Best DSLR camera?

That price is at the low end of the market.

Do not be tempted by Vivitar, nor any brand that is not "mainstream". That leaves only Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax who make mainstream DSLRs.

Note that the Nikon L340 is not a DSLR. I trust that you have now found out what a DSLR is.

For $300 you might do better buying a different bridge camera, if the L340 does not suit you as a bridge camera. I have no opinion on the L340, since I have not ever used one.

You won't find one for that money unless it's used. The lowest priced dslr I've seen is $500 or so.

keh.com sells used cameras. They often underrate their cameras and offer a money back if you are not satisfied.

https://www.keh.com/shop/panasonic-dmc-g6-black-di...

https://www.keh.com/shop/olympus-14-42mm-f3-5-5-6-...

Talk to them. You will need both the body and the lens.

"Your best suggestions? All genuine help appreciated! "

Why? What are you going to do with the camera?

Look - there are a bunch of great cameras for still shots. There are a bunch of great video cameras. There are a bunch of cameras that do 1 well and the other is so-so.

Telling us what you want to do with the camera might lead us to suggest one make or model over another.

Personally - I went with a used DSLR to start shooting photography and some video, then for nearly the price of a 'good' lens I bought a camcorder. I use different cameras for different purposes.

So what are you planning to do with the camera is important information you left out.

Your budget isn't that great...BUT...if you check out the used/second hand market you might find something like the Nikon D5100, it's a half decent camera to start off with, has one of those 'articulated' screens to help shoot your 'blockbuster' home movies and if Lady Luck is watching over you then you might pick your D5100 up with a 18-105 lens.

I have the D5100 myself it's capable of quality images if you can squeeze them out of it...photography is a bit like 'shooting' it's not the gun that makes the marksman...If you pop into an actual camera dealers store they might have some used kit on their shelves...Choosing a camera can be awkward...some cameras don't feel right and after handling a few different models you'll know instinctively which brand you prefer and it might swing you towards digging a bit deeper into your pockets.

a) The L340 isn't a DSLR.

b) You'd be VERY lucky to get a DSLR for $300 - $400-500 is more likely, and it's mostly down to how a camera feels in your hands.

Personally, I'd recommend the Pentax K-50, a mid-level DSLR at an entry-level price, but I'm not the one who'll be shooting with it. Video in DSLRs is mediocre at best.

Hi so time to thinking about spending a lot more than 400 dollars as the cool pix is in that price range.