DSLR recemmendations

[kikireef]

My wife and I are looking at getting a DSLR camera and have never owned one. Neither of us are anywhere close to professional photographers but are looking for something versatile and user friendly. By versatile I mean my wife can use it for whatever she wants and I could take some good tank pics. My wife found the Nikon D5000 but after reading some threads here I am on the fence about it. What would you all recommend in the price range of $1000.

 

[Misled]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1503490

 

[kikireef]

Thanks for the link. While it is informative and helpful I am still curious about what people prefer for the price range.

 

[AGYDAL]

Get a used Nikon D90 (it doesn't have video but you didn't mention you wanted that option), for macro shots get a set of extension tubes, then with what you have left over from your budget get a nice coral or two The 5000 has been replaced by the 5100 I think (also think they tweaked the video features on it), so you might even try finding the 5000 used. IMO if you've never owned a DSLR go used first.

 

[IslandCrow]

Everyone will have different opinions, and I'm afraid it's probably not going to make your choice any easier. To make it a little simpler, though, Nikon, Cannon and Sony all make very good cameras with a wide array of lenses available. So, what it really comes down to for the average user is personal preference. Do you like where the buttons are? Are the menus easy for you to understand? How does the camera feel in your hands? In order to answer these questions, you really just need to try a few of them out. Unless you're looking for something very specific, you really can't go wrong with whatever you choose.

But if you really want my opinion, for that price range, I'd go with a used Canon 40D. I think I paid around $750 for mine a few years ago, which leaves you money for a decent prime lens (or cheap zoom lens).