The low price of the **Canon 550d** (Rebel T2i in US) and all advantages of Full HD Video shooting up to 30 frames per second is a great choice if you go to Canon ... Canon and Nikon are like BMW and Mercedes, they are both great in this range that you are looking for, because I already had 4 Canon's and 3 EF lens, **I bought the 550d** and the Video and the Shooting **is just fantastic**, the LCD has vibrant colors and it's huge :) **It's very light and an excellent choice not only for beginners**, but as well when you start to know a little better of shooting photos and you need a little more. There are several magazines and reviews that put head to head both Canon's and Nikon's ... just go to a photo shop, pick up one in your hand and see witch you prefer more. > [Digital Preview review][1] > [Key features review][2] (youtube) If you want to save more money and the 550d is a little out of your pockets range, **try the 500d or 450d**, a used model is very cheap and people are trying to sell them to buy the new 550d. ![alt text][3] [1]: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos550d/ [2]: http://www.photoradar.com/reviews/buying-guides-video/canon-eos-550d-review-of-key-features [3]: http://www.letsgodigital.org/images/artikelen/6/550d_review.jpg