Reddit mentions of Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Link to the camera that OP used for this picture.

Link to the filter that OP used for this picture.

Edit: As requested: Link to the 10mm lens that OP used for this picture.

Personally I'd be happier with the Nikon D3000 for $458.86.

For just a little more money than the Canon, you can step up to Nikon.

The snap-on micro recommended by /u/shadowmoon2700 looks like a good way to start regarding lenses (just get the standard 18-55 mm lens that will probably come with the camera body).

Regarding cameras; the Nikon D60 is decent (less than $300 on Amazon), Nikon D3000 also (more like $250 on Amazon.

Here's a great history of Nikon's digital SLR cameras.

Finally, you should subscribe to /r/photography! They have frequent 'newbie' threads to help with equipment and general photography questions. Best of Luck :)

It does. It's this camera and lens: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3000-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G/dp/B002JCSV5I

It comes with a Nikon bag too (if you select the 6 piece outfit kit under the style on Amazon, it's the bag that shows up in the pictures).

The only minor issue is that the flash doesn't pop up fully when you have it on flash mode. It has to be pulled up the rest of the way then it works fine. It might just need a greasing on the hinges, I haven't checked it recently.

edit - if anyone wants pictures I can take some later tonight

I found two used DSLRs on amazon for around my price range. Which would you recommend?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XURPQS/sr=1-2/qid=1325174068/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1325174068&sr=1-2&seller=
or
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JCSV5I/sr=8-1/qid=1325174309/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1325174309&sr=8-1&seller=

Ah, I'm just worried that the quality will be lacking. After doing some research, I found that something like this is affordable and seems like a good quality. What makes a point and shoot better?

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3000-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G/dp/B002JCSV5I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368109602&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+d3000
$430, not just the body either, comes with the 52 mm lens. and amazon will be your friend. Also, if you are a student of some sort and have a .edu email, you get free prime for 6 months! and I got the wide angle and flash off amazon too, super cheap.

I took a class recently and used the Canon T5i Rebel, which I really enjoyed. But now that I'm buying my own camera I'm struggling to find the right skill vs price balance.

Is a $600 camera too much for a beginner who just wants to photograph landscapes, night scenes, and everyday objects? In class we used manual mode exclusively -- something with a lot of versatility in that aspect would be great. I also want the basic features so I can learn and explore this hobby without accidentally paying extra for luxuries only a highly experienced photography could use. But I also don't want to be kicking myself 1 year from now for buying such a limiting camera, you know?

I visited a local store and the owner recommended the Nikon D5300.

Nikon D5300 - $500

Nikon D3300 - $450

Nikon D3000 - $150

\^\^\^ I found those other two by reading through this thread.

On top of this I'll need a lens, tripod, case, and SD card. But the issue isn't really price but rather overestimating the quality of camera I realistically need.

If anyone can offer some guidance I'd really appreciate it, because this is stressing me out. Thank you.