Which camera to buy? - 1

I finally have enough cash to buy a camera and I'm utterly lost.
My first question:
What level of camera should I buy: entry, intermediate, or pro?
I know I want full manual, I want to be able to make my own presets (Canon) but I want a odd-bladed diaphragm (Nikkor).
FF or DOF?
Also, I'm hearing various things about Nikon-Canon lens compatibility. Some say that you can interchange and mix/match without any issues. However, I've also heard that there are issues with the mount so you have to use an adaptor thus messing up focus and focal length. Which is it? Because I would love a Canon body with a nikkor lens but only if it works well.

I have photography experience: I took a class last year and learned the specs and I've been told that I have a "good perspective", but I don't know if I could handle a pro camera, but I also don't want to be held back by an amateur camera especially when I advance to higher levels.

SO, main questions:
Entry level, intermediate, or pro?
Lenses: ef or ef-s and can nikkor be mounted onto canon with ease?
OH: and should I buy used or new? Used would mean I could buy an intermediate or pro, new would mean I could get a warranty on an entry level. Is it worth it to buy new? I don't really have a problem with losing/breaking things.

It depends on what kind of use you need it for. If you are looking for a mid-range, affordable camera I'd look into a mid-range Canon or Nikon DSLR, whatever suits your needs. I've used a Canon 550d and tried to use a Nikkor lens but It didn't work. They only use EF lenses mounts. There are plenty of Nikon cameras around the same price you can look into. Other than that it has great quality, about 600 bucks brand new on Ebay, and has 18 megapixels. I'd say only buy used if it is a really good deal and has a warranty. By now, the Canon t3i would probably be a better deal because it has a flip out LCD screen.

Canon

Well, … Here goes, but this may not be helpful to you. Anyway, I suppose it could be said that if you have to ask if you need a "pro" camera, then you most likely do not. However, I will also say that if you Really are serious about learning, will read and study the owners manual again and again, and study and learn all you can from other sources, there's no reason not to invest in a really good body from the very beginning. So I'm going to base my recommendations on that thinking.

It is totally understandable that you feel lost. In my opinion, the makers have flooded the market with just too many cameras. I think Canon and Nikon each have something like 20 DSLR cameras in their line up. To me that is absurd. But based on my above statements I will say that one of the absolute best "bang for the buck" cameras sold now is the Canon 5D Mk II. Not the Mark III. The Mark II is full frame with astounding image quality and practically noise free up to some bizarre high ISO numbers. It is simply a great camera, and yes, I have one so I'm biased, however, I have had other DSLR cameras and they do not even compare to the 5D MkII. It is a fine enough camera that Canon has not discontinued it with the introduction of the MkIII. (I personally do not see the MkIII as being worth the extra cost, and obviously neither do lots of other people).

As for lenses, forget the Nikon lenses with an adaptor. Not knocking the Nikon lenses, but they certainly have nothing over the best Canon lenses, and you do not have to screw up other aspects of the camera because of the adaptor.

I prefer prime lenses, but you can buy only two Canon lenses and really never have to buy any others unless you have very special needs. Those two lenses are the 24 - 70 2.8L and the 70 - 200 2.8L IS. With the full frame sensor, these lenses cover 99% of any shooting you would want to do, and they do it VERY well.

Buying used is always an iffy situation. There's no doubt you can find all these items used, but you will find the cost is not THAT much lower than new. That in itself shows the very high quality and competence of these items. They hold their value, so I suggest going new if you can afford it.

So, you are looking at probably close to $5000 for the body and lenses, but you will sure have something that you are not going to outgrow any time in the near or distant future.