Best first DLSR camera for a design student?
I'm a beginner at DSLR photography and I'm looking for an entry level to intermediate DSLR camera, preferably Canon & Nikon. I'm going to enroll at a visual design school this fall and I hope the camera I'm going to bought is UNDER $900 (KIT) & ABLE TO COPE WITH MY PROJECTS IN THE UPCOMING 4 YEARS OF SCHOOL.
These are some models I've researched:
1) Canon 550D / Rebel T2i
2) Canon 1100D / Rebel T3
3) Canon 1000D / Rebel XS
4) Nikon D40
5) Nikon D60
6) Nikon D70
7) Nikon D80
8) Nikon D3100
Sources and reasons are very well-welcomed.
Added (1). Addition:
9) Nikon D5100
Note that I'm not looking for brand-new cameras only, used ones I also like.
3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are out-dated and are no longer made
that leaves the 550D, 1100D, and the D3100
all of those cameras will do what you want them to do. At this point you should decide how comfortable you are using each of these cameras
you can also throw in the D3200 ($700) and the D5100 (also $700), as well as the Canon T3i ($750)
still, pick the one that feels best in your hands
I'd add the Nikon D3000 to the list, though discontinued, it's still available new very cheaply.
I say canon 600d/ Rebel t3i
The best this money can get.
Thousands of upgrade capabilities if you will need it in later years.
Out of all of those, the 3100 and T2i are your best bets. Call your school and find if they have cameras you can borrow. Also consider the D3200 and D5100. Any of those four cameras will last you through your four years of school if you take care of it.
1. Nikon D3200 (Very New) with the same processor of D700 (which is expensive camera)
2. D5100 (same sensor as D7000 (which is expensive camera) value for money.
3. Canon 600D (costlier than D5100)
4. Canon 550D (value for money)
Canon 550d way to go
Adding to the list because the Nikon and Canon thing is so Coke and Pepsi, you have other, better choices.
two brand new ones, Sony's A57 and the K30 by Pentax. On the slightly older list, the only Sony worth your time in your budget, is the A580, and look for a deal on a used Pentax K-5.
Since you want something for the next 4 years, ditch the older models, their image sensors don't perform as well, and they don't have as many features. Nikon, ditch the D40, 60, 70 and 80. Look at the D3100, D3200, 5100. The D90 isn't exactly new, but the image sensor still holds its ground, look for used ones too.
Your Canon list is OK, drop the XS.
Definitely go for Canon T3i