I would like some help please.

My current camera (a Samsung Digimax D53) is definitely way to simple, lacks megapixles/resolution etc. for me and I would really like to start using a dslr.
I am new to this a bit, I mean I do know what they are (obviously). what there general price range is, and what some terms are but I don't know enough.
I would like to buy one that is preferably around 300-450$ (even though those are generally the lowest quality compared to others) but I am not going to be super serious at the moment.
If that is not possible I was thinking about just buying a body and then later on I would buy a generic lens, I am not really sure what type of lenses do what or what size of lens I need for whatever kind of camera I end up buying.

I have been looking at a couple of websites (listed below) but I am not sure about there reliability.

http://www.tristatecamera.com/lookat...9&sku=PENK110D

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...specifications

http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXTR.html
(ridiculous price!)

I am really interested in buying something close to the quality and easiness of use of a Canon Rebel but anything else I am also interested in.

If anyone can help me out I would really appreciate it, thankyou.

Tristate has very poor ratings http://www.resellerratings.com/store..._and_Computers

Both B&H and Adorama are known for reliability and good service with honest prices that may not be the cheapest but there won't be any hassles and they follow through when/if there's a problem.
See our dealer feedback forum for trusted and not so trusted sites.

The difference between DSLR and point and shoot such as yours is quite a bit more than 'megapixels'. It will also be demanding more precise control, because of the way that dof and f-stops behave on an SLR lens - you will need to be more mindful of your photography.

KEH.com and adorama are the best two places I know of to get used photo gear, I wouldn't trust tristate either.

'ease of use' is a bit of a misnomer, every DSLR under $3k has the same auto modes and the same automations. But the whole point of DSLR is to avoid using those crutches. If you want the actual benefits of an SLR, you need to understand the technology and apply the proper techniques to your photography. Dont get one to just use it like you used your Samsung, that would be like getting a 4 cylinder 4-speed auto transmission ferrari. It just doesn't cut it! For me, 'ease of use' is a priority mode combined with AEL and/or exposure compensation, not throwing on an automatic mode. What it boils down to, learn enough to control a fully manual mode, then you will start getting the pictures you want. I haven't used an auto mode for several years, and quite frankly I'd just prefer they were left off of my cameras.

A great starter would be something with fewer megapixels, they offer much easier workflow and overall experience (you'll find that 6-8 megapixels is a lot less picky than 12-14). Perhaps a Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D, or a Canon Rebel XT, or a Nikon D70... I'd trust a 4 megapixel DSLR before a 16 megapixel point and shoot, don't worry about the number of megapixels so much.

wow that has been very helpful,
Yes I know it is just more than megapixels so on an so forth,
I just need a beginning camera
but thank you very much for your help!

P.Instructor is here to help!!!!!!!!!!

I found what you're looking for and it's just $350 -650. I know it's over your budget but it 's worth getting one,:)

Canon EOS 350D Digital SLR

Specification

8.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor
3 frames-per-second continuous shooting
Max. 14 large JPEG images in a single burst
Super responsive DIGIC II performance and superb image quality
7-point wide area AF
E-TTL II distance-linked precision flash system
USB Hi-Speed and Video out interface
Digital Photo Professional RAW image processing software
Simultaneous RAW and JPEG recording
Compact and lightweight body
Compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses, and Speedlite EX flashes
Print direct without PC to PictBridge compatible photo printers
Shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 seconds