One major reason to go with a Nikon or a Canon, even in a first SLR, is the quality and range of interchangeable lenses available. The more points, the more accurate the autofocus . Multipoint autofocus helps prevent the camera from keying on to an extraneous object in the foreground or background, rather than the subject of the photograph. For autofocus cameras, manual overrides give you more options . Programmed features can set the autoexposure for particular situations .
Some cameras have a user-programmable mode that's held in memory.
The more shutter speeds, the better . A broad range of available shutter speeds lets you capture the action or blur it for effect. Faster electronic flash synch speed allows for a better balance between flash and ambient light . Look for a high continuous shooting rate . The faster the better.