Good upgrade from NEX-5? Looking for DSLR?

I'm thinking about getting a better camera and start taking photography classes, but I'm horrible at researching and can't find a better camera than my nex-5 for under $1000. I don't want to abandon Sony, but I'm looking forward to purchasing a Nikon or a Canon like the rest of the crowd. Any suggestions? Please don't bash on Sony.

Okay, okay. Your sony has taken enough bashing here and every one knows about these cameras.

There are several Canons under $1, 000 and you can do all that research right here.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...video.com/

To be honest, with your budget I don't think it's a good move for you to buy a DSLR at this moment, save more money to get an advance DSLR.

Under 1000$ you'll get basically a "basic kit". Sry to explode your balloon. If you really want to evolve you'll need something like a Nikon D90 or higher brand or Canon D40, D50 or higher brand. The way those cameras are built give you a more comfortable access to the setting, unlike the entry DSLR who are pretty much like you're Nex5 (where you have to go in your menu to change the speed, the iso, the aperture). Plus you can barely buy a decent lens with that budget if you have to fit a camera body in it.

Another thing to consider when buying a DSLR, are the optical park of the brand, Canon & Nikon have the biggest one out there, Sony don't have much to offer compare to them, Pentax is not that bad plus you can fit old lens on their camera.

In all reality, your NEX-5 is quite capable as a camera for most classes in which you might us a DSLR. I'm suggesting this because the NEX cameras have nearly all the same controls as a DSLR. You could also stick with Sony for your DSLR upgrade. Sony makes an adapter that would allow you to use "Alpha" lenses on both a Sony DSLR and the NEX series cameras. If you like Sony, this could be a very good option. Look at the Sony Alpha 380.

Now, if you want to go Nikon or Canon and stay under $1000, consider a Canon Rebel (T3/1100D, T2i/550D, T3i/D600) or Nikon's D3100 and D5100 models. These are all considered "entry-level" models but, unlike the NEX-5, they are true DSLRs with optical viewfinders and passive autofocus sensors. The same is true for the Sony Alpha 380. Their SLT cameras are a little different in that they don't have a moving mirror like traditional DSLRs.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?mxp=1000&atclk=Brand_Sony&ci=6222&mnp=1&Ns=p_PRICE_2%7C1&N=4291645407+4291215468

Ignore the SLT's or 2-digit alphas.

NIKON and CANON have no camera like NEX-5.
You can try LUMIX GF-3, Its good and easy to carry.

The Canon EOS Rebel T3i is a premium entry level DSLR that captures excellent still images and video. It is Mac friendly in terms of its bundled software, and its compatibility with Apple imaging applications. If you don't need the extended zooming range of the 18-135mm IS kit lens option, then you can save yourself a couple hundred dollars with the shorter 18-55mm kit zoom. Both lenses provide terrific image quality, and you can add lenses later as your budget allows.