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DSLR Camera Advice for New Photographers?

ok, so i am a teenager who is interested in photography. i am only in middle school, but know how to operate and explore the functions of my P&S camera pretty well. i have been looking into getting a DSLR model, and would like to know what model would be best. i'm not extremely wealthy, so let's try to keep the price below 800$. i'm looking for a camera that can take very detailed, refined, clean shots, with a minimal amount of blur. the model would have to have a nice focus, as well. the camera also has to be capable of taking pictures with one item in focus, and the rest of the picture not in focus (i'm not sure what the proper term is). i would also like a camera on which you can tamper with the image's exposure before taking the shot. other filters such as black and white, sepia, things like that, etc., would also have to be present. i am also looking for a some what light weight, nice looking, design, with nothing *too* difficult to operate. oh, and a strong battery life would definately be a must have! i love taking landscape, city scape, still life shots, and portraits, if that helps at all. all in all, i'm looking for a good quality camera that an inexperienced photographer-in-the-making like me can operate and produce good shots with. thank you in advance for your answers, all are appreciated! :)

Public Comments

1. I'll try to keep this short, but there are a few things I'd like to address. First, if you want minimal blur, you and/or the subject have to be still. Either that, or you need a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. Second, having one thing in focus and blurring the background is called "shallow depth-of-field." You can get this with any camera, but it depends on a number of factors like what lens you use. Third, you can tweak the exposure on any dSLR because they are all fully adjustable. Fourth, the color filters like sepia and black & white are best done in a photo editing program/website (so you have the original copy as well as the edited copy, just in case). Last but not least, to end this rambling, the types of photography you do don't depend on the camera as much as the lens you use. So if you want landscapes, you need a wide-angle lens. For portraits, you'll probably want a mid-telephoto lens. The standard kit lens that most entry-level dSLRs come with (18-55mm) should fit your needs for the time being though. As for actual camera suggestions, start out with something basic like the Canon Rebel T3 or the Nikon D3100. You can spend what's left over in your budget for other accessories like an inexpensive external flash, battery grip, tripod, or even an extra lens. If you have trouble deciding between the two cameras, try them out at a camera/electronic store yourself to see which one is most comfortable for you to use.
2. All DSLR's are going to have great focus as long as the operator knows how to use it. All DSLR's are going to have crappy focus if you don't learn how to operate it. All DSLR's can take detailed, refined, clean shots with no blur if you know how to manipulate the settings to do that. If you don't, it'll take totally crappy, blurry shots. A good lens certainly helps to get super sharp and refined-that'll cost more than the camera does. The un-focus you are talking about is called Bokeh and it can be achieved with the kit lens, but to really get the look you will need a better lens. As for in-camera editing any good DSLR will NOT have those in it. NOT something that a photographer wants in a DSLR. Those are gimmicks for point and shoots. Weight is going to depend greatly upon the lens you have attached. A GOOD lens is heavy. That's all there is to it. A GOOD zoom lens is REALLY heavy. A cheap lens is going to be lighter. It's also going to be lesser quality. Now you need to decide if you REALLY want a DSLR: A DSLR will require multiple lenses to achieve zoom and different effects. BUT by using those extra lenses you can do amazing things with a DSLR A DSLR will not have the gimmicks you want on it. You do that in the computer if you feel the need. A DSLR with good lenses is going to cost you significantly. An entry level DSLR won't have a long zoom, you will have to purchase that separately. A DSLR will allow you to manipulate the picture through the settings in ways you haven't imagined yet. A bridge camera may be a better choice for you. A good bridge camera will allow you to do all that you want to do; have a lens that goes from ultra wide to mega telephoto zoom; allow you to learn to manipulate the settings like a DSLR; have some of the gimmicks you are looking for; will take great refined shots and if you learn to manipulate the settings manually will make your images really step up. You won't have to invest $800 in camera and kit lens, plus another $400 to $2500 in another lens or two. It will also allow you to use it as a point and shoot or as a full manual camera (which is the next step.)
3. Canon EOS Rebel T3 is a GREAT camera for someone like me, who is just moving into digital SLR photography. It has all the bare essentials, and nothing overly complex. At $599 for the lens kit, it's hard to beat that price for all the features Canon gives you. If money is your main concern, you will not be disappointed with this camera. Although I would've liked to see an external mic input and a nicer grip, I'm very happy with my purchase and can't complain much. I'm sure as my photography grows (as well as my budget...), I will certainly upgrade and use this camera as a back up. But for now, well done Canon on the EOS Rebel T3 =)This camera allows you to use live screen shooting which so many people like these days and it takes HD video.
4. Like T. Lee said, if you want a camera that takes everything from landscape to portrait, then you'll want more than one lens. I've been looking at getting an inexpensive DSLR at http://www.digitalimaginghq.com and I saw they have an Olympus E-620 model with two lens. If that's important to you, getting them both now will be a great deal! Just like everyone's said, any DSLR is going to give you all that control that you want. So welcome to the world of DSLR photography and best of luck!
5. Nikon D5100 is the newest model of nikon dslr cameras & For sony, Sony a55, sony a33 are the new one model. The Nikon D5100 and it's included AF-S 18-55mm VR lens offer a host of new photographic and video tools including a 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor, 4 fps continuous shooting and breathtaking Full 1080p HD Movies with full time autofocus. f