Best entry level dslr/slr for my price-range?

I'm looking to purchase an entry-level SLR/DSLR (not that I know the difference) for around 500-600 dollars. Preferably lower, but I've found that most of the good cameras are around that area. I want to be able to take extremely good quality photos and a nice zoom and focus and such. I've considered the Canon T3i (too expensive) and the T2i. I've also considered the Nikon D300. What would you recommend?

Http://reviews.cnet.com/best-entry-level-dslr-cameras

The D300 is well out of your price range. I think you meant the Nikon D3000. If so, you could look at the D3100, which replaced it a few years ago and has a much better sensor. I've found a source where you can get on with an 18-55mm AF-S VR lens for $549.
http://www.amazon.com/...B003ZYF3LO

Here's a very detailed review.
http://www.dpreview.com/...nikond3100

The Canon Rebel T3 is also a great alternative and I'd strongly recommend either.
http://www.amazon.com/...004J3Y9U6/

http://www.dpreview.com/...neos1100d/

Remember, the "nice zoom" is dependent on which interchangeable lens you get and mount on the camera body. Either camera is capable of excellent photography with easy learner modes and more advanced manual settings as your skills grow.

Take a look at the Pentax K-r. It comes with image stabilization built-in, has better dynamic range than the Canon or the Nikon, it's smaller, it focuses and shoots faster, and it works with thousands of k-mount lenses available used from places like KEH or even craigslist. It's the best secret in digital photography.

True, it's not a camera you see every day, and people who don't know anything about cameras will ask you didn't get a Canon or a Nikon, but you care about the photos, right?

If you can save just a little bit more, you might also want to get the D3200, which has a newer-generation sensor than all of the above and supports optional interactive Wi-Fi remote control from Android mobile devices.

Dslr simply stands for digital slr (since slr can be either film or digital).

although the line between entry level and mid level/prosumer is sometimes blurred, the cheapest SLRs (for example the ones in your price range) are normally the entry level ones.

all SLRs are capable of taking good quality photos. So that will be the responsibility of the photographer.

Zoom will depend on the lens you buy. Decide what sort of zoom you want.

Unless you get a manual focus lens (unlikely), all digital SLRs autofocus (or you can put it on manual focus and do it yourself).

Since all SLRs (film or digital) are capable of taking good pictures, any one of the cameras you mentioned would be fine. Just read the specs and decide which one has the features you want.