New to DSLR's

[Anthrax15]

Right now I have a high end Point and Shoot camera. I would like to upgrade to a DSLR. I am researching everyday like I have in the saltwater hobby. What would be a good recommendation for a starter DSLR? I was looking at the Canon's and were pretty happy with them. I understand a more expensive lens is more important. Is there a lens I can buy that is somewhat in between a macro lens and a zoom lens?

I'm open to any and all suggestions.

 

[Recty]

In short, no. To take the awesome macro shots you see, you'll need a macro lens.

With that said, read up on extension tubes. I can turn my 50mm into a nice macro style lens by adding extension tubes between the lens and camera, however the problem ends up being I cant focus more than 2" away from the lens, so the corals have to be RIGHT at the front of the glass to even being to get them in focus.

Basically, my best recommendation when deciding on cameras is first pick a budget. Then, decide what type of pictures you want to take... once you know (for instance macro) then subtract from your budget the cost of the lens you need to take those pictures. Then you'll be left with the amount of money you can spend on a camera, and it should be fairly easy to find a camera that fits your remaining budget pretty closely.