DSLR Suggestions

Hey guys. My wife has been hinting that she would like a camera for Chirstmas. The last couple we had were point-and-shoot digitals which have broken and we are down to only taking pics on our cell phones. Don't have need (or budget) for anything real fancy. Just need it to take family photos, vacation pictures, school plays, that sort of thing. She did seem to be leaning heavily in the direction of a DSLR. There are just so many options and models out there it is confusing. So question is, what are the must have features and what things just aren't worth paying extra for. Don't have much of a budget for this, but want your opinions.

Thanks.

Mark


My hunting spot is so secret, not even the elk have found it yet.

I could be wrong, but the DSLR market is all about the lenses, right?
Yeah you get a lot of manual control, but who is going to use all that when the auto setting is right there?

Sounds to me like the DSLR is not really what you are looking for.

"Don't have need (or budget) for anything real fancy. Just need it to take family photos, vacation pictures, school plays, that sort of thing."

I bet you would be far happier with a bridge camera.