I need to buy a new camera?

I want to buy a new camera. I recently sold my Nikon D3000 which I really loved. Some of the things that I loved about it where the manual zoom and focus. I don't really want anything too bulky but I would really love a detachable lens. I have no idea where to look or what brand to buy as my last camera was a gift. I'm definitely not a professional photographer but I'm going to be doing some senior portraits this coming year. Any suggestions?

If you found the Nikon D3000 too bulky, but still want interchangeable lenses, you might want to look at the Sony NEX line, such as the Sony NEX-3K.

Sony NEX series… Or the Sony SLT a57

strongly recommend Sony a57 for you… 10 frames per second at 16 megapixels… Continuous phase detection accurate fast focusing during video and burst mode, 100% viewfinder… Picture effects,… Built in mic jack… Articulated 921k dot screen… Using trublack technology for the screen… Stereo mic built in… Great choice of lenses… Great accessories… Service centers everywhere… Tracking auto focus… Good in low light… And the price is entry level price…

And a whopping 12 FRAMES PER SECOND MODE AT 8megapixels! And it's under 900$ with 18-55 kit lens

Sony NEX is a god choice… However there are a lot of Compact System Cameras…

Get a D3200.

Try Amazon, maybe you can find the best deal there
http://www.amazon.com/...3959011-20