Which brand to go for a beginer dslr camera? Canon, Nikon or Sony?

Which brand to go for a beginer dslr camera? Canon, Nikon or Sony?

I'd go for Pentax, because I like the idea of using my old MF lenses (sorry Canon) and being able to meter with them (sorry Nikon) - I also like that even the budget K-500 has a pentaprism (brighter) viewfinder and that the anti-shake system is built into the body.

Sony also have body-mounted anti-shake, and their SLTs will blow a true DSLR out of the water in video performance (not a priority for me).

The only way is to work it out for yourself - visit a dealer and HANDLE the cameras within your price-range, choosing the one that feels best in your hands. It's not as if buying a particular brand will magically transform you into a photographer.

It really does not matter… Except you need to be willing to marry what ever camera system you pick and stay with it for at least a decade or tow

Why?

* All cameras work the same. They have a light meter and it is up to the user to > use the light meter to pick the correct shutter speed and lens aperture. Each camera has those controls whether it is a Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony, Olympus or Panasonic.

* Once you buy one of those cameras, it is so costly to later switch, you be aggravated with yourself for not taking the time to do independent research, but let a bunch of strangers pick one for you.

Do this:

Visit each companies website and pick out the least expensive dSLR camera they offer and then compare them head to head
Visit DP Review and read the professional reviews of each camera of your choice
Visit DXOmark and compare the sensor performance of each camera choice
Finally, visit a proper camera shop and hold each in your hands.

Hopefully by then, you will know which brand and model is best for you and what you want, not us. We all have our favorites base upon our unique experiences.

Toss a coin!
Go into a store and look at the various models. Handle them and play with the controls. Then pick the one that feels right for you.

Honestly it does not matter which you choose. They will all work very nicely and all have automatic modes. Pentax, because of their much better viewfinders and weatherproofing, might well be the one you discover will actually like handling.
Personally I like a camera with a flip LCD panel and quick live view for video, so I'd pick the Sony. I'd also look at the Canon T5 (700D) and the Nikon D5300.

A factor that may help you: Do family or friends have a particular brand? If so then perhaps you could share accessories and gain some advice.

Also think about local repair facilities. Perhaps Canon and Nikon are better represented?

I go for Canon

I started with Sony and do not regret it.

I would try out some of the cameras in a store and you will notice which one you like most.
Quality of the cameras is very good on all the brands you mentioned. I would pay attention to the navigation though the menu on th esmall screens.
The one that feels the most intuitive/easy to use and navigate through for you is probably the brand you should stick to.

Canon, Nikon or Sony. They all have great cameras and potential in even a bigger system. What's your budget though?

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.smashingcamera.com/which-dslr-camera-to-buy/