Best Digital SLR Camera in $500 price range

[Steven T]

I'm a total noob, I just need a few recommendations to go look at. Please share your opinions and help me decide what to start researching.

 

[ElFenix]

pentax k100d

body + standard lens + telephoto lens - rebate = ~$500

purchases must be on same receipt
really can't be beat.

thread

 

[Steven T]

I was looking at the k10d hmm. That and the D50 so far.

here's more info

* My budget: $500 (for used but like new condition) (so try to keep it under unless you really recommend i step it up a notch)
* I want to be able to take multiple images fairly quickly. (Action shots)
* Need something that isn't going too be picky about lighting.
* I'm more interested in something that will give professional clean results than I am in simple point and click. I want really crystal clear photos but I don't want to have to make all kinds of complex adjustments to get those results. Keep the complexity reasonable for a noobie to photography.
* I do not need, nor am I interested in "In camera photo editing options". I use photoshop extensively anyway.
* Above average battery life.

 

[pontifex]

$500 for just the camera or camera and lenses?

 

[Steven T]

Camera + 1 standard lens

Of course if it was a good camera + a couple nice lenses that would be more appealing than 1 camera and no lenses for around 500.

I will be buying uses so maybe I could go to 600 and get a nice little setup.