gdgt

To toss more blocks of text at the question, here is my opinion:
-First off Nikon, Canon, or Sony would be my recommended brands. They are kind of the main players will the most available as far as resources, lenses and used market.
-Next I would not recommend the Canon 1000D. Its old. Forget it. (note this is different than the 1100D)
-Next I typically don't highly recommend low level Nikon DSLRs because they lack a built in auto-focus motor that limits your lens selection. Why get a camera that you want to grow into if you can't also grow into its full range of lens options? (That is the 3100 and 5100 cameras)
-I DO highly recommend getting a used camera from a reputable store (BHPhoto Video, Adorama, Keh) You can get a better body for less this way. They are extremely accurate with their rankings and unless you set your heart on something they don't have...no reason not to save a few bucks that way.

Now with that basis heres my advice. Go to some camera or electronics store and HOLD THE CAMERAS. A big aspect that is often overlooked in camera buying advice is the feel of them. My buddies couldn't stand my Canon and I couldn't stand their Nikon. Despite any other differences the natural feeling of the Canon in my hand is why I had bought one! If it feels awkward to use your interest in using it won't be as high.

There really aren't many poor choices you can make if you pick one of these main 3 brands. Canon low level cameras (T3/T1i/T2i/T3i) are all great, Nikon low levels are great (3100/5100 but can limit you on lenses) and their mid level (7000/D90) are amazing (especially if you grab a used D90), Sony's are pretty good and their new SLTs are a new tech that is really promising and the best option for video.

So yes, there is your advice without telling you get X or Y. I firmly stand by my "Hold them in your hand and get a feel for their use" as the best option. If anything that speaks to how ridiculously good all these cameras are. Good luck!

I would go with either the Canon Rebel T2i or the Nikon 5100. They are both very respectable cameras and will allow you to learn dSLRing rather quickly. I started with a Nikon D60 and have recently moved up to a Canon EOS 60D.

I would personally stay away from Sony simply because they have a couple of proprietary technologies that set them apart from Nikon, Canon... the major photography bands.

One of the easiest things to do is get a dSLR and only use Auto mode, but if you apply yourself, read the manual, find videos, learn how to use the manual/program modes you can get amazing shots with almost any camera - even a point and shoot.

That’s a though questions to answer and I don’t really know if there is one DSLR that is best for beginners. I just bought my 1st DSLR type camera and it was the Sony SLT-A55 and this was a hard choice. My biggest fear getting this camera is lenses and the fact that it’s a fairly new tech for Sony. It teaks good video, and has lots of features including built in GPS and a max of 10 FPS burst and stich panorama.

I also looked at the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon 5100. Both are really nice cameras. I was leaning more to the 5100 because of the larger sensor and the 4FPS over the 3100. I also like the large library of lenses that are available in the Nikon lines. I have found some local shops that rent lenses for the Nikon and the Cannons but non-that rent for the Sony.

The one thing I have learned about DSLRs is they really become a personal choice and something you are going to have for a while. Since I got my a55 I have come across a couple websites that rent the cameras. I would suggest renting the cameras you are considering for a week or a weekend and really try them out to see if the really offer what you want and fit your needs.

I am an early adopter and love playing with tech with new bells and whistles, which I admit, did lean more toward the Sony since it does offer more features than the Cannon or the Nikons do.

I really love the Nikon D90, although it's a midrange model. The thing I don't like about the 3100 & 5100 is the lack of a built-in auto-focus motor. That means one of my favorite lenses, the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 won't do auto-focus on it. On the other hand, Nikon released a new 50mm f/1.8 AF-S lens, which has a built-in autofocus motor.

With a budget of $900 keep in mind you'll likely need a second longer lens (55-200/300), likely a prime lens (f1.8 35mm or 50mm), three UV filters, a polarizing filter, a bag and maybe a tripod and flash. All of the current crop of cameras, even entry level, have sensors and processing chips that exceed what was available from top of the line cameras just a few years ago.
My recommendation would be the Canon T2i (kit) or the Nikon D3100 kit or Nikon Refurbished from Adorama ($510). Both capture images as good as any of the more expensive models. What you get for more money is typically more size & weight, better build, faster shooting (6-8 fps vs 3-4 fps), dual SD cards, stereo mic jacks and features the advanced photographer or pro may demand but NOT the beginner.
Personally I think the Nikon D3100 provides the best bang for the buck because it offers image quality as good as anything available and its (cheap) plastic body makes it small and light as well as the lowest cost DSLR around. For around $1000 you can have the camera, 3 lenses, bag, filters and tripod.
Sony, Pentax and Olympus make fine cameras but the advanced beginner may need assistance from photography clubs, books or friends and the majority of cameras these resources own will be Canon an Nikon.
Tom
San Clemente, CA

No matter what you get, remember that the lens is very important also. Never cheap out on lenses, since you will carry them to future camera bodies with you. That being said, the Nikon D7000 is fantastic in every way, but good luck getting your hands on one.
www.nikonusa.com­/Nikon­-Products­/Product­/Digital­-SL...

Eattheirdead hit the nail on the head. I personally recommend the Canon Rebel T2i. The quality and performance to price ratio is outstanding.

I purchase the sony Alpha 580, as my first dslr, for all the reasons your just mentioned. And I am LOVING IT. Just incidentally, if you go with anything other than canon or Nikon (especially pentax, or sony) finding good lenses locally may be a living hell.

Still the 7fps and insanely high ISo, of the sony alpha dslr-a580 have makes using my camera a real joy.

That's just my experience. But what I did was went down to the local camera shop and tried out all the cameras they had, including the pentax k-r which was a very nice camera. Nothing really felt right for me and I ended up buying the Sony sight unseen from Camestra Camera Via amazon. The camera turned out great but I would not recommend that seller.