nikon d3000 is 500 brand new retail (can probably find better than that too) throw in some bucks for a tripod, memory card, filter(s), case, etc.... you can get it under that budget. its the one i shoot with, i just started. i find its very easy to use for me, being new to DSLR's. software is very straight-forward, battery is awesome....only thing i wish it did, is video. ill have it with me on the montauk cruise and at the flowerfield show, feel free to check it out and play with it then!