My fiance's birthday is coming up, and I'd like to get her a DSLR. She has a great eye for photography and loves taking photos, but she's in medical school and has limited time. It seems that everyone here loves the D90, but given how infrequently we might use it, spending $1000+ right now may not make sense.

Any other recs for an affordable but very good DSLR?

 

Look at the entry level stuff like the Nikon D40/D60 or Canon Rebel series. Save as much of your budget as possible for quality lenses.

 

When I was at SAMS club over Christmas they were selling a nice Nikon D60 package for under $500 with lens if I remember correctly. You could check into that (and costco)?

 

+1 (I was in the market for a dslr recently, and most that I talked to said the same thing.....save your money for the lenses...........

Another thing, DSLR are addictive.......trust me.......you cant stop at just one lens etc.......

 

Stick to a Nikon or a Canon...

Alex, the entry level Canon can take both EF and EF-S lenses... is Nikon the same?
coz then you can go for higher end glass and upgrade your body after a few years

 

You will not get away from 1000$+ for a camera and lens combo. And
we're not talking "great quality", we're talking "ok".
Anyways, Rebel series fits girl hands great vs the bulkier 50D models, and you can add a good low aperture 30ish prime on that and get great results.

 

The D60 looks like a good bet, but it doesn't have exposure bracketing (might be fun to play with HDR, even though it's a bit overused). Would it be safe to start with the Rebel XSi kit, and then upgrade the lens over time? Or possibly even the new T1i with HD video?

 

The T1i has mono audio recording, with no possibility of external mic. To me that's a major fail.

 

I have a D40x - It was given to me, but I know their fairly cheap, and very light/portable. Might be a good option.

 

Hey Andrew

Under $1k, I would look into entry level DSLR like Xsi,T1i, 70D, etc. I have a XTi and it is great.

When you are ready to put more money, get a L series lens around $800 used via ebay, amazon or craigslist. You won't regret it. Best money I've spent on camera gears. After a few years, the lens will still hold its value while the camera becomes worthless.

Our good friend Kirby used a 20D. That says it all

One downside is the pro series lens are really heavy. Not good if you carry it on foot.