First SLR...

[screwbrain]

Which one should I go for?
I have a budget of Rs.70,000/- (including the basic lens)

I'm very confused in choosing one, there are so many out there
Guys please help me out hear.

I heard Cannon 60D is a good catch... should I go for it?

Rs 70,000/- = $1500 apprx.

[OsmosisStudios]

How much is 70k Rs in US$?

[gifarkas]

The 60D is not exactly an entry level model, but if you think you'll learn fast, you should go for it since you'd replace a lower end model pretty soon anyway. Another recommendation from this category would be the Nikon D90 (~$950), or the new D7000 (much more expensive tho, but body only fits the $1500 budget).

[inkista]

What do you want to shoot, and do you have any lenses? My basic advice is that if you have to sacrifice a higher-tiered body to get the lenses you want, do it. Lenses depreciate more slowly than camera bodies and last you longer. Digital camera bodies are likely to last you only 3 to 5 years before you want to upgrade. Getting a higher-tiered body won't necessarily last you any longer than getting a lower-tiered one. And for a first camera, going to a lower tier can save you some money, so that by the time you have lenses and are annoyed enough to want the higher-end body, upgrading would be natural anyways.

If, however, you are a photography student and are going to be shooting full time, then going for a midrange right off the bat is going to be a better choice, because you're going to advance much more quickly to the point of needing the better usability features of a higher-end body.

What you need to know, however, is that higher end bodies are only better in terms of usability. The 7D, 60D, and T2i bodies mostly share the same sensor/processor. So their resolution, iso performance, and image quality, are pretty much the same.

If you're brand new to SLR photography and a hobby shooter, my recommendation would be to get a 500D or 550D with the kit lens, and keep roughly half of your budget for additional lenses. The kit lens is routinely slagged, but if you don't know anything about SLR lenses, it'll give you something to shoot with right away, and enough experience with lenses to figure out what you do want.

[jml79]

Sony cameras offer a good value but it depends on your future plans. Nikon and Canon have larger, deeper product lines if you are looking to get very serious. One of the big advantages of sony is in camera IS. You are never faced with having to decide if spending the extra money on a IS/VR lens is worth it because everything you attach is IS. Even 25 year old minolta lenses.
If you want video in a sony you have to buy the A33 or A55. They offer great video features but have other features that some don't like. Check out dpreview.com for more info than you ever wanted.

Keeping half of your budget for lenses and accessories is great advice.

Remember that you are buying into a system. Not just one camera.

[screwbrain]

Thank you guys for helping me out...I totally understand that as a newbie I should go for 500D or 550D, but as for now its an one time investment for me... So, I think I'm gonna grab the Nikon D7000. Seems its pretty cool. Worth spending those extra bucks, will upgrade the lenses slowly.
Thank you again...