What is a good beginner digital SLR camera?
The T1i looks to be an excellent camera. If you want a solid SLR with video this is the way to go. If you don't need video I agree with cyreynolds, let the price of the XSi come down some more or go for the XS. And if you don't mind sacrificing some of the latest tech (dust removal and live view are two that come to mind) the Nikon D40x and Nikon D60 are still excellent choices and can be had for very cheap, leaving you with money for lenses. Which, most folks agree, are the most important part of your gear when shooting with a DSLR.
12 Answers
The T1i looks to be an excellent camera. If you want a solid SLR with video this is the way to go. If you don't need video I agree with cyreynolds, let the price of the XSi come down some more or go for the XS. And if you don't mind sacrificing some of the latest tech (dust removal and live view are two that come to mind) the Nikon D40x and Nikon D60 are still excellent choices and can be had for very cheap, leaving you with money for lenses. Which, most folks agree, are the most important part of your gear when shooting with a DSLR.
I have a D90 and can tell you it is a fine camera. I'm an old Nikon film guy so this was a big change.
I bought the Canon Xti about a year ago and so far its been an awesome camera.
As cyreynolds said Canon is about to release the T1i which is going to be an very good camera with HD movie mode!
I would wait for the new canon to come out and buy either the T1i or the Xsi which is going to be cheaper when the new model comes out. By the way...I'm a Canon guy!
Another thing is "it's not the camera that will make a good photographer"
As the others have said, I'd stick to the beginner/entry level DSLRs. Such as the Canon XSi or Nikon D40. With newer models coming soon, the prices of these cameras should lower.
all the camera suggestions are good, but I found that the real best advice was a class/seminar/photo safari was the best part about getting the cool camera. If your using auto everything your missing the point of these. the art and science is the best part.
Enjoy
It depends on how much you're willing to spend but I think the best value is Olympus. While Nikon and Canon are generally considered to be the "best" when it comes to image quality really there is little difference under ISO 400. The great thing about Olympus DSLRs is that they have in-camera image stabilization. Olympus also makes some fantastic lenses for when you're looking into spending more money.
The megapixel war, just like the megahertz war, is a lot of marketing. Unless you're looking to make large prints, you won't need anything more than 10/12.3 megapixels.
Olympus offers probably the best kit lenses, which is important if you're not looking to spend money on lenses at the moment.
The Canon Xs or XSi are two very good options. Nikon has a very good one in the D90 too. Also, Canon and Nikon are coming out with two new models about the same cost/features. Canon T1i & Nikon D5000.
Personally I am waiting for the T1i to come out and drive the price of the XSi down.