For that budget, you can get a nice entry level prosumer DSLR. I would look at Nikon D3000/3100 and Nikon D5000/5100. Or the Canon equivalent. You can get a body with a nice kit lens and build from there. Look for refurbished ones, on Amazon and Nikon/Canon company websites.
I would also look into Olympus DSLRs. I shot Olympus my whole life. A few years ago I switch to Nikon and bought a D7000, a very nice lens, and a flash. I am just so used to Olympus that I am about to sell those revert back to Olympus. You probably could pick up a nice used or refurbished E300 or E500 series fairly inexpensively. They are fantastic starter cameras.
You do not need the latest technology. I used to always by a couple versions back to save money, and it never hurt my pictures unless I was trying to shoot sports or very low light photography.
I would also look into Olympus DSLRs. I shot Olympus my whole life. A few years ago I switch to Nikon and bought a D7000, a very nice lens, and a flash. I am just so used to Olympus that I am about to sell those revert back to Olympus. You probably could pick up a nice used or refurbished E300 or E500 series fairly inexpensively. They are fantastic starter cameras.
You do not need the latest technology. I used to always by a couple versions back to save money, and it never hurt my pictures unless I was trying to shoot sports or very low light photography.
