What kind of DSLR camera should a beginner buy?

I want to invest my money in a DSLR camera but I don't know which one is good. I don't need a really fancy one that would cost me a fortune. Is there a good canon or Nikon that cost around $500? I just need it take take everyday pictures. I'm think of getting a canon rebel t4i but is there a cheaper alternative?

If you don't intend to record video with it, then the T2i does pretty much the same job as the T4i but at a far lower price. The T3i and T4i were mostly upgrades of the video capabilities.

Be aware that most of the price of DSLR photography comes from the lenses. E. G. My lenses are worth three times as much as my camera body. Buying a DSLR camera with its kit lens will be just the start of a series of pricy purchases - that's something to be aware of.

Also consider the Canon T3 (also known as 1100D, not to be confused with the T3i which is also known as 600D), Nikon D3100 or Nikon D3200.

I'd look at the Pentax K-30 and the Sony A37 (better video) too, but cameras don't really work well as investments.

Find a dealer and look at all of the cameras within your budget, then pick the one that feels best in your hands.

If you're only willing to look at Canon and Nikon, you aren't ready for a DSLR.

Here are three DSLR cameras that are in your price range:

Sony SLT A37k with 18-55mm zoom lens, $498.00 after a $100.00 'Instant Savings' that ends 3-2-2013.

Canon T3 with 18-55mm zoom lens, $479.99 after a $70.00 'Instant Savings' that ends 3-2-2013.

Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm zoom lens, $596.95 after a $100.00 'Instant Savings' that ends 3-2-2013.

Prices and 'Instant Savings' from B&H - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ovideo.com

Of those three, the Canon T3 has the fewest features. If video is important the Sony SLT A37 is the best choice. The Nikon D3200 requires the more expensive Nikon AF-S lenses for auto focus.

If I were buying today my choice would be the Sony SLT A37.

Regardless of which camera you choose, expect to spend a lot of time reading and studying the Owner's Manual. Taking a couple of photography classes will definitely help you.

Reviews:

Sony A37 - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-a37/sony-a37A.HTM

Canon T3 - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/T3/T3A.HTM

Nikon D3200 - http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/nikon-d3200/nikon-d3200A.HTM

Like contributor Andrew I'm a Pentax man. But why? Simply because I can see through the viewfinder better. The viewfinder is less "busy" in my opinion. I like one focusing frame that can be moved around the viewfinder I like the way the camera felt in my hands everything just naturally fit my hands. I purchased a Kx Pentax.(now discontinued). I would recommend buying the(K-30) camera with the 50-200mm len, in addition to the standard zoom, as these two lenses will cover most everything you could ever want. And by buying this camera in "kit" form you will probably save about $50.00. This I did not do, and regret it!
Nothing is cheap when it comes to a DSLR. I call a DSLR a "money Pit". A very enjoyable one at that. But consider every time you want a different perspective, you need another lens. You want close-ups, a marco lens will set you back $400 or $850 depending on which of the two Pentax offers. Pentax just came out with 35mm 2.4 lens, that is the "cat's meow" for available light, especially birthday parties and other available light events like this. If you can find a Pentax Kx used or left over stock that would be a perfect entry into DSLR. I purchased one when I re-entered the DSLR market place.

A Nikon D3100 are GREAT for beginners! A lot of people I know have them and its just as good as the D5100 just a different price, I love it.

I strongly recommend Canon seeing that these cameras are currently very highly rated and selling like sweet pie, You can check out some of the customer reviews on the website below on the top rated DSLR cameras. I baught myself a Nikon D5100 and believe me if I say, I don't even know how to use a camera on a mobile phone but you should see some of the photo's I took with this camera with some tips I picked up from youtube.

http://www.2013dslr.com