What is a camera under $600 that is good in low light situations? And also a good cheap Photo Editing Software?

Question

I keep looking & I think that the Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm NIKKOR VR Lens camera is best, but I don't like the fact that you have to charge the battery. I'm afraid that the battery might go dead while I'm taking pictures. I love night time pictures & I go camping a lot in the summer, so I'm wanting one that is good in low light situations. I need something that takes batteries, not the chargeable ones unless there is a separate charger where I can have an extra fully charged battery. I need something that has many different settings like: Animals, Landscape, Portrait & those kind. I have a Fujifilm FinePix S4000 & yes, it is a good camera but I want to upgrade. I have tried many different settings and I can't figure out how to get good night pictures. I would go with another FujiFilm again, it just has to have the things I want/need in a camera.
I also need a good Photo Editing Software. Something under $100.

Answer 1

I say go for the Nikon D3100.



http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-14-2MP-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B003ZYF3LO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1332877829&sr=1-1&tag=faumioe-20



For the cost of this camera, I don't think you can get anything better. The low light performance is off the charts. It has great low light focusing and its focus speed is high too. Its lenses will take better portraits and deal better in low light then other cameras of the same range. Its other features are:



- 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor; 3-inch monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture

- Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization lens

- Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound

- Easy-To-Use Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance

- Capture images to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards



Read this review by a user about the overall performance of the camera:



http://www.amazon.com/review/R3NZH2Q4KNDSWK/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B003ZYF3LO&nodeID=&linkCode=&tag=faumioe-20



Hope this helps.

Answer 2

It's something you'll have to live with, just buy a second battery and make sure both are fully charged before you go out, although I've often shot for a weekend on a single charge.



Live view is a real battery-killer, though, so avoid using it.



As to software, Picasa is a free download and there are several others. There's nothing wrong with installing a couple of different programmes and picking the one you like best.

Answer 3

Nikon D3100 camera was my first DSLR it's a fantastic piece of equipment. If you are a beginner, this camera is for you. The interface is very user friendly, accentuated by the "guide" which walks you through different photographic techniques (e.g., blurring the motion of a flowing stream) and explains different functions (e.g., the various flash modes, focus modes, etc.). The image quality is excellent and boasts infinitely more creative avenues than a compact can.

Answer 4

If you want a dSLR that doesn't need recharging of batteries, look for a Pentax K-x. It uses AA batteries like the Energizer Lithium. The K-x has lots of different modes and settings and best of all, its maximum ISO goes to 12800, great for very low light shooting. You do understand the consequences of using a very high ISO like that, don't you?