What would be the best DSLR to get for a beginner?

[jhonmartinvish]

I'm planning on starting a beginners photography course in September but don't know what kind of camera to get. I want a DSLR or SLR whichever is best? For around £350 and one that will kind of grow with me if that makes sense, so as I advance into intermediate and advanced I can begin to use new features with it such as new lenses etc. Any ideas?

[DigitalScape]

jhonmartinvish,  The various Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc SLR bodies have similar features and capabilities.  I think the most important feature is one that only you can determine and that is which camera body ergonomically fits you best.  To do this, go to your local camera store and actually hold the camera body and see how it fits - do all the buttons and wheels reachable with your fingers with minimal movement.  Some people like the feel and control location of Canon over Nikon and vise versa.
 
Look at each camera's lens selection - once you chose a camera manufacturer, you are pretty much set with what lenses are available.

Between DSLR and SLR, I would go with DLSR.  I think the the DSLR images are just about as good as film (I know that some people would disagree with that).  I like the near immediate feedback you get with a DLSR - you can see the image on the back of the camera, and via computer, you can see the full size image with all the camera settings (EXIF data). for example, if an image is blurry due to camera/lens motion , you can see what the shutter speed was 9and hopefully remember next time to increase it).  With film, you would have had to manually record the camera setting per frame and waited until you saw the contacts or prints.
 
So Bottom line, I can't definitely tell what camera to get (and what you want to shoot has a part in this too).  Best advise is to go to the camera shop and find a good fit, and go from there.  Each camera has its strengths and weaknesses, and people will debate both with equal enthusiasm.  Stick with the major brands and you'll have a great time in the world of photography.

FYI, I shoot with a Canon - nothing against Nikon, Sony (or the others), but I like how the camera body fits in my hands.