Canon, Sony, Kodak, or Nikon?

I'm getting a professional camera, like this one: http://shop.usa.canon.com/..._275680_-1
Because I really want to start photography. I've read up alot of stuff, and I do hear Canon being the best, but also good stuff about Nikons. I don't want a camera cause of stupid hipster ***, I seriously want one for no***, great pictures, beautiful quality, that type. Not to take a *** picture of my shoes.So, anywho, which one is the best? And I have 'til my birthday to decide, but it can't, Can't, be over like $650-$700. I want a durable one too. That'll take great pictures even if it's 4 years old. Anyway. Thank you. My bday is May 15th, so that's 4 months.

Added (1). Okay, maybe not Professional, but high-tec.

Nikon or Canon.

Whichever suits you best, when you try at the store.
Don't listen to baloney by salespeople.

The Nikon D3100 or Canon Rebel T3

you have plenty of time to get some books such as "understanding exposure" and read so you get a grasp of photography and a general understanding of what to do in certain situations

First know that the Canon t3i, while an excellent camera, is not at the professional level. For that you'll need about $4, 000.

I'm a Canon owner and that's all I recommend.

Yes, maybe, no, yes…
Sony & Kodak don't make professional level cameras.
A professional level camera will cost you at least $2, 500 just for the body.
In your price range you'll be limited to the Nikon D3100, or Canon Rebel.
A $130 point & shoot can take great photos if you know what you're doing.

The choice mainly depends on which one suits you best. To make it easier
sony for best autofocus and burst in sports photography.
canon for the best HD video.
nikon for the best low light photos and large choice of lenses.
kodak haha its rare in todays dslr users.

try all the cameras from these manufacturers and see which one suits your style. I do youtube videos so I'm a canon guy.

I'm a Nikon shooter and have been for years. For a beginner's DSLR (not a professional camera), I'd recommend the Nikon D3100.It's a very well designed camera with fully adjustable features, plus a Guide Mode to help the novice though most common shooting situations.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/.../d3100.htm

It's capable of excellent pictures, if you have the eye, the experience, and the training. Look here and use the Now Showing menu for common subjects, or the Search box for the types of photos you might be shooting in the future.

I'm not disagreeing with Jim, as he's very well versed in Canon. Either Canon or Nikon will take you far.

Kodak doesn't make a DSLR, nor do they make any p&s digitals of high quality.

Sony, having bought the designs and mount of the discontinued Minolta/Konica brand, is the new kid on the block. They have very innovative designs, but very low ratings in the latest JD Powers Customer Satisfaction Survey.
http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2011105

I would recommend getting a refurbed nikon d3000 body only and a new nikon 35mm f1.8g. Great to start you off. The 35 1.8 is way better than any kit lense youd get with a d3100. The d3000 is easy to learn with. And takes excelent pictures. This package comes out at 500$. Save the other 200 to upgrade lenses later. Lenses are most important.

Too many bleeps! I was kind'a hopin' PENTAX would be one of 'em.

Sony Cybershot. You can use it while cursing but it performs better without.

I got a Canon Rebel T3 for my birthday. I would defiantly recommend it. It takes beautiful shots and amazing macro photography.
It cost around $500. Http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-T3-Digital-18-55mm/dp/B004J3Y9U6

Kodak is out of question. It's very bad at digital.
Sony doesn't have top-level models equivalent to Nikon/Canon high-ends, but from mid-level and below they have many good models.
So, I guess the choice is between Nikon, Canon and eventually Sony.
But you should also know that in the same mid-level 'ballpark' as Sony are other very good brands (like Olympus and Pentax)

Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera offers the following additional advantages: a viewfinder; HD video recording with optical zoom throughout the zoom range plus stereo sound; a form factor much more like that of an SLR: it is on the heavy side, but easy to hold and the viewfinder allows you to hold the camera against your body which adds extra stability, and thus better focus, especially when zooming in; diapter adjustability means I don't have to wear glasses when using the EVF; the LCD display can be closed so it faces the camera - no need to worry about smudging or scratching it.