Need help choosing first DSLR

[starscream59]

Hi everybody,
I am looking for an entry-level DSLR to get me started. Looking for some advice as I am unsure where to start. I have been looking at both Canon and Nikon, but I am more slightly more familiar with Canon. I have been checking Canon Refurbs, but they are always out of stock.

So far I have been looking at:

Canon T3 (w/ EF-S 18-55mm IS II)
Canon T1i (w/ EF-S 18-55mm IS)
Nikon D3100 (w/ 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR)
(looking for any other suggestions)

My budget is about $400 max (obviously willing to buy used, if it's good quality).

Any help would be greatly appreciated, please let me know if there is anything else.

Thanks.

 

[MLeeK]

If you go Nikon go to the D5100. The T3 has a few things over the T1i if you go Canon. You are RIGHT at the edge there with getting up into a T2i
Here's a T2i if you can push 450 Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D 18.0 MP Digital SLR Camera ( Kit w/ EF-S IS ) 013803123784 | eBay
Lots of T2i body only for under budget.

 

[dalex100]

If you go Nikon go to the D5100. The T3 has a few things over the T1i if you go Canon. You are RIGHT at the edge there with getting up into a T2i
Here's a T2i if you can push 450 Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D 18.0 MP Digital SLR Camera ( Kit w/ EF-S IS ) 013803123784 | eBay
Lots of T2i body only for under budget.

That's a great deal!

 

[starscream59]

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wc...tegorySort_10051_10051_-1_29252_lowPrice_list

I keep checking this to see when they come back in stock, because I am already stretching my budget...400 is about my absolute max right now, but I will continue buying lenses as time progresses. Should I truly consider the T3 as the best choice, as I can't really afford the 5100 or the T2i, at the moment?

 

[starscream59]

Just scored a T2i from Canon direct for $358+tax!

 

[jayla]

Check out canon buy direct. I just purchased my canon 60d refurbishes with 18-135mm lens ans 70-300 mm lens with 270ex speedlite $1100 out the door including tax ans free shipping.

They have canon rebel t3i with lens i saw going for $380 refurbished.