Verified answer

Not all DSLRs are "professional grade" cameras. Entry level cameras like the Canon T3i or the Nikon D3100 are consumer grade ...

In the Canon lineup (I know Canon best so I'll use that) ... the lowest model that is considered "Pro grade" is the 5D and then go up from there (5DMkII 1DmkWhatever, 1DSMkkwhatever, 1Dx when it comes out).

Everything under that in consumer grade. Does it mean they are bad cameras? no! Just means that they aren't built with the photography pro in mind.

Now, for someone just starting, I always recommend you get the entry level camera (unless video is important to you) and save your money for better lenses / shoe mount flash later down the road.

Nikon: D3100.

Canon: T3 or T3i (if video is important)

I don't know much about the other brands.

Even if you are starting a course one would hope you have some basic understanding to start with.

If not much else I would hope you realize there are two brands to choose from if you wish to have a professional camera.

Cannon and Nikon

I myself use Nikon kit when I worked professional so I still use it now. The rest is down to budget top of the range Pro will be £3500 - 5000 for the body only. I expect this will be a bit to much so then you just keep going down the range till you hit your price range.

The key advantage of Nikon / Cannon is you can buy the best body / lenses you can afford and upgrade when you can afford better. I would never skimp on the lens this is a key component to get a good quality image. So while you might not be able to afford a pro body, you can buy a pro lens and then upgrade the body later. Also you will be able to hire kit for either brand if you need to.

More info on budget would help

Canon EOS 550d has a pretty good review:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos550d/

http://www.dpreview.com/camerareviews/?category=ca...