Recommend your CAMERA!

Baby_Bunny_Hopeful

I currently have a simple point and shoot and it's on its last leg.  I really want to upgrade to a nice DSLR for my birthday/Christmas present... budget would be under 500-600 bucks.

Any suggestions on a nice DSLR under that budget?  TIA!! 

Luvmy2sons

I know my friend shoots only Canon, but my entry level DSLR was a Nikon D3000. It's really basic and takes great shots. You can get one for with accessories/sale, etc for about $500-$600. I just upgraded to a D5100, but those run upwards of $900 (out the door w/ tax, etc.).

kaylie622

I would get one of the Canon Rebel models. Gorgeous photos and GREAT battery life.

peony1012

I think you need to go into a camera store and play around. Several of my coworkers have DSLRs ( I work at a tv station) and they let me borrow them. The hands on time, online research, budget and knowing my needs helped me make a decision. I have a Rebel t3i and I love it but the camera w/kit costs more than $600. 

myst33

I have a canon eos rebel t3. It's an entry level dslr. I have a kit lens and a 50 mm. I am happy with the pics I have taken. (see siggy and 365 link for pics i have taken with it)

emjacobs13

I love Cannon and Pentax, despise Nikon.  But cameras are similar to cars, you love some and hate others. My suggestion to you is go into a camera store that has many different options and hold them and see what feels best to you.  All the different brands have things that are slightly different, heavier body, light body, preview screen flips so that you don't get the flash of the preview, no instant preview, etc. Also the quality of your picture also depends on how much time you spend learning your camera and the quality of the lens that you are using.

If your going to shoot in auto with the cheap lens that is included you might as well buy another P&S camera. 

John+OurHomefromScratch

We have a Canon Eos Rebel T3i and we love it, but it may be just above your price range.  Check out the older T2i or the T3.  Both are solid models from our perspective.  I believe the T2i records movies in 1080p HD too, which is cool.  Good luck!

judy201

I have Canon S-95 and wouldn't exchange it for no money! Bought it for $395 and its a good comparison to all those expensive ones. Regarding Nikon the don't take good pictures when focusing on black colors, yo find some white dotting in it

carlab44

I have the Canon EOS Rebel T2i and LOVE it. DH got it for me for Christmas and bought it at Costco. It came with two kit lenses (18-55mm and 55-250mm). I recently bought a 50mm fixed lens and honestly could probably be happy with just that lens (although the kit lenses can be fun).

The whole package at Costco is almost $800, but you can buy just the camera body for under $600 (and under $500 from some places online) and the 50mm f/1.8 fixed lens for $115.