CHOLLY wrote:
Lee, don't forget Sony and Olympus or Pentax, which each offer high quality DSLR camera models within your price range that compete successfully with both the items mentioned above.
The Sony A65 is an EXCELLENT camera for the price; extremely powerful with very high image quality. Olympus has the OM-D E5, and Pentax has the very good K-5 mark II.
These cameras are as good as or BETTER than their canikon counterparts in may ways, and well worth a look.
The Pentax also has the advantage of weather resistance if that is of any concern.