Verified answer

The Nikon D3000 is running about $500 with a kit lens. You might find it for less at close out specials, since it has been replaced with the Nikon D3100. Only buy from reputable dealers. In your price range is the Nikon D5100, which I would recommend over the D3100. Also, look at the D7000 and see if you can stretch your budget some.

The D3000 is great because it has an auto mode that essentially turns it into a point and shoot camera. There is no shutter lag and - with the right memory card - you can hit continuous shoot to take 3 shots per second. (This is ideal for shots of my daughter going down a slide or kicking a ball in the backyard.)

If you have a budget of $1000, buy a brand new dSLR.

If you have $1k to spend, I'd look at a D5100.