Please pick a DSLR for me! - 1
I want my first DSLR to be easy to use. And it's video mode should be really nice too, it should be easy to capture videos. ( like you do on an iPhone) you press one button and it records videos, and everything is in focus, I don't want to manually focus which is hard. And I'm not serious about photography, just want to take good pictures when with friends and family. Just want best image quality possible on an entry level DSLR
Pentax K-R ( 18-55mm )
Nikon d3100 (18-55mm)
Sony a33. (18-55mm)
Sony nex 5 (18-55)
If you are not serious about photography and want everything to be easy, then don't buy a DSLR. It takes most people years of learning and practice to get good results from a DSLR camera. By the way, the Sony NEX is NOT a DSLR.
The Nikon.
The best on your list is the Pentax Kr, the Nikon is a 'crippled' entry level with missing functions, the Sony has a semi silvered mirror which robs you of 2 f stops, the Nex is not a DSLR.
DSLR do have better image quality, but not unless you know how to use them, a 'point and shoot' using Jpeg will give you OK images 'out of the box', no DSLR will.
How about the Nikon P500? You aren't serious and if you go with a DSLR you will need to purchase accessory lenses if you want to zoom at all, not to mention all of the other things. The P500 has a larger sensor so that the quality is much better than the other bridge cameras.
It also has a built in lens that goes from wide to zoom much further than any DSLR lens does. Shoots in HD video as well as has all of the abilities of a DSLR if you did get serious about it.
The image quality on an entry level DSLR is going to be entirely dependent upon your serious knowledge. They can take good photos in auto, but to get the fullest out of them you have to learn how to work it. With the bridge camera you have the added bonus of the nifty little scene modes that do all of that for you if you don't want to take any control. And a whole lot cheaper price tag when you figure in the lens you'll be purchasing immediately or sooner.
If you are set on getting a full blown DSLR go with the Nikon. They are the only one that has auto focus while recording video.
If you're not serious about photography, why take the extra cash and weight for DSLRs?
Just get a bridge compact, but if you want a DSLR anyway, you should get the NEX-5 for having an APS-C sensor on a compact body.
HisWifeTheirMom stated that Nikon DSLRs have AF in video, Full time auto focus, but not full time flawless, it works worse than a beginner using manual focus, it's rubbish, i'd rather use manual focus. But I agree with his answer, if you want simplicity and the reasonable amount of auto controls you should get a nikon dslr, but I recommend some canon alternatives too, they offer the same stuff, but not full time AF in video.
I strongly recommend mirror less compacts for you (like the Nex 5) because you are not serious about photography, and the nex 5 has reasonably good AF in video.
Hope this helps: D
You don't need a DSLR. You need a point-and-shoot, because you don't want to put any work into your photos. Honestly, if you're shooting fully on automatic, you might as well have a point-and-shoot. Having a DSLR doesn't make your photos any better unless you have the skills and the desire for improvement that only comes from shooting in manual. There are some point-and-shoot cameras out there that have very nice image quality and cost a TON less than a DSLR (for instance, the Sony Cybershot collection).