What is a good DSLR for an amateur photographer's hobby needs?

I would personally recommend The Canon. It features live view ( which is great for learning how to use Manual exposure ), and it has more AF points, which you may/may not find needed. Both have self-cleaning sensors, and ten megapixels ( or there about ). I think you should get the Canon, you get a few more features as a bonus. Both cameras would produce identical images.

Neither of these DSLRs have built-into-the-body image stabilization and the auxiliary image stabilized lenses are not cheap. And should you want to take videos with sound, there is no such capability.

Here’s a better alternative which will provide you with a full range of photographic options.

If you are really on a budget and want the best quality for the money, check out the P&S Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 [with a Leica lense] which has more features than most pro DSLRs that require auxiliary lenses not even equal to the single initial full-range lense that comes with the FZ28. It is reviewed at:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/panasonic_fz28.html

It just came out on November 4, 2008.

It’s an all-in-one 10.1 megapixel digital camera which includes (i) built-in image stabilization; (ii) HD720 quality video [Quicktime] which permits zooming while videoing; (iii) a 18x zoom [27 - 486 mm (35mm equiv.)] "Leica" lense for nature photography; (iv) up to 0.39 inch macro option; (v) up to 6400 ASA; (vi) takes up to 380 pictures per 120 min. battery charge; (vii) has a "burst speed" of 13 fps; and sells new for $315 at amazon.com.

Here’s an actual handheld picture of the moon:

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/bf/1b/a83ac060ada0881604bad110.L.jpg

If you can take a handheld picture of the moon with an 18X zoom, concert coverage should be a breeze.

Good luck!