Best cheap DSLR and macro lens

[Michigan Mike]

Hi all, I just got a canon rebel T3 for Christmas but admitably I wanted the T3i so I haven't used it yet and may take it back for a better camera.
So what's the best DSLR that isn't very expensive as this is my first DSLR. I know macro lenses are expensive as well and unfortunately I feel I will be dissointed in my pics without a macro lense, I really want it for case up pics of corals and nature pics but every day family pics as well.
What are some of the best entry level DSLR cams?
Will a decent macro lens be better spent than on a more expensive camera?
Sorry for all the questions. I don't want to regret my purchase and would rather grow into my camera purchase than outgrow it and buy another.

 

[Misled]

Will a decent macro lens be better spent than on a more expensive camera?

Yes. I'd get into it more, but it really isn't necessary. I don't do Canon, but even if the camera sucks, you should be able to take good shots given a quality lens, I'm sure I could.

 

[dc]

Posts have been removed. This is not a selling forum and camera equipment is not allowed anyway. Items must be reef specific.

 

[IslandCrow]

Look into the Canon 100mm non image stabilized (non-IS) macro lens. It looks like they're going for around $550 new, and you could probably pick up a used one a little cheaper (this lens holds its value well, so don't get your hopes up too much). As far as camera bodies go, high ISO performance can be very useful for aquarium photography, but that can be more than compensated with understanding how to use off-camera flash, so I probably wouldn't worry about getting a new camera body quite yet.