What's the best DSLR camera to get for a beginner?

Take a look at the Canon XT, XTi, XSi and the Nikon D40 .. they are all excellent entry level DSLRs .. you can get them with the kit lens for under 500-600 dollars. Later on, you can upgrade the lenses, and the body. When you buy a DSLR you are buying into a system of lenses, and other accessories. Both Canon and Nikon offer a wide array of lenses and other items for their cameras. Go to http://dpreview.com and compare the cameras side by side, see which features appeal to you. Then, go to a real camera store, not Best Buy or Wal Mart... hold the different cameras, try them with different lenses, and talk to the sales person. Buy the one which fits you best. If you find that a DSLR is out of your price range, think about getting an "Advanced" digital camera, the Panasonic DMC-FZ series of cameras is excellent as are the Canon and Fuji advanced digitals. These cameras will give you all the controls of a DSLR, and will allow you to learn about aperture, shutter speed and ISO. They come with a zoom lens which usually is the equivalent of a 28-400mm lens. You can add filters to this lens, and do many of the things you can do with a DSLR... (300-500 price range). Good luck and happy shooting.

I don't agree with getting a 'point and shoot' as they severely limit you. A DSLR can be used as a 'point and shoot' in program mode or it can be used as a creative tool. It can be attached to a telescope for photographing the heavens, or a microscope for photographing plankton and everything in between. Viewing through the lens and the ability to change lenses sets DSLR's head and shoulders above 'point and shoot'. 'Point and shoot' are for 'Snappers' DSLR's are for Photographers!! The cost of low end DSLR's is not a lot more than a good 'point and shoot' these days. The Pentax K100D is retailing from £323.00 at Amazon.co.uk complete with 18 - 55mm lens, and there are other good deals around. What I would suggest is get on a course, (may be your school may be able to help) and learn the basics, which aren't as hard as people make out. Because DSLR's are capable of more, there is more to learn, but you can always put it on auto everything til you get the skills required, in short you will 'grow' into your cameras capabilities. As a retired 60+ year old it still excites me, even now, what a DSLR can do. Go with your first instinct and good luck. Chris

If you want a DSLR camera, the best and perhaps the cheapest route is an Olympus E-500, with the exception of perhaps Panasonic, they are only company that offers dual lens kit or two lens which are actually helpful and pretty good. The price is cheaper than Canon and Nikon and there are no real difference in similar models like the Rebel or D40. I listed a website below that is offering it for a low $389. Trust me if you are really into photography, you will get bored of a point and shoot very easily. However, if you do go for a point and shoot, try the Canon G series, perhaps the G7. Buyer's beware: Lens are the most expensive investment you will make if you pursue photography, an Olympus lens cost an arm and a leg literally. They are expensive. When selecting a model, it is wise to read about the lens and offerings. I used the Olympus camera and you can check out a sample of my work from the link below. http://www.redbubble.com/people/noverton

There are long winded answers here. Here is a short answer. Either a Nikon D40 or a Canon 350D (if they are still avaliable) or maybe Canon 400D. Since your finances are limited, you might want to look on ebay or the likes for a second hand one.

Here's my advice... DSLR's are not cheap... if you want to get one then plan on spending a lot!!! If you don't have the money now and really want one then start saving! If you are serious and do plan on going pro then get a DSLR. We use the Canon Rebel XTi at the Art Institute. It is pretty nice camera and is reasonably priced... for a DSLR. An older version that is a little cheaper is the Canon Rebel XT... maybe you should look into that one. If you plan on just doing this as a hobby and don't want to get too technical then get a point and shoot. The Canon Powershot series make great point and shoots.

I agree, thta unless you intend on taking photography seriously, that a DSLR is not always the best option. There are plenty of advanced point and shoot cameras(Canon, Sony, Fuji) that have manual settings. I started out this way and used it to learn on. Later, if you decide that a DSLR is something you need, then I would start with an entry level model. Nikon D40/D40x/D60 Canon XT/XTi/XSi Pentax K100D Are all entry level DSLRs, but have great quality and good support.