calling all enablers: need camera suggestions

[Fortytwo]

First of all: there are no bad DSLR's on the market. Whatever you pick is going to be a really decent camera. Brand doesn't matter. Really, I'll give a six-pack of premium beer to anyone who can tell by looking at a picture which brand of camera took it. There is no diffence in image quality. The lens you pick with it is so much more important to the image quality...

Given your budget I'd go and try one of these:
Canon 1000D (don't know what's it called over there, the small one).
Nikon D3000
Sony A330 / A230
Pentax K-x / K-m

Just try and feel them all. See which one feels right for you. It's all just a matter of personal taste, there is no wrong choise here. Which body has the best grip for you, which menu makes you feel at home. There are small technical difference (like, Sony has the best live view to my opinion), but in the end nobody can tell what you've bought by looking at prints. So make sure you like the camera, and everything will be fine.

But remember, every euro/dollar you spend on the body can't be spend on a lens. And the lens makes the image, it's much more important than the body. You could buy a kit with an 18-50mm lens. That's a piece of ****, to be honest. It's all plastic and the image quality is just bad. You're much better of buying a body only and picking a decent standard lens. And don't be fooled by badges. The lens doesn't need to be from the same brand as the body. Third party lensen can be really great for a fraction of the price you'd pay for a Canon/Nikon/Sony/Pentax. High quality standard lenses for nice prices are:
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
Tokina 16-50mm f2.8
Combine one of these with any of the bodies mentioned above and you're en route to really nice pictures!

[tirediron]

Some great advice, especially from 42. One thing no one has mentioned yet is used gear. I'm a huge fan of used gear. Not always so much bodies, though if you can find one lightly used by someone who is upgrading, grab it, but lenses, most definitely! I wouldn't be shooting with a bag full of gold-ring 2.8 zooms and fast primes if I had to buy it all at Nikon's regular retail prices!

[Fortytwo]

So true. You can pick up wonderfull used lenses at bargain price sometimes. But you really have to know what to look for. Not every lens will fit your body (edit: camerabody that is. LOL). Even if they're the same brand. For instants, Canon switched mounts a while back. All the EF lenses will fit, but older ones don't. Also all M42 lensen will need an adapter to fit. But that's all information you can google. Or ask at the forums...

[kat]

My warning is to make sure the body is capable of doing what you want. I have the Nikon D40x and as it was a wonderful choice when I first started I've outgrown it in the way that it can't do what I need it to do.

For example..it doesn't have auto bracketing.

So make sure you get the can's and can't do's.

[hodaka]

My warning is to make sure the body is capable of doing what you want. I have the Nikon D40x and as it was a wonderful choice when I first started I've outgrown it in the way that it can't do what I need it to do.

For example..it doesn't have auto bracketing.

So make sure you get the can's and can't do's.

Looks like Kat and I are on the same page here

[Bambi]

thanks guys, these are all great suggestions so far!! I know that the final decision is mine but you guys are definitely helping point me in the right direction!

[Mad Aussie]

Looking through all that I don't really need to add anything. Most stuff is covered nicely.

I will confirm that all the top brands have good products so I agree that choosing by brand isn't the right way to go.

Being comfortable with the camera is important especially for women because of they tend to have smaller hands. I love my Canon 40D but some women find it a bit large to hold. And my daughter often out shoots me with my old 400D (Canon XT or similar) setup so it's not all about the camera.

You are liking HDR so auto bracketing of 3 frames is a must for you.

I'd say go narrow down your choices after visiting and holding a few cameras that fit your needs and then maybe ask again which we consider the better choice.

[JAS_Photo]

Go to a camera store and ask them to show you the cameras. Most camera stores are happy to let you hold them, try them. Most camera store employees love cameras, gadgets and photography so are quite willing to explain everything to you. Here in Calgary we have the Camera Store, that although very busy has a lot of staff and they get someone to you or at least acknowledge you immediately. They will spend the time needed for you to be comfortable with the item as well.

Depending on the store, London Drugs can be quite helpful as well. My London Drugs knows me very well. I bought my D300 from them. I also bought my Canon Pro 9500 printer from them as a floor model for a little more than half price. They had the best prices of anyone including on the net at the time. I visited the D300 a few times before purchase. Finally I told the salesman it was calling my name. He said no it's not. It's screaming your name. Lol.

Good shopping!

[scorpio_e]

It is a loaded question *L* So many options out there !!!
You want to get a camera that you are comfortable holding and has the options that you need. Used is certainly a way to go. I bought two used lenses and never had any issues with them. I actually had problems with the new one *LOL*
If you go Canon then the Xsi and Ti would be worth a look. The used Canon 40D are going REALLY cheap now !!!!

[Greg_Nuspel]

One thing I love about my Nikon is the ability to use old lenses, I picked up a 55mm macro for $80.00 in mint condition. I'd love to find a 20mm for a good price.