[Litos]

1) The D5000 is an amazing piece of machinery, but at it's price, it's equally as good as the D40, which can be had for $450. the video/audio is probably better from an iPhone HAHA !!!! it's a great camera, but a hair overpriced seeing as the D40, which came out 6 or 7 years before it, was making the same quality images. IMHO, you can buy a full D40 kit, buy an above average piece of glass, outshoot the D5000 and still come in under the total cost of the D5000 kit.

2) The D7000 is slightly out of the OP price range, but definitely worth the discussion. if he could bump to @ $1400 he would essentially have a top tier camera for about 3 or 4 years easily.

3) The Nikon D90 and Canon 60D are probably the two best cameras that fit the OP's criteria/budget - he will not be dissapointed either way. i don't have details on the 60D, but from what i've heard, it's no slouch when asked to produce great shots. i don't believe either are "entry level", but they will be easy enough to "learn as you go".

[frank35]

I have canon eos 7d, and it me works perfectly.

[Litos]

Originally Posted by frank35

I have canon eos 7d, and it me works perfectly.

that's a pretty broad statement, but good 6th post nonetheless HAHA !!!

welcome aboard

[ChrisK]

I currently have a D90 w/18-200mm - My next purchase is definitely a D7000

[Litos]

i have the 18-200 VR but i never get to use it anymore because i shoot FX

great lens though to keep around for my D40

[The1]

Originally Posted by Litos

The Nikon D90 and Canon 60D are probably the two best cameras that fit the OP's criteria/budget - he will not be dissapointed either way. i don't have details on the 60D, but from what i've heard, it's no slouch when asked to produce great shots. i don't believe either are "entry level", but they will be easy enough to "learn as you go".

I agree, as for a great all rounder, this in my opinion would be the best way to go. All the tricks the bigger more professional cameras have, just watered down a bit.

then none of the drawbacks of the more entry level equipment.

Just avoid the entry level lens that comes with any of these kits if you can, there is much better out there. It's a difference you can see.

[Litos]

good thing is that if he goes with either the Nikon or the Canon, they both have an insane 24-70 2.8 lens that is deadly good !!!!!

[The1]

Originally Posted by Litos

good thing is that if he goes with either the Nikon or the Canon, they both have an insane 24-70 2.8 lens that is deadly good !!!!!

it's one of my weapons of choice. 8 ouf ot 10 times, it's the one on my 5DII and anything else will end up on my 7D as i use it as the backup, or for high speed shooting.