First DSLR Camera?

[tomhooper]

I personally have two Canon Rebel XT's. I like them fine. You said you were used to using a Nikon but Canon would do you just as well. You need to decide what you want. You can get a refurbished Canon Rebel XSi for less than $500.00. I know, I have one. Depending on your shooting style and interests, there are a lot of lenses out there for both Canon and Nikon. There really is not a single best camera and lens for all situations. If you just want to do snapshots, get a point and shoot. There are some very good ones that may be just the ticket for you. You might also want to look and Pentax, Olympus, and Sony. While I am not familiar with any of the three, I do know they all have their good points. Good luck in your search.

 

[ANDS!]

The invidiual camera doesn't matter as much as what you get in the camera. Nikon has about three tiers that are within your price range I'm guessing: Beginner/Intermediate/Upper-Intermediate. For the most robust shooting experience without gimping yourself on features down the road, I would look into the Intermediate side of things and that would be an older D70/D80 (which can be had used for the cost of a new D40/D60), or a D90.

As for size, I really wouldn't be overly concerned about that. I mean size is important, but you will get used to the weight (if it can be called that) - don't let that factor into your LONG TERM goals with your camera.

 

[czsmola]

get a used D80... if you have been used to shooting with the D90... dropping to a D40.. you would be kicking yourself... I bought a D80 and after shooting with that for a little while I was using my friends D40 and it just felt like crap in my hand didn't have the controls, that I would have liked... but If i could afford it I wish i could have bought a D300 and if I could really afford it a D700 or D3... but that is just out of the question... Unless I come into a lot of money...

Good luck... with your purchase... Just remember you are really limited with the Lenses you can use if you get anything lower then a D80..