>>1253284Well first off, welcome to /p/
You may want to buy second hand cameras if you can check they're in mint condition, but seeing as you're just starting, you could get fooled easily. I'll assume you're from the US, so order online, it's usually cheaper than in stores.
I see your budget is in the $500-$800 range, so you could get a canon 40D (in the $400 range, second hand) with a tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 ($450 new, $400 second-hand) (make sure it's a canon mount) and invest in a tele + primes (fixed focal length objectives, eg: 50mm f/1.8).
Basically, the 40D might be an older model and have no video, but it's a sure value. It's strongly built, and generally is not entry level, with all it implies. If you can fork over the extra cash, look into a 50D or 60D (the latter has 1080p video). The XXD series of Canon are the semipro series, meaning they're not rocket science for beginners, yet can achieve great results when you get better.
I don't shoot Nikon and I don't recommend Sony, so for other brands, ask someone else.
Why the 17-50 f/2.8 ? It's a very sharp lens, and the wide aperture (f/2.8) means you can shoot in lower light condition + being a zoom, it's more versatile as a walkaround lens than say, a 50mm or 85mm.
Were you to invest in a tele, I would suggest, if you went Canon (assuming you're on a budget), the canon 75-300 f/4.0-5.6 III - It can be had for $170 on B&H
What's the use of tele zooms? Basically exactly what you could expect: Taking pictures at longer distances. More useful than you'd think, for a beginner I think having a wide-angle/normal zoom + a tele zoom in your bag is all you need to start off. Also, do think about investing in a tripod shortly after. Needed in a LOT of situation, macro (closeups), landscapes, product photography, night (or very low light) shots...
Hope this helped, but remember this is just my advice, and do correct me if I missed any point.
Pic unrelated, but save it, it's always useful.
