A couple pf years ago we bought a Nikon package deal through Amazon.
It has the Nikon D3200 (24.2 mp) body, standard Nikon 70 lens and a Tamron 300 lens (both with UV filters), remote control, external flash, tripod, bag, two SD cards, charger and a couple other do-dads. We paid $550 shipped. I later ordered two more batteries and a spare car charger.
Great battery life between charges (especially if not using flash).
It takes great photos, and is user friendly.
Each photo uses about 13 to 14 megs of space.
My sister-in-law has a Canon Rebel 18 mp and there is no comparison in photo quality.... the Nikon flat out performs it (in my humble subjective opinion...heck, I have a Kodak 14 mp that takes clearer photos than her Canon). **Not knocking Canon cameras, just that model she has.
We use the 300 lens way more than I thought we would, and it really is only too big for indoor and really close ranges.