Cheap digital manual-focus camera?

[Shelby White]

Looking for opinions on what camera to buy. I know I want a digital, manual focus, preferably chargeable one. But I'm open to other suggestions. Main thing, I'm not rich. I can't go drop $500 on a camera, despite how much I love taking photos. I can look at used versions of more expensive models, but I'm not completely sold on the preowned aspect of that equation. I say digital because I'm do plan on sharing the photos via social media. Now, I'm used to the 8mp camera on my phone so I don't want to downgrade quality of the photo for versatility of capturing it, so I need to know if I can even get a decent camera for my price range. I say manual focus, because I take a lot of nature pictures (I live right next to the Everglades) and I can never get an autofocus to do what I need. Chargeable because I hate batteries, and I can never keep track of them and my pets love to chew them up. I'd really appreciate some help here. Thank you!
I don't only shoot nature, I also do urban/cityscapes. Or well, I have on my phone, which does absolutly no justice. I know I mentioned nature shots above so I didn't want any confusion.

[Jim A]

Not unless $400 or so is cheap. There are no manual focus digital cameras other than dslr cameras and the best bargain out there right now is the Canon t3.

[Photofox]

You will have to by a DSLR if you want manual focus. I would suggest a Canon, whichever model is in your price range. But remember that if you want manual focus for wildlife, you will also have to fork out for a longish zoom lens.

[Ben]

You can get a 12.2 mega pixel Canon Rebel XSi with an 18-55mm kit lens for under $300 dollars at B&H photo here. That manually focuses it is a DSLR. And it has rechargeable batteries. Learn how to use it and it will blow your phone away. It's an oldie but goodie.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/80...i_slr.html

[keerok]

This has manual focus but in the form of a cumbersome button-control system not as straightforward as the focus ring of a dSLR lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/88...ilver.html

It uses AA's but you can buy 2100mAh Ni-MH (Eneloop) and a quick charger to last a day's worth of shooting.

[Sandy]

You cant get a DSLR than check out for some superzoom camera with better manual control feature. Have a look at Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 or Nikon COOLPIX P520