aellman Loc: Boston MA

I come from a situation of very limited funds, so I tend to go for the least expensive option that will meet my needs. I still maintain than an "entry level" will last a beginner for a long time before s/he feels the lack of capability. Of course, it's an individual thing. If you have money to burn, go for the full frame with multiple lenses. I have a Sony a230 and an a350 with kit lenses and one prime. I am an advanced photographer, and I have yet to find the need for anything more sophisticated. To each his own. >Alan

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

The low pass filter, which is there to prevent a condition known as moire, does indeed introduce a very mild amount of blur but the Canon cameras do not produce blurry images. If that were the case, no one would buy Canon DSLR'S, and believe me, Canon sells quite a few of them. The images from my 80D are just as sharp as the images from my D7200. The only was you would notice a real difference is if you went pixel peeping or enlarged the images to the size of large double doors.

Grace98 Loc: Waterlooville, Hampshire - United Kingdom

I would recommend you go for the Nikon D3300...they've gone down in price and identical to the 3400 apart from you can't upload photos to social media straight from the camera. I have this model and love it. I'm still trying to get my head around all the different functions etc. If you're a total newbie I don't recommend you get a higher end camera because many of the extra functions are more geared up for experienced photographers of which there are many on this site...good luck...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

From Nikon's site -
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/dslr-cameras/index.page

Comparison sites -
Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

You might consider looking at mirrorless rather than the older DSLR technology. It is the future of Photography which replaces glass and a mirror flopping around with solid state electronics. Smaller and lighter weight and fewer mechanical parts to malfunction or wear out.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

every week best buy and other retailers offer two lens camera kits in the $400-600 dollar range. if your budget allows that might be the way to go.

murraypastko

Remember, you aren't buying a camera as much as you are buying a system. Some systems are limited in the variety of lenses and accessories.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I would suggest that you visit a local or nearby camera store. Online and big box stores offer some savings, but they rarely give you the ability to fully explore demos. And while you may be lucky enough to encounter a knowledgeable sales person, you can't count on it. Years ago, my wife selected a Nikon D40x. She still takes excellent photographs with it, and she loves it, because it is compact and easy to handle. If I had bought that as my first camera, I likely would have left the hobby in frustration, because for me, it is too compact and not easy to handle at all.

An earlier poster mentioned that he uses Canon because of superior ergonomics. When I moved to digital photography, I went to my local shop specifically to buy a Canon 20D. I left with a Nikon D200 primarily because of what I felt were ergonomic problems with the Canon when I used it. There was nothing at all wrong with the Canon. It just wouldn't work for me.

There was a time when there were significant differences between camera makes because of different sensor technologies or design philosophies. As has already been stated, this is much less true today. And where there are differences, it is pretty easy to adjust them out, even on entry level models.

It is good that you are seeking advice here. But now go and look in person. You are not likely to go too far wrong. As you get into the discipline and learn more, you can make adjustments along the way, if necessary.

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Check this out - it seems pretty accurate.
http://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-entry-level-dslr-cameras

Elsiss Loc: Bayside, NY, Boynton Beach, Fl.

Poster wants to start from the ground up. Therefore, if I were in his shoes, I would wait for a Nikon refurb sale for the d3300 or 3400. The key here is "entry level-ground -up."

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Get a pocket camera with non-interchangeable zoom, preferably used or refurbished, with all the modes plus Manual. Then learn how to use all of them or at least practice to see what they do. Digital film, as they say, is cheap. Get experience then trade up if needed. Your camera is an extension of your computer so get to know how they work together and the attendant software. Do you want to just view your photos,or print them too? Printing is another technical world in itself.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

I absolutely agree. The two lens kit is about $540 at B&H and Amazon. No need to spend more. >Alan

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Are you a member of Sams Club or Costco? If so, check out their selection of DSLR's. They carry Nikon and Canon cameras with lenses that are a great way to get started in photography. If you have any family or friends with either of those brands of camera, you'd be wise to consider purchasing the same brand as they have so that they can mentor you. If you don't have any friends or family that you'd trust or like well enough to mentor you, then watch some youtube videos on those brands and models carried by them. They may also carry Sony mirror-less cameras as well so check them out too.

RCJets Loc: Virginia

I have a nice Nikon D5000. This was factory remanufactured and has been flawless. Included are two lens, extra battery, a polaroid filter (both lenses use the same size filter) , remote shutter release, extra memory cards, and a case, although it is somewhat cramped. This was my first "real DSLR" which I bought several years ago. I recently had a chance to get a D7100 from a guy in my photo club at what I thought was a good price, so I no longer need this set. I'll let it go for $400.00 with free shipping. Let me know if you are interested and need more details.

Joe

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

There are 2 major makers of DSLRs that offer a huge selection of lenses, Canon and Nikon. It is important to chose between them carefully at the start, since you quickly accumulate brand specific accessories (lenses, strobe) making it harder to change. The best way is to go to a store that has both on display. Hold them. Which feels better? Look at the menus. Which is easier to understand? Preferences are a personal decision.

First, I recommend reconditioned. Purchase from a reliable company (the manufacturer, one of the ABCs or KEH). Beware of stores that don't make it obvious that offer grey market items. If the price of a new camera is too good to be true, it isn't.

I can speak about Canon, so I would recommend an almost current model in the Rebel series such as the T6i. Models without the "i" at the end are bare bones entry level and lack some features. I recommend (though it costs more than the 18-55mm) either of the 2 later versions of the 18-135 mm zoom.