Nikon D3100? Nikon D90? PENTAX K-x?
Which would be the best to get for my first DSLR camera? I have a FUJIFILMF72exr now but I would like something a tad more advanced with plenty of options, great features, and a wide range of exchangeable lenses. I would like a good amount of fps and pixels. I would like to be able to take good landscape photos and macro shots. If I should be looking at different brands I'm open to anything!
If you've got the money to blow the D90 (or the new D7000) is amazing. If you have less then the 3100 will take just as good photos but has fewer dedicated buttons for settings so setup for each photo can take a little bit longer.
As for lenses Nikon has an incredible array of lenses and the 3100 and 90/7000 can use pretty much all the lenses Nikon has made since the late '70s. However the 90 has a built-in focus motor whereas the 3100 can only autofocus with lenses that have motors built in (AF-S)
You could also look at Canon. I just prefer Nikon because they fit my hands better and are much more comfortable to use.
So go try a few out in a store somewhere and see which you like to hold since pretty much any DSLR will be a lot of fun for you!
My order of preference for those three cameras would be:
Nikon D90
Pentax K-x
Nikon D3100
Also have a look at the Canon EOS 550D and Pentax K-r
There's lots to choose from so it might be wise to visit a store and have a play with a few cameras and see which stands out for you. Regardless of which brand you pick you're going to have more choice of lenses and accessories than you could ever want.
Honest answer? I'd look for a D200 which is a great camera, and built a little bit better than a D90. Maybe even a D-80. You can find either of these used and in excellent condition for less than half the cost of the D-90 (Which will be replaced soon) I'd stay away from the D3100, because there's no autofocus motor in the body, which means that you need to have a lens with the motor in it.
A lot of people shy away from used gear, but today people trade DSLR in all the time so that they can have all the latest bells and whistles. You can get some great deals on cameras if you check out used gear.
Macro depends on which lens you buy and they go from 300$+.
You need megapixels? Haha, for viewing pictures on the monitor you need 5MP. They don't make images sharper, crisper or better. So don't say if you don't even know what they're about.
The D3100 is lighter, smaller, has 2 more megapixels (same image quality), less noise and better video with auto focus. The D90 is built better, 4.5 vs 3fps, 11 vs 11 AF points (same)
Here's a post called 'Buying a DSLR, what's important, megapixels, features, brand, price, quality and which one to buy - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/03/which-dslr-to-buy.html
Good luck! The site has many more tutorials, tips, reviews and guides!
I just purchased a Pentax Kx and due to a recent operation, I have been side tracked for a good testing and evaluation. But that said I purchased the camera based on several things. First I own a Pentax Optio (5mp) and it is a great camera. I have a 16x20 from a trip to Canada which is beautiful and sharp! Second I was extremely comfortable holding and handling the Pentax Kx. And most important I could easily see through the camera. Wearing glasses, this is my first concern. As much as I have been a lifetime Canon user, I rejected the Canon for the multiple focusing spots in the viewfinder. I much prefer being able to move the focusing frame around my field of view.