SuKai Loc: California

I was wondering if there were any opinions on a "quality" but affordable DSLR camera (with AEB if possible) for someone who want's to move beyond a Point and Shoot. I like my little pocket camera it's fun and easy to carry around. But, it's not enough for what I want to do. I haven't had a good camera since I bought my first 35mm Pentax years ago and I would really like to take up this hobby again.

As I described in a different post, I see in pictures when I am driving around, sunsets are not just sunsets they are pictures, the way the sunlight hits the trees are pictures to me not just a pretty day. I have been wanting an upgrade for years but finances have kept me from indulging my wants. Now the kids are grown and gone so it's ME time now...

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

There are a lot of good cameras out there. Canon and Nikon being the most owned cameras. Prices for those range $1000 to $6000 and that doesn't include lens (forget kit lens).

Get what you can afford.

I won't recommend a single camera (others will), you must do the research hold them in your hands, look at the features, the capabilities, etc. Rent one that you might like to own and see how it works for you. Don't fall for "Joe owns XXXX camera and he likes it, I should get one too"

Good Luck

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

New DSLR camera models are released yearly, and many photographers upgrade. That means many used cameras, in good shape, are available to buy. Consider buying a used camera that is only a few years old.

Glass (lenses) will be your major expense. You can upgrade later to a better camera, and still use current lenses.

Cameras are like Coke vs Pepsi, PC vs Mac, donkey vs elephant. Each manufacture makes good cameras, and every photographer has an opinion. I suggest that you consider a camera body that matched lenses to which you may have access through family or friend.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

AEB is a nice feature to have, but don't buy a camera for that feature alone. Shop around and hold several different cameras. Find one that "feels" good to you, comfortable with easy to reach controls. Then look for a model in that brand that has the desired features, chances are you will find what is right for you pretty fast. Good luck.

clixpix Loc: Surprise, Arizona

I looked at the Canon SX40 HS and was impressed. Its optical zoom range is from 24-840 (35mm equivalent), also takes video, no need to change lenses and is only about $450. A really fine starter camera in my opinion.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Best. advice wAs to go to good cAmera store and hold and play with all brands - go to several stores if need to

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

OP requested recommendations for DSLR cameras. Canon lists the SX40 as a Compact camera:
http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

What kind of budget are we talking. There are a lot of cameras out there. What level do you want to reach?
Erv

bvargas Loc: Palm Harbor, Florida

I suggest CANON REBEL T3i with Kit Lens. Around $700 to $800. Great camera for the price. It is being used in my area by Professionals, believe or not. A professional was asked to photograph a group (60) people, unexpectedly at a Shrine affair. He was their as a guest and did not have any extra equipment. He took the photo, hand held, on program which gave him a 1/10 second exposure and came out sharp enough to get a 16x20 print and everyone was happy. Saved the day. And this was with a kit lens. This is a great camera to learn from and when you sell it to upgrade, you won't loose a lot of money.
Good luck. BVargas

Freeaviator Loc: Buffalo,NY

Good solid advise here....maybe consider what your P & S brand was....reason being if you're comfortable with its controls staying with same brand may translate to some basic functions being similar....at least in my case that was true...also remember when you go to a fine restaurant....have an exceptional meal....do you wonder what brand stove the chef used or go you ponder the talents of said chef?????

SuKai Loc: California

Thank you everybody... I think trying out, and holding several different cameras is a good idea. I am hoping to get something decent to start with for around 500-1000. I don't mind getting one with a "kit" lens because I can buy something better later. However, I do want the ability to change lenses, I miss that option.

Adirondack Hiker Loc: Southern Adirondacks

First off, there is nothing wrong with a kit lens. The optics of the Nikon 18-55 VR are rated A+ by several independent sources. Unless you are going to blow something up to over 20 inches, or shoot with a depth of field about the thickness of a hair, kit lenses are fine. (This will spark another war I know). That being said, look at factory rehabs from companies such as Adorama. These come with a warrenty, and will save you hundreds. In your price range, I would look at the Nikon D5100, has a built in HDR program, 16 mpix and live view. Lots of luck!

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Well I have stayed with Nikon because all of my old lenses still fit the newer bodies. I have 18 older lenses and 20 of the newer Af lenses. D300s is what I am using now. It was pricey but I wanted a camera that would last a few years and grow old with me. I would say just do a lot of reading and pick the best one you can afford, be it Canon or Nikon. I think these two are the best out there. The reason being the lenses that are out there for them. They both make great lenses. And buying good glass is the key! Some of my older lenses aren't that good and some of my newer AF's are fair. But as you can afford it save for better glass. The bodies are all fairly good. even the out dated ones are worth looking at.
But above all things while you look, go to a store and pick one up and get the feel of it. Look at the controls and see if it fits your hands. I look at all the Nikons and when I picked up the D300s I knew it was the one.
Erv

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Traveler, I have been contemplating my own experiences, as I purchased my D90 with a kit lens, despite advice not to do so.

Please indulge me, as I believe my point has merit. Just like this OP, when I decided to get back into photography after several years of using a P&S, I was not in tune with the market and what it had to offer. It was an educational experience just deciding which camera to buy. I didn't know enough about the offerings to even come close to making a decision on lenses. So, my D90 came with the 18-105 kit lens. You know what? It worked! It allowed me to take photos and learn, at a very reasonable price.

Now that I'm a bit more educated by way of experience, research, reading, experimentation and seminars, I think I have a much better understanding of what glass I want in my bag. I wouldn't have this understanding had it not been for that 18-105 lens that came with the camera and the subsequent experience. I now have what I consider to be some good glass in my bag (Nikkor 10-24, 50 f/1.4 and 17-55) with plans to add the 70-200 in the coming season. When I purchased the camera, I had no way to know that these would be the lenses that make me happy, but I was still able to take photos.

So, my advice to new photographers today is "Go ahead and get the kit lens!!"

Obviously, if that person is a seasoned photographer who has been on hiatus, then this response would be different.

This is not an attempt to hijack the thread. Instead, I feel it is a viable perception that may help the OP make a decision.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The 18-105mm Nikkor VR II is, in my opinion, probably the best kit lense ever bundled with ANY SLR camera, digital or film.