beginner camera advice

[djacobox372]

The lens choice is simple: 50mm f1.8 af-d

To keep it at $500 or under the best I could suggest would be a used Nikon D80 with a 50mm f1.8 af-d lens. A fair price on ebay would be around $450, $500 max!

Unfortunately there isn't a new camera body out there that will keep you under your budget with this lens. The cheaper bodies need the AF-S version of the lens which is a lot more expensive ($100 to $300 more depending if you opt for 35 or 50mm), and the "new" AF compatible bodies start at $700 for a refurb d90.

Like someone else suggested, have your wife check out the different brands in a camera store (nikon, canon, and sony). This will narrow down your selection.

 

[djacobox372]

stay away from the D3000 with it's CCD sensor. The D3100 has an apc sized sensor and 14mp. The D5000 also has a 12.3mp apc sensor. The Canon t1 or T2 are great cameras. Either of these four can get you going in a huge way. Just make sure which ever system you go with they have lens that interest you. Both systems are loaded with awesome goodies.

If his budget is <$500 then he's not going to find a non-ccd (cmos) sensor camera system in his price range.

CCD cameras are not bad at all, especially when shooting in normal lighting situations (product lighting). CMOS sensors are better at low light photography, but in normal lighting conditions the differences are negligible.