This is my first time purchasing a DSLR. I have a somewhat low budget. I have been browsing the canon line for a few weeks, researching. Today I decided on the Canon EOS Rebel T1i as my final choice. I had thought Canon was the best choice for me as far as entry-level DSLRs go, because I had read somewhere that Canons have the most beginner-friendly interface. I had also heard that additional Nikon lenses, flashes, etc. are more expensive and are not always universal to their body models. But I have seen many comparisons of Nikons vs. Canons, and realized that I should probably look into Nikons at least a little before making my purchase. What I really don’t want is to buy a camera and then become too frustrated or confused with its controls to use it to its full potential. This camera is going to be for casual use, nothing fancy. Just to take my pictures and have them look nice, maybe some creative photography, make good quality YouTube videos. So, to anyone with experience in the SLR market: Are Canons easier to use or figure out than Nikons? And to someone with a lower budget, would Canon be a better choice as far as further upgrade costs go? And if I were to look into Nikons, what would be some cameras equivalent to the T1i in the same price range? I am so new to this and would really appreciate the help!
I guess I could also consider throwing Sony into the mix… I hadn’t really looked into that one, but how does it compare with the other two as far as the points I already mentioned?

Canon EOS 1000D/Rebel XS
Canon EOS 1100 D/Rebel T3
Nikon D3100

I’m making the switch from point and shoot to DSLR. I’m not a professional photographer but I want to take quality photos, preferably with video capablitiy but I know the Canon Rebel XS does not have it.
Even so, I’d like to know which of the 3 would be the best all-around camera. I’m not familiar with the photography terms but by "best all-around" I mean that the camera can capture
- decent/good motion/action shots
– detailed landscape shots
– clear night/city shots
– portrait shots

If you have other camera suggestions that are similar to those that I listed, then feel free to list them. But the budget is around 0.

Thanks!

I am going into a entry level college photography class and I need to get a camera. I am a college student so budget is a main issue. Also, thoughts on getting a refurbished camera would be very appreciated. These are the cameras that I have been looking at:

Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode

Any information will be helpful, Thanks!

I am going into a entry level college photography class and I need to get a camera. I am a college student so budget is a main issue. Also, thoughts on getting a refurbished camera would be very appreciated. These are the cameras that I have been looking at:

Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode

Any information will be helpful, Thanks!

I want to get an entry level digital camera with an image stabilized lens (kit lens). I will upgrade to better lenses later when i am good at it and know exactly what I need. But not now.

I narrow it down to:
1. Nikon D60 10.2MP DSLR With 18-55mm Vibration Reduction Lens Kit
or
2. Canon EOS Rebel XS 10.1MP DSLR With 18-55mm IS Lens Kit

Both of the kit lenses have image stabilizers.

FIRST QUESTION: Which camera do you recommend?

I know kit lenses are lame. But can a kit lens with image stabilizer produce a decent shot? I played with my friends Canon XS with 18-55mm Lens, NO image stabilizer. Most shots came out blurry. It’s very frustrating. I don’t want to use a tripod, it’s not modeling shot or studio shot. It’s more for events or journalism. There is no time to set up tripod.

SECOND QUESTION: Can a kit lens with image stabilizer produce better results?