New to this.. Help?

[jenniballecter]

I am asking for a camera for christmas.
i want to be able to take pics that are clear, sharp, crisp, and clean.

i also want to be able to play with effects, like blur the background and focus the subject, or focus a subject & the background be in motion, and other types of things.

i already have the creative eye for angles and things like that, i just need the right camera. i also want something i won't have to add onto too much with accessories or extra parts. pretty much everything i need is in 1 box and included.

i want it digital, with the view screen and ability to upload through a usb, etc.

you guys know what i mean.

all suggestions welcome. i was thinking a canon or nikon

my price range is around $500, which from my research isn't much, but i figure i can find something good enough.

****if someone could narrow it down to the top 2 or 3 choices i could make, that would be WONDERFUL, as i am completely indecisive about this issue, and need someone with knowledge to choose for me based on my needs/wants.

thanks everyone,
jennifer

 

[DRoberts]

Wow! You want someone to take the pictures for you too? J/K
You might start with a used Rebel XT with a kit lens or something. Good starter kit, that allows you to do enough to get the basics down.

 

[goodoneian]

as stated, the rebel xt would be in your price range, as would the nikon d40. i don't know too much about the xt, but i know the d40 is a good camera to start off on.

 

[chrisburke]

wow theres like 3000 threads on here about a good beginner camera... check them out...

 

[jenniballecter]

thanks everyone.