Im not really looking for a specific use camera, just a good, lower budget DSLR.
Id like to stay with Nikon as I have friends with Nikon lenses.

The D3200 is ~$500 with a 18-55mm lens refurbished which is right around what I'm looking to spend.
Is there anything this particular camera cannot do well, such as astrophotography?
I like the idea of astrophotography and wouldn't mind spending a BIT more money if it needed to be spent, but 500 is really pushing it as is.

astrophotography you need an adaptor from the telescope to the camera body - the telescope acts as your lens
unless you just wanna use the camera and lens on a tripod and shoot that way, but for that to work you need a good tele lens that will set you back thousands of $'s

the d3200 is a great starter DSLR tho

This post was edited by jayandnix on Apr 8 2013 05:08am

+1 bolded.

you not only will need a good telephoto lens which can go is like a minimum 1 grand.

you will also need a tripod and a remote switch AND YOU NEED TO TOGGLE AN OPTION SO THAT YOUR SHUTTER STAYS OPEN SO YOU DONT GET SHUTTER JITTER.

because this is going to be long exposure any movement in the camera will blur your photo.

another thing you will need to invest in is a rotating tripod stand that rotates at the speed of the earth or else you will get "star lines" in your photos. cool effect imo but if you are wanting the nebula effects you need a rotating base.

if you want to go that route it is far better using a telescope and adaptor, majority of them computerised plus you get far greater zoom