DSLR suggestions for a beginner? - 1

I'm looking for a Canon or Nikon under $800. I've had a Nikon L120 but it has given me a bunch of problems and I want an upgrade. I'm going to be on a trip where there's really beautiful scenery and waterfalls and such and I'd like a camera that could make my pictures look great. I don't have a lot of experience but I will be taking a yearlong photography class soon.

Find a dealer and look at Sony (better video) and Pentax (meters with MF lenses as well) and buy the one that feels right in your hands.

You have enough experience to realise that a manufacturer's name isn't enough on its own, so take your blinkers off, and don't make two bad decisions (a Fujifilm would've served you far better than an L-series Nikon, but you refused to see that).

There are a variety of Nikons (D3100, D3200, D5100) or Canons (T3i, T4i) with the 18-55 zoom lens for less than $800.

Sony and Pentax also do very good cameras. (Sony A58, Pentax K30)

Check amazon.com.

If you're just doing landscapes the 18-55 lens will be ideal.

How good the photos are depends to a large extent on the person holding the camera, so don't expect great photos if you've not chosen the right light, time of day or view, for example. Certainly any will be better than with the compact.

You may also want a tripod and remote release if you're in low light and want to get a "blurred" waterfall, for example. If you're on a trip you'll want a decent bag to carry the camera, a spare battery (if recharging isn't an easy option) and some SD cards.

There are a lot of cameras available in Nikon and Canon but the best camera in the price range you mentioned is Canon EOS 60D so i would recommend you to go for this camera due to its features and high quality pictures.
Here is what professionals say about 60D, i hope it will help in your decision:

http://www.amazon.com/...X5YUH3VIH/

some of the main features of 60D are:
Canon 60D takes high quality pictures due to its 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor; ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)
It has a Improved EOS HD Video mode with manual exposure control; Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor
It also Includes 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD standard zoom lens
You will be delighted to know that it can do 5.3 fps continuous shooting and it has enhanced iFCL 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system
SD Card can also be attached with the cam.

Any DSLR will make your pictures look good because they have great sensors, but what really matters is you! Sure the difference between a L120 and something like a Nikon D5100 is big but what truly gives photographs a better look is your eye, and how you develop it!

For under $800 you have many good options, Nikon d3100 is small, light and good, then there's the T3i and so on.

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.smashingcamera.com/which-dslr-camera-to-buy/

All DSLRs today are perfect, we should be happy.