Recommendations for a new camera?

Ok, so i'm saving up for a new camera but i have no idea what kind to get. I was thinking a Nikon, but i don't know, comparatively speaking, what companies make the best cameras. Most of the pictures that i take are close-ups, don't know if that makes any difference. I know that cameras are expensive, but i would prefer one in the $200-350 price range, but nothing above $700. If there are any pro-photographers out there that have any input i'm all for it.

For your price range you would be able to only afford a point and shoot. Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, and Olympus all make pretty good cameras. Just go to the store and find one that you find aesthetically pleasing and suits your needs, because they pretty much all take decent pictures in sunlight but will struggle in low light and at night.

In the $200-350 range you will not get a new DSLR, only a second hand one. Under $700 probably your best bet is the new Nikon D3200. You could also look at the older D5100, replaced by the D5200 late last year. The Canon Rebel T3i just falls within your budget as well but on a spec comparison is not as good as the Nikons.

A good site to compare cameras and get prices is at http://www.snapsort.com/...apsort.com Just type in the models you want to compare and it will give an indication of there relative strengths and weakness

You prefer in range from $200- to $350- ; Then you swing all the way up to nothing above $700-.
If you prefer setting your own shutter speed/aperture and ISO, then a DSLR is the way to go. Let alone that their sensor is much larger than any point and shoot.
I suggest the Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm lens that comes with it. Amazon has it for $597+shipping.

You're unlikely to find a DSLR in that price range, so forget Nikon (or Canon).

This is bridge camera territory, and the big boys here are Fujifilm, find a local dealer and check out a couple of models. Canon and Nikon do make cameras in this class, but they either lack viewfinders (vital if you want to take photography seriously) or are very expensive.

I wouldn't give a Nikon Coolpix L- series to my worst enemy.