Canon EOS Rebel T3 (with 18-55mm IS II lens)

Pros: This camera apparently has a lot of capability but I have not been able to use it yet.

Cons: The camera body is so flimsy that with normal holding pressure in my right hand, my thumb could make the display go to half-brightness and flicker. Let up with my thumb, display works properly. Press right above the four way selector switch.

Summary: I sent the camera with the original pre-printed registration card to the "warranty" repair center. Since this was a Christmas gift I do not have an itemized sales receipt. Canon sent me an estimate for $220 to fix a camera that was defective out of the box. Unacceptable. Zero for customer service.

Updated on Feb 21, 2012

Customer Service / Repair Center accepted my purchase information and they repaired the intermittent camera and shipped it to my door in less than seven days. Very speedy and responsive service.
This camera has seven semi-automatic modes (portrait, distance, close-up, etc.)and four manual / coupled modes, and a movie mode. Compared to my 1970s vintage SLR this camera has all I was looking for, and then some.
I have not used the photo software very much yet but it is far and away the best I have seen, very intuitive.
I like the grip and feel of the camera. Unlike cell phones and point and shoot cameras this one is not going to be dropped. The buttons are easy to work.
I would have to give the Canon Rebel T3 a solid 4 now, possibly a 5 after I learn to use more of its features.