what beginner dslr camera would you suggest?

[amyellen]

I am looking to upgrade from my point and shoot, but I don't have too much to spend. I was hoping to spend $600 at the most.What cameras have you liked?

[katrinak]

So much of your choice is dependent on personal preference and feel. I'd suggest holding the cameras you are considering to see which feels best in your hands.

The Canon XTi is a great camera just a bit above your price range and the old Canon XS is a bit closer to your price range.

Are you considering the $600 for camera body only? Or are you hoping to buy a lens for that amount?

I'd also consider buying used or refurbished to get a little more camera for your money

Good luck with your selection! What fun!

****I'm a Canon user, but Nikon makes many great cameras too. I'd also take a look at Sony, they have some affordable new cameras that might fit your needs.

dpreview.com is a great source for comparing cameras, prices and features.

[amyellen]

I was really hoping to get the body and lens, I may have to save a little longer!

[esther_a]

I have the XS twin lens kit. It is very economical. The following things frustrate me a little about it:

• The lenses were not Image Stabilized.
• The images are very grainy at ISO1600 (I rectify that in a free version of noiseware)
• The zoom lens produces chromatic aberration at full zoom (that is where if you photograph a pole, for example, one side of the pole might have a purple edge and the other side will have a orange edge because the different colors are refracted differently as they pass through the lens)
• I can't take more than two photos in quick succession when saving as raw because it is too slow processing them.

BUT

For all its limitations it is SO MUCH better than my P&S. And you could easily spend 2 or 3 times as much money to overcome those issues I mentioned. I did spend an extra $500 to buy a better lens and that has made a big improvement - especially for low light and indoor photography.

People always recommend you spend as much as you can, but if you decide that an XS is all you can afford you will not have wasted your money!

Scott Bourne has a great photography blog and he recently posted an entry entitled "What Camera Should I Buy? UPDATED VERSION" - it's worth a read!

[sarahorton]

I started with the Canon Digital Rebel and it was a great camera to learn on.

[anxela]

I think Canon is better than Nikon on entry-level DSLRs. Because of the IS/VR issue with other than kit lenses. I'm sure a Nikon user can give you some info about that.

I started with a Canon 400D - which I think is the Digital Rebel XTi? I'm not sure what it's called in US. But it's a great camera, anyway.

[Jana Morton]

I have a Canon Rebel XTI and it has been a great camera for me. I started with the basic camera and after awhile I got a Tamron 28-300mm lense. I am looking at making a step up to the next level camera now after having this camera for three years but this camera has been wonderful for me.

[echogirl]

The other thing to consider is do you have lenses from film cameras?
These can be used on digital cameras. If you have Canon lens though they will only work on a Canon camera the same for Nikon though. But if you have them from an old film camera, it can help.

Definitely check out sites like dpreview.com for reviews of all the cameras.
Good luck and have fun shopping!