So the wife is wanting a better camera, she's really starting to take an interest in photography...mostly outdoorsy, nature stuff, and the kids...so what's the best entry level SLR I can get here for around $1k...Her dad has some kind of Canon, EOS not sure which one, but it's meh...I saw a T3i for 700 or so, would that be a good choice, and then spend the rest on a few lens (if possible, I've seen some high priced kits, but don't really know what to look for).

Thanks for any info

let her practise with her dads cam. later she will be smart enough to choose herself

this.

if not, the t3i is awonderful way to start.

She does, and he doesn't let her use it as much as she wants...we have a decent point and shoot, a Nikon CoolPix L110...she's ready to move up though. Anything better then the T3i at that price point? Is it worth it to buy someones used camera? I see some decent deals on cameras online (craigslist etc...), but not sure if worth it to risk that route? If we do get the T3i, what would be some good lens to get that might not make it go too over budget?

As the others said let her practice with her dads camera. Because maybe she will not enjoy it as much as she used to, the further she experiences a camera the more she knows what she wants to take pictures of.
Like when I first started photography I thought I was gonna do a lot of portraits and landscapes but now I still do like doing landscapes but I also like macro photography. But being a kid doesnt give alot of money to buy a macro lens.
The t3i is one of the newer Dslr's out there and should do just fine, with 300 left over I doubt u got get multiple decent lenses unless you bought like 2 50mms. With 300 you could buy her a 50mm and have 200 left over for like a bag, SD card(s), extra battery maybe, battery grip idk its will up to you.

She's been using her dad's camera off and on for 2 years or so now, just lately he doesn't let her use it as often, and he's talking about buying a new camera himself and giving us his...but neither of us really like his, it just seems like it's not a whole lot better then the Nikon we have now...she wants her own, the Nikon is nice but just not enough. We are getting a new camera around February for sure, just hoping for some feedback on the best camera and maybe 1 lens to start with around that price range.

That's a couple of nods towards the T3i...any thoughts on buying one off craigslist? I've seen a few "new in box" for $135 cheaper then at the store, anything I should look out for if I go that route? Or any better cameras to think about?

Thanks again for the replies!

Get yours from the store longer warranty which can come in handy. Plus its new, you cant always trust the people in craigs list.
What camera does her dad have and what camera do you have?

Ya that's what I was thinking too...but would be nice to get for cheaper...maybe I can find a store that price matches craigslist lmao j/k ofc...

The one we have is
CoolPix L110

Her dads is a canon eos, not sure which off hand, but it's probably 4-5 years old...

Well the key word I read is that you said neither of you guys like his camera.
Dslr's are all pretty much the same just some better then the others, if she doesnt like doing auto/manual focus, iso, white balance, F/stop, or shutter speed then maybe its not for her.

That's not it at all...Can't you just recommend a camera?