3rd party lens makers for the major brands, Nikon, Canon etc. You can look at Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina. Also, depending on your photography skills, I would recommend taking a class. If you buy at a camera shop they will probably offer one for free, look at local continuing education for classes.

Welcome to another expensive, and fun hobby