Stopped into Tall's Camera in Bellevue, WA today--really liked the Nikon D5500. $799 with an 18-55mm lens; they also had an 18-250mm lens for about $100 off. Very tempting, felt good in my hands, and I like the touchscreen overlay. Really thinking I might want to go with it. Hope I can find a good sale once it's time to buy.

I just wanted to say "thank you" for all of the very helpful advice, both on the forum and through private messages. I can certainly tell that (well, almost) all of you are fine, helpful, mature-minded people, and appreciate your input.

Nasty little trolls can turn up anywhere....like lice. One bad apple needn't spoil the bunch. Thanks again, everyone!

I am out of here. Really didn't expect to encounter such rude, insulting, obnoxious behavior on my first post.

Thanks! Would like to stay under $1000 if possible. The 70D looks a bit overbudget.

Greetings,
Planning on buying my first DSLR camera, mostly for travel and outdoor shots while hiking. Any suggestions? I am purely an amateur, and not very good at that. I am rather partial to Canons, have a PowerShot SX230 HS currently, but am open to any opinions. I have been looking at the Canon EOS Rebel T5i and the Nikon D5500 (which has WiFi, which is a plus). Thanks in advance! Would like to stay under $1000 if possible.