That's a difficult question to answer.

Yes, there are DSLRs that you can get starting in that range and they are all competent cameras. However, the kit lenses that come with them vary in their levels of quality. The difference that can make is in the sharpness (clarity) of their shots.

Some cameras to consider would be the
Canon Rebel XTi
Nikon D40x
Nikon D60
Olympus E410
Olympus E510
Olympus E520
Sony Alpha 200
Pentax 110D

All of these are nice entry level DSLRs. Of these the Nikon and Olympus have good "kit" lenses while the kit lens of the Sony, Pentax and Canon cameras aren't as sharp (They all make sharp lenses, their kit lens just isn't one of them).

So if you are going to be restricted to your $600 budget, I think you would be happier in the short run with the nikon or olympus. The Olympus (and Sony) also gives in-camera image stabilization, which can make a differnce in macro shooting. Nikon and Canon offer it, but only as in-lens stabilization at an extra cost.

You can compare these at the link I provided below.

You ought to look at some of the very nice fixed lens cameras available. There are some good fixed lens cameras that will meet your needs very well. You don't get the potential for expansion like you do with a DSLR, but you can get some excellent shots with many of these. However, I am unfamiliar with most of these cameras so I can't be much help.

Lastly, be wary of the comments like "I have the Nikon/Sony/Olympus/Canon model #### and I think it is great. Here are some photos". It isn't that those comments aren't sincere and intended to help, but usually the people who are posting such comments have only ever used that one digital camera (or at best, one other) and so don't have much basis on which to compare (I for example have most of my experience with Sony/Minolta DSLRs and no experience with Olympus, so it would be hard for me to make any useful comments about Olympus). It is more useful to look at review sites done by pros like dpreview.com or Steve's Digicams.
Entry Level DSLR comparison


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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

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