Looking For Camera Recommendations

[artgecko]

Hello all,
I've reached the point that I'd like to take better pics of my collection. In the past, I've relied on a small point n shoot, which is easy to carry (for trips), takes descent pics, and is easy to use (I can set it on auto and not worry about it). I purchased this camera about 5 years ago, so I'm sure there are much better options out there now.

All that said, I'd like your recommendation on either a good point and shoot or a DSLR that is entry level, has an auto setting, is easy to use, and wouldn't be too much of a pain to carry on trips. I'd love a versatile camera that can take good outside / landscape shots, low-light shots, and also macro (or at least good zoomed in) shots of my collection. And, this may be a little bit of an odd request, but I have small hands, so would like something easy to hold.

Price-wise I'd like to stay $300 and under, but I realize this might not be an option. I'm planning on requesting gift cards to amazon (for birthdays and holidays, etc.) and also save up.

I'd appreciate any advice you can give me as I am definitely a camera newbie.

Thanks for your time and help!

[Royal Hijinx]

For about $400 I HIGHLY recommend the SONY RX100 (the original model not the more expensive RX 100 II or III). It has manual controls, is very compact and has a f1.8 lens, which is unheard of for a point and shoot camera.

Any type of interchangable lens camera is going to blow your budget on the body alone, but you can find good deals on the SONY NEX5N or NEX3T.

[artgecko]

Thanks so much for the recommendations!

[Firemaniv]

My wife got the cannon rebel T3I for christmas and it so far has been an awesome camera with some decent features. I don't think we have even used the camera to its full potential. My father got it for her so I am not sure on the cost of one.

[albinos_rule]

Five letters C-A-N-O-N
They have various models in all price ranges. Check them out you will find something that will suit you, and will be within your budget

[hooferinsane]

You probably will have to look at a 'Bridge' camera, if you after a DSLR you would have to also purchase a range of different lenses if you want to shoot macro, landscape etc. Not sure where you are based, but in uk, if you buy secondhand from a reputable dealer, they quite often give you a 12 month warranty on secondhand. Would avoid buying from Ebay, as you never will know what you will get.

This is a DSLR with dedicated macro lens of one of my tarantulas, but you could get the same result with a bridge camera ( could get in even closer with a macro lens, but this T flicks hairs)

http://1drv.ms/1pRJCje

[artgecko]

Thanks again for the great advice guys! I'll do some more research and post up some models that I'm considering here to get feedback. I'd like something that I can start out simple with (i.e. set it on "auto") but is also capable of more advanced settings, etc. as I learn more. I know there are a couple pawn shops in my town that do electronics and one of them offers a pretty good time frame for returns due to malfunction.. That may end up being an option in addition to amazon.