They are the size of a point and shoot but with the senor size of a DSLR and the ability to change lenses like a DSLR they can be more affordable as well. I have a Sony NEX 3 and love it. The picture quality is fantastic and I bought it for low light photos where it performs great! MTF's now have a wide range of offerings and might be good for you to look at.
For me, currently in a digital photography class, an MTF was the perfect step up from my point and shoot. My professor loves the camera as well.
I would suggest knowing what you want to take pictures of, action, bright light, low light and then do the research into the camera will best suit you.
I am a DSLR beginner as well. I bought the Nikon 3100 and I love it. Even if you dont know what you are doing, there's never a bad photograph from that camera
I was in the same position a few months ago. I found the folks on the Photography Board to be very helpful. If you look over there you'll find several posts similar to yours, all with good info.
I am a DSLR beginner as well. I bought the Nikon 3100 and I love it. Even if you dont know what you are doing, there's never a bad photograph from that camera
Ultimately that was my choice too. I got the package that came with the 18-55 zoom and the 55-200 zoom. Both are good, but I'm now longing for the 18-200 zoom so I can just bring one lens for all my shooting.
Canon or Nikon--both have great entry level cameras. Also, check out this website. http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/10 Tons of great used stuff here, and these people take care of their equipment. I've saved hundreds--if not over a thousand dollars--buying used equipment here and never have had a bad purchase.
Pentax, Olypmus, Sony... all have good cameras in addition to Canon and Nikon.
The Pentax K-X or K-r are great entry level cameras with better features than many other entry level dSLRs that cost more from Canon or Nikon. And they come in fun colors.