Best Combo Under $600

[goodguy]

Then why upgrade to a Canon camera when you know you will get roughly the same picture quality ?

Again I think if you dont want to get the D5100 then keep the T2i and invest the money in good glass.
I personally would go with the D5100 but that's my personal opinion but everyone here will agree with me that better glass=better image quality, better low light performance.
So better get a new glass then a new body that will produce same picture results.

As I said in my OP, I no longer have the T2i, it stopped working in August, since then I have been without a DSLR. I am looking to replace it, and I figured if I'm replacing it, why not step up?

Sorry, silly me I missed that.
Then either get the T3i which should be the cheaper body so you are left with some cash to a nice used lens or get the 60D which is the best camera for the money and use the cheap kit lens.
Still personally I would go for the Nikon D5100!!

 

[starscream59]

Since both the 60D and the D5100 bodies are near the same price, can someone recommend me a lens better than the kit lens for around $200? How much would I lose/gain by going with a D90 over a 60D or D5100? Or if I can somehow find a D7000 body under 600...

 

[DarkShadow]

Nikon D7000 Factory Refurbished. Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera Body Refurbished by Nikon U s A 25468B 0018208254682 | eBay If you can scrap up another $116.99 you add a two year warranty through square Trade.

 

[starscream59]

Do you know how SquareTrade Warranties work? I've never used one before.

 

[DarkShadow]

No I don't but I think there is some members here that may know. Maybe some one will chime in on that.

 

[robbins.photo]

Since both the 60D and the D5100 bodies are near the same price, can someone recommend me a lens better than the kit lens for around $200? How much would I lose/gain by going with a D90 over a 60D or D5100? Or if I can somehow find a D7000 body under 600...

Well you can pick up a 50 mm 1.8 for roughly $200 refurbished with a warranty for the Nikon. Think I already provide a link previously. I don't own a D90 but from what I understand it's low light performance is on par with the 60D, the 60D has a little bit better boost ISO but the D90 has less noise at higher ISO. The 60d's advantages are a slightly faster shooting speed, a slightly better max shutter speed and it has weather sealing. Both the D90 and the D5100 produce better still images, the D5100 producing the best of the bunch.

 

[Braineack]

I'm offering a pretty good combo at ~$600...see my sig.

 

[starscream59]

I was intending to purchase the D7000 body, but I missed that listing..any others under 600 available?

 

[shakur1210]

60D would be a better choice IMO. It's a mid level entry. 5.3 FP, 1/8000 second shutter, weather sealing to command wheels for easy on the fly aperture and shutter speed adjustments, Top LCD display. Don't let that old sensor BS full you @ 18 mega pixels paired with high end glass you get fantastic IQ.