The DSLR has now become as cheap and affordable as the SLRs of the 1980s. In fact, a quick search on Amazon reveals SLRs starting from as little as $400. For the more affluent, one could spend upwards of $4000 on SLR. With such a range of cameras to choose from, it would seem the newcomer might easily become confused. How can you ensure you buy the right camera for your money and that you won't end up regretting your purchase in the coming months?
Core Features vs the Bells and Whistles
Think about the programs that come with a washing machine; there are lots and lots. Now be honest, how many of these programs have you actually used? In many ways, the DSLR market is like this. Many camera 
manufacturers out there will convince you that you need live view or anti-dust filters. Whilst these features are great to have, you will end up paying for them. Some of these features can escalate the price by $500 or more. So what? Not a problem if you aren't on a budget but for most of us, that is money that could be spent elsewhere.
Ask any film user and they will tell you about the good old days of film. A typical camera then came with the ability to shoot in four modes: P, S, A and M. Each of these modes allowed you to control the camera in different ways, and as you become more experienced, you would look to use each of these modes depending on what it is you wanted to do. Someone looking to use one of these film cameras would start in P mode where the camera set the aperture (the size of the opening) and shutter speed for you. Once you had learned how the two were related, you would very gingerly begin to use A and S modes (aperture & shutter modes). Here you set the aperture and the camera would set the shutter speed, or you could control the shutter speed and the camera would control the aperture. Eventually, once you had mastered the idea that light hitting the film is dependent on those two factors, you would confidently use full manual mode (M).
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