Recommend a good SLR Camera (obviously NWR)

I'm dying to buy an SLR Camera ... can anyone recommend a good camera for me?

I've never actually used an SLR but i LOVE the way pictures look (aka: i'm looking for a camera that's somewhat easy to use and learn)

I'm looking to spend no more than $1000 for the camera + lens (pref less, obviously)

Thanks for any suggestions

i use the nikon d60
i would go canon, i think theyre easier for starters. The rebels are really good for beginners

definitely canon.
rebel series are great starters and if you get more serious with it, it will definitely carry you.
the rebel was the first digi i bought for school a million years ago, i had the first one they ever made and so on and so forth.
this is a really great kit too

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/659012-REG/Canon__EOS_Rebel_T1i_500D_.html

that lens will give you a little more wiggle room.
they do make kits with a smaller lens for a lesser price if the $$$ concerns you.
this camera also shoots video, which might be nice if you're looking to take in on your HM.
you can always start small and add on to your kit as you go along.

you can also snag an older model for about $400 bucks cheaper here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/589104-REG/Canon__EOS_Rebel_XS_a_k_a_.html

its less MP and no video, but again, if you're not sure how serious you'll be with it, its an awesome deal.
i'm still using my 6.0 MP one as a backup and i still get gorgeous work out of it that i can blow up to about 16x20 and its loses no quality.

so here's another question ... what is considered a good lens? What exactly do the numbers that specify the lens mean? how do i know what i'll want/need?

(yeah, i know i'm a total n00b lol)

thanks for all your answers so far though - they've really helped

my first SLR was a nikon d40. i got it for christmas in 08. LOVE IT. i still don't know all the technical stuff about photography (f-stop still sounds insulting to me haha), but i'm able to take some pretty good pictures with it.

good luck!

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Posted by AwaitingAugust

so here's another question ... what is considered a good lens? What exactly do the numbers that specify the lens mean? how do i know what i'll want/need?

(yeah, i know i'm a total n00b lol)

thanks for all your answers so far though - they've really helped

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the d40 came with 18mm-55mm lens... unless youre serious about photography you do not need any other lenses...

I have a Canon Rebel T1I and love it. I bought the kit but have some extra lenses.

Article on Lenses

The article above give you information on lenses in plain English, easy to understand.

Canon all the way baby!! i would recommend EOS 50D and EOS Rebel Xsi.

ETA: Also, my photographer uses the EOS 50D and he used it for e-pics, which you can find in my album.