Cameras?

[The Hedgehog]

To me, Nikon and Canon are the leaders in photography and you can't go wrong with either.

This. They are the leaders in the photo world right now, and you can't go wrong with either. If you're looking for a Point and shoot, then you can even get a Sony, Kodak, Canon, Nikon, whatever.

They are all pretty decent. If you looking to step up into the world of DSLRs then your best bet, is to go to the store, and play with the models they have. See which one fits in your hand better, see which one you feel more comfortable using.

I'm a Nikon guy through and through. I have a D90 with 3 lenses, the 18-55mm kit lens, (which on Nikon's are actually really good I hate that everyone bashes them.) the 50mm 1.8f for portraits and others, and my 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens. Probably going to pick up a 35mm soon as well. I also have a SB400 flash, and a few other toys. Waiting for enough funds for my new Alien Bees lighting setup. Understand that if you do get into DSLRs that it gets pricey. I have about $3000 in camera gear right now, and I know it's only going to continue to climb.

You can get a used Nikon D40/D60 on craigslist all day for ~$350. That would probably be what you're looking for as it will be nicer than a lot of the point and shoots, and yet you won't have to spend more than $1000 for just a camera body alone. Although, I know you can get a D3000/D5000 for $550 at Best Buy with warranty and a few other nice things. I'd suggest either this deal, or doing the craigslist thing.

Sorry for the long write up, but I'm only going off what I know from Experience. I am one of the few Hardcore Nikon guys, however I won't knock Canons because they have some very nice products. Understand though that if you go DSLR, Nikon Glass is WAY more than Canon glass.