Hi there!  Nerdy mom here, bringing you a fresh new look on the latest and greatest cameras on the market.  As a photographer who started out with a simple point and shoot Camera and today owns two DSLR cameras and a bunch of lenses, I have done a lot of research on the best cameras for photography.  Today I will share with you my pick of the best dslr cameras to buy, the best cameras to start with and the best cameras to take every day pictures that won't break the bank.

First up, lets talk about the affordable cameras that you should look at!   Let me start by saying that a camera doesn't have to be ridiculously fancy and expensive in order for it to take great pictures for you!  All it takes is knowing how to use it, and the right sort of settings and features to make it great.


Meet the Sony 20.1 MP Digital Camera.  With a 5x optical zoom and a whopping 20.1 megapixels, this tiny little camera is capable of going anywhere with you easily (it would fit in your pocket! Not to mention your wallet- priced at just $88!)  It also has a built in 720p camcorder, which is great for getting videos of your family's sporting events, recitals, and more!




My next pick is the Olympus TG-4 16 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD.   I have always loved the Olympus line of cameras.  They've got a great user interface and hold up to the test of time.  The Tough line is wonderful, waterproof, shockproof and freeze proof as well! With 16 megapixels and a 1080p camcorder, this little gem is ready to go on your next adventure!



Of course this wouldn't be a complete listing if I didn't share with you a Canon brand camera.  Canon has stood the test of time and their dslr cameras are among the favorite cameras used by professional photographers.  The most recent point and shoot Canon has released is the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS    It features 20.3 megapixels, wireless interfacing, and both digital and optical zoom, a giant viewing screen and a CMOS sensor.  This is definitely a camera to look at if you want multi-functions (camera, camcorder, wireless interface, etc)




You may have wondered why I have left Nikon out of the mix?  Well, it's mainly because I was saving it for the big guns.  This is the camera that I lust over, that I will add to my collection someday, and that if you want to be a professional photographer, this is one you should look for too.  It's on the pricier end, so it's not a good starter camera for any budding photographer, but if you're established and you're looking to upgrade, in my opinion, this is THE camera you should be looking at.



It's the Nikon D4S 16.2 MP CMOS FX Digital SLR with Full 1080p HD Video.  This baby has all of the features that you could want or need, but beware, you're going to become addicted to buying lenses!
Want some pictures with some creamy bokeh?  Look for something with a low aperture, like the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G Auto Focus-S NIKKOR FX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.  You'll love this pancake lens.  For everyday use, I'd grab theNikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Auto Focus-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens.

If you're looking for a simpler start, hands down, over and over again, I would look to the Olympus E system camera.  It's got a great user interface, they're affordable and they have amazing lenses.  I personally have two!  Here's the one I'd suggest as a starter for any photographer: Olympus Evolt E620 12.3MP DSLR with IS, 2.7-inch Swivel LCD with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens



It's got a great weight and user interface, and I guarantee that you'll love it from the moment you own it!  The lens that comes with it isn't bad, but I would recommend upgrading at the first chance you get.  My all time favorite lens from their series is Olympus Zuiko 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 Digital ED SWD Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras.  It gives a great creamy bokeh when you want it, but it's mainly perfect for every day use!  Unless I want to really zoom in on something, this lens pretty much lives on my camera!  The next lens that I would like to get is Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 Zuiko Lens for E Series DSLR Cameras- it's got the same great system as the short range, but you can zoom more.  And if you have a lot of money to throw around, don't forget the telephoto lens, the Olympus 300mm f/2.8 Super Telephoto ED Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras.

Good luck and happy camera hunting.  If you have any questions or suggestions for other great cameras, feel free to leave a comment below!