Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I just purchased a Nikon refurbished D3300 with a 90day Nikon warranty from Cameta Camera for $399 with the 18-55mm lens as a birthday gift to my daughter. It is a very impressive camera--especially for making the transition. You can use it as a P&S, then gradually try the PASM settings and learn them. While I've never had a Nikon refurb fail, because my daughter might have an accident, I did purchase the 3 year warranty for another $59. That total is well within your budget. For a few additional bucks, you could also get a longer zoom lens.

Cameta is a solid company and they have given me good service when I did get a bad Sony camera (Not refurb)

Impressionist

Welcome to the club. Truth is, it is difficult to get a bad camera. Also true many here are wedded to our systems. It is a wedding the more serious one gets. Go to a Best Buy and get a feel for different cameras. Get a few SD cards and make some images and check them out on laptop or tablet. Get a feel for the cheaper models and also the more expensive ones. Look at the lenses. The entry level will be fine for a long time. You will want to expand you system as time goes on. You are starting a system. Have Sony and Nikon myself. Like them both. If I had to pick one it would be the Sony. Am extremely glad I don't have to. Sony is going nowhere in the foreseeable future. Canon is also pretty secure. Again welcome.

Garydah

I would recommend checking out Amazon for a Canon Rebel T6i. Depending on what you're shooting - Look for body only - the 18-55 kit lens produces shots that look like a point and shoot, although it can be useful for landscapes. Get yourself the 50mm 1.8 lens and body only if you're shooting actual subjects - people, animals, flowers, etc.

I learned to operate a DSLR with a Canon T3 and the nifty fifty. It's not overwhelming if you want to learn. It's overwhelming if you don't.

MidnightManiac

Shorty50,

I am also a long time Canon user. To start I would suggest the Canon T5 or T5i. The kit comes with an 18-55mm lens, which is a fine lens to start with. The person and the lens behind the camera is what makes it work. I would spend less on the camera body and more on the lens. My absolute favorite walk around lens is my Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 lens. The lens will cost you more than the camera body but in my opinion the results are much better. I deal with Canon USA and Cameta Camera for my needs, both are great...Check out the refurbished section at Canonusa.com for savings. Good luck...

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

Welcome to the Hog. A entry level Nikon or Canon should meet your needs. Go some where you can pick it up and try it out for size. I Personally like and shoot Nikon.