First DSLR: Pentax, Nikons, Canons..?

[Pott]

I'm wanting my first DSLR for christmas, I think there are some keen photographers here so I figured I'd ask...

What I do want;

Something intuitive, easy to work with
Something with opportunities to progress, and more manual controls behind the surface that I can unlock as I learn

What I don't want or I'm not interested in;

Photoshop
Weird effects (within reasonable limits... if they're there, I could have some fun...)
Pro photos
Printing my photos


So it's really for a beginner. I don't in fact take a lot of pictures and when I do it's either buildings/landscapes or macros. Very rarely people, food, etc... I just like taking good pictures when I do, even if it's twice a year.

Models I was hesitating between:

Nikon D3100
Nikon D5000
Second hand Nikon D50 or D60
Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS in US)
Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i in US)
Pentax K-x

Whatever one I go for, I'll need a length with a longer zoom. The stock 18-55 in all modern DSLRs doesn't do it for me at all.
Apparently most people have their own favored brand. Everyone advised me Nikons and I have some lenses already that my wee sister has, so I guess I'd be happy sticking with Nikon too, but I'm open.

1st priority is image quality, then intuitiveness of the UI/camera.

Thanks

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2118042

 

[gar655]

Nikon D3100
Nikon D5000
Second hand Nikon D50 or D60
Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS in US)
Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i in US)
Pentax K-x



Thanks

Out of those- D3100 or 5000

 

[martensite]

The pentax k-x lacks illuminated AF points in the OVF, which may or may not be a problem for you (for me it was, when I tried a friend's K-x).

A better option would be the new K-r which seems to be an all-round excellent camera and has a few useful features that are not available in the K-x.

 

[Madwand1]

I think compatibility with your family is a big deal -- it makes hand-me-downs, upgrades and knowledge sharing easier.

 

[AkumaX]

D3100 or 550D

 

[slashbinslashbash]

I would start by asking yourself how serious you want to get into photography. If you see this is as just a first step, you will proceed one way; if you see this as a final solution, you will proceed another.

If you can see yourself really getting into photography, your best bet will be to go Canon or Nikon. These two brands dominate the market. You will be able to find huge amounts of used gear for sale, and their lens and body line-ups are massive. If you have friends who shoot Nikon, go with Nikon. If you have friends who shoot Canon, go with Canon. (For better manual controls, go with a used Nikon D70 or D80, or a used Canon 30D or 40D.)

If this will probably be your only DSLR for the forseeable future, you can look into the Pentaxes and the Sonys. They are both good brands with good cameras and lenses, but they are both missing the critical mass of users to really make it a whole ecosystem rather than a niche market.