Looking for a very good but not-too-expensive DSLR? - 1

So I've been having the nikon d40 for about 5 years now, and it's just beyond time for me to upgrade. I'm sick of having to photoshop the photos So extensively in order to get to focus and color depth that I want.
I still don't really want to pay over $1300 though. (for lens and body). I'm looking into the Sony a57 but i was wondering if it was really a step up? I lok when the background is very blurry and the main subject is completely focused, and it looks like the a57 gives that.

In your opinion, which should be my next purchase for DSLRs? I really just want that beautiful photo without having to rely on photoshop to get it.

Added (1). Sorry for the typos. *in order to get the
*I like when the background

Pros use photoshop. Contest winners in Popular Photography magazine have used photoshop…
Like I said before, any D-SLR can give you a blurry background. It's the lens and how you use it, not the camera.

"Blurry background?" That's all about DOF (Depth of field) and it's strictly a lens issue and has nothing to do with the camera.

I always recommend Canon because I own Canon. The t3 is at the bottom of the food chain price wise about $500.

Speaking of DOF, here's article I think you should read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/...h_of_Field

All dSLR's are good. They are all basically the same. You can use any dSLR to shoot anything as long as you know what you're doing. DSLR's start at around $500.

http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-blur-background.html

Two-digit alphas like the a57 are not dSLR's. They're SLT's.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._with.html

The old Nikon D40 is very old, but it is perfectly capable of delivering stunning images in the hands of someone with the skill.

So you like blurry backgrounds? Your D40 can do that. It has nothing to do with the camera being better or new. It's all about what kind of lens, and you taking control of the camera to make it happen. That means getting out of auto mode.

So based on your question, you don't have the photography knowledge to get the most out of what you currently own, so you will only be disappointed in a new camera because you will use it the exact same way.

I'm also wondering what exactly that you are doing when you take photographs that you need to do so much editing in photoshop. Are you trying to clean up noise? Not happy with the color? Focus is all you, that's user selected and if the focus isn't what you want it's usually user error.

The Sony A57 is really nice camera, and yes it's better than the D40, but it won't make you a better photographer.

Canon EOS Rebel T3