@GMAN1220 wrote:
The main purpose of this camera will be to shoot action shots of my kids playing sports. I am a relative beginner to DSLR so I am trying to do as much research as possible before making a purchase.
This is probably one of the best options within this price range. If I was to recommend a beginner setup to a family member this is exactly what I would recommend. Though, as noted above, I'd buy it from B&H, not the link you posted.
Sports photography is one of the most demanding forms of photography. You need fast shutter speeds to catch the action, and you need long lenses to get close to the action. Fast shutter speeds is easy during the day. But in heavy overcast, at night, or indoors, the camera will struggle to get enough light. The solution is to use lenses with really wide apertures that collect a lot of light. But a long lens with a wide aperture is very, very expensive.
So, can you do what the pros do with this setup? No, of course not. But is there a better reasonable option out there, no. Like I said, this is a fine beginner system. You'll be able to get some nice photos of your kids. Will they be good enough for the cover of Sports Illustrated, probably not. But I don't know what you expect out of your camera. The performance will be far, far better than any point and shoot you've ever used.
Somebody may bring up more advanced cameras. Canon has cameras that are geared towards sports photographers with advanced autofocus systems. Yes, a more advanced camera may help you get a few more in-focus shots, but I don't think the cost difference is worth it. You're new to dSLR photography. So get a beginner setup. Shoot some photos of your kids. Have some fun, learn a bit about photography. And, if in the future you decide you upgrade to a better lens or something, then go for it.
They will even talk to you and answer your questions on the phone. In my area there is a really good camera store. Their prices are very near B&H or Adorama but it is local and you have a knowledgable person, face to face, to talk to. See if one is in your are as a possibility. Don't be afraid to tell them B&H's or Adorama's price if theirs is too much higher.
