What is the best DSLR camera without having to spend a fortune?

I would consider Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera * New 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor * Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution; HDMI output * 3.0-inch Clear View LCD; Live View Function for stills and video * Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory cards

There are many options unfortunatly you havent given an exact budget. I am studying photography for 2 years and decided to buy a dslr 2 weeks ago your options are pretty simular to mine im guessing. These are entry level cameras i would recomend looking into they are all around £400-£500 if you go cheaper u may find you want to upgrade any more expensive you will get bumped up to £1000 cameras before you know it. Nikon 3100 - this is a new model which comes with a very good lens http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D3100-18-55vr-Kit/dp/B00403MA4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294740340&sr=8-1 canon 500D (I went for this one)- better body than the nikon has better specs and is quite professional. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digital-Camera-incl-18-55/dp/B0020MLKF0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1294740498&sr=1-1 for what your after the best thing is to go somewhere like jessops or your local camera shop and ask for some advice about what your using it for etc you may well need a specific telezoom or very wide angle lens for photographing your buildings and so one after that amazon will usually have the best price but shop around and try your luck at bragging a free bag and stuff hope this helped. other options G2 lumix canon 1000D canon 550D nikon D5000

it would be best if you gave us an actual monetary budget to work with, but as others said: Nikons D3000 ($500), D5000 ($620), D3100 ($700) canons rebel Xs ($500), T1i ($650), and T2i ($900ish) I suggest you go to a store and see what you like. all the models I listed are excellent and will do what you want them to do. The D3000 and Xs are the only ones that do not have video capabilities, if that matters to you.

Pentax Kx.

1. A DSLR is still a digital camera - I presume you meant you've been using compact cameras? 2. A pro camera is one used to earn money in a chosen profression - I presume by 'pro' you mean high-end or DSLR? As for camera choice I would have recommended the Pentax K-x or K-r as they're amazing value. I'm thinking though as you are studying architecture a tilt/shift lens is well worth investing on. Because of this I'd look at Canon or Nikon for tilt/shift lens availability. Starting from lowest priced then you've got:- Nikon D3000 D3100 D5000 D90 D7000 Canon 1000D 450D 500D 550D 60D