Steve_m wrote:
There are a lot of cameras within your budget. If you want to photograph grandchildren, make sure that your camera will shoot video clips. For your purpose I would not go for a "big guns" camera. I would start with something like Panasonic ZS 40, witch has a ton of features. If you will grow into National Geographic photographer, then you can look for some serious DSLR.
Steve M is correct...........If you are just starting off with grandkids and family there is no need for a DSLR.......learn with something like the Panasonic ZS 40 for a year and then decide what you need.