I'm looking at a Nikon D5200 18-55 VR Kit. I'm basically a beginner photographer who has never used a DSLR but I'm looking to improve. I'm planning on using it to mainly take pictures of cars so please help me out and tell me if you think it is a good camera choice for me! Also, any recommendations on a lens for it would help, I'm looking for something that I can leave on it all the time but has a better range and possible better zoom! Thanks!

I wish I could help, but unfortunately I don't have a DSLR yet haven't had much luck getting advice on what camera to upgrade to myself.

I currently have D5100(basically the same just a bit older). It was my first camera and I never had any experience with a DSLR prior to me buying one. It's easy to use and you can learn the basics really quickly. That being said, I think it's a great choice.

I bought a Nikon D3200 a couple of weeks ago and I love it! I recommend getting the 55-200 lens for zoom and a polarizer. Besides the D3200 has 24.2 MP while the D5200 has 24.1 lol 0.1 difference!

It's good. Maybe get some cheaper body so you can afford a better lens.

D3200!

I've heard great things about the D3300, since it's the newer model and produces less noise, more mp, and slightly larger sensor.

i use a D3200, and i have to say, it's quite amazing.
Does everything i want it to, plus the shutter speed is pretty spectacular considering how fast some car goes lol
i bought mine at Costco with a bundle for $800 which included:
camera bag
18-55 mm zoom
55-200 mm zoom
dvds and stuff
16gb memory card

Nikon D3100 is pretty user friendly.
I use a 18mm-200mm lens with the D3100 as well, but for starting out, just a 18mm-55 will be great.

U know with a DSLR you can change the shutter speed to be open from 30 seconds to 1/4000s of a second so it's plenty fast enough

A word of advice that no one ever told me: don't just look at the entry-level DSLR. Look at the high-end ones from that brand too. I got a D3100 and have since gone through four Nikkor lenses as I now have my D7100. So now I'm tied to Nikon because I have so many Nikon lenses. I wish I could eventually get a Canon 5D mkIII but I really can't because of all the Nikon equipment I have. So make sure you look into your future investments as well. Buying a DSLR isn't as easy as people make it seem, there are a lot of factors to consider.

Thanks to everyone for the advice! I think I will buy the Nikon D5200 18-55 VR Kit. It really helps that I am getting it $300 off for $499.99. To Jon, there is always the Nikon 800D that can easily compete with and even beat the other high-end cameras!

The D800 and D800E seem to be great but from what I've read, it isn't overall better than the mkIII. Though, a decision for a much later time.

Wow $800!
I payed $626 at Target! Lol

What would be a good beginner camera? Something not so expensive?