Best dSLR for macro and candid shots?

Since you like Canon this is how you need to think.

1) Its NOT the camera body but the lens that is really working in the macro mode. You can get the $8000 1Ds Mk.III or the $550 XTi but neither of them really offer anything special in the macro realm (there is a difference in focusing points and metering but thats beyond the scope of this discussion).

2) You need a lens that can be mounted on either type of camera that will allow you to produce an image that is on the 1:1 scale. E.G whatever part of the flower/bug you are looking at through the Viewfinder (VF) the same size image is produced on the sensor. You can do this with three dedicated Macro lenses: EF 50mm f/2.5 macro, EF-S 60mm f/2.8 macro and the EF 100mm f/2.8 macro ($442). There is a fourth the EF 180mm f/3.5L macro ($1200) you don't want this lens unless you are really ready for it.

3) All the above listed lenses are primes (i.e. they don't zoom from xx-XXX, so you need to use your feet to get close or further from your object) but primes are known for the super sharp image quality.

4) Everyone has a limited budget. So if you ask me what I would do. I would get a EF 100mm f/2.8 its a very very good lens and it will do great macro and if and when you do people photography (portraits: when you can tell people to pose the way you want them to) it will simple be superb. But the lens cost $442 shipped so you might want to consider ANY Canon DSLR body (or even an EOS film body...remember all Canon EF lenses work with all EOS bodies..be they digital or film) that you can afford. XT/XTI/20D/30D/40D/1DMk.IIN/Mk.IIIN etc

You will need some other accessories depending on the type of pics you will be taking.

a) Tripod: You will be shooting very small objects and any shake will be magnified so you want to stabilize your gear.

b) Macro Flash: When you really get good with your gear you might want extra light and thats why they make the dedicated Macro flash like MR-14EX/MR-24EX. Note these are VERY expensive so you only want to consider them (and other macro flashes from Sigma) when you really want to expand your macro photography realm.

Since you are mostly shooting macro, you can really go with any BRAND dSLR, but you want something with a good selection of macro lenses. For that reason, and because you're familiar with their menus already, I would reccomend Canon. The 20D is a great camera and has recently come down in price because two other generations have come out after it. Canon has a very large variety of lenses available for macro work as well as for the more standard stuff. You can also consider off-brand lens makers such as Tamron and Sigma for cheaper, but still quality lens alternatives. Price-wise, your best deals would be to look for on on E-bay, B&H.com, or anywhere that sells used. I hope this helps!

Here's a different idea:

Instead of skimping on camera quality or buying something that's used or repaired, why not save your money and stick with the camera you have already? Seriously.

Canon makes an accessory for your camera, the LA-DC58G converter, that allows you to use 58mm filters. With this, you can then purchase a close-up lens set and do a lot more close-up photography for less than $100.

A DSLR won't get you close to anything. You'll need a good macro lens for that. Assume a low-priced DSLR of $700, and a low-priced macro lens in the $800 price range, and you're looking at at least $1500 to take macro photos -- and you don't have any memory cards, camera bag, extra batteries or flash yet. (And the $1500 is a conservative number, in my opinion.)

Learn with the close-up set first. No, it won't be as good as a "real" macro lens, but it'll allow you to put aside money over time so you can ultimately buy the camera you want and not have to cut corners and buy dodgy equipment.

Essentially, there are three main components to your solution:

1) a good camera body

2) a good macro lens

3) adequate lighting.

I know you don't feel particularly fond of Nikons, but their flash system is pretty darn good. Hence, I am going to make some recommendations for you, because for macros, lighting is critical.

1) Camera body: A used Nikon D70 or D70s.

2) Lighting: The Nikon R1 wireless closeup flash

3) Lens: The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro (you'll need an adapter ring for the flash) or the Nikon 60mm f/2.8 Micro lens or the Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 lens

This setup should give you superb macro shots without a lot of fuss.

Now, if you really want to do this without a lot of layout of money...here's my cheaper version:

1) Fujifilm S2 Pro or Canon 20D, used

2) used Sunpak DX-12R ring flash with module for camera (Nikon TTL module for Fujifilm S2 Pro or Canon module for Canon. I know the Nikon TTL module works with my S2 Pro; can't vouch for the Canon).

3) Tamon 90mm f/2.8 or the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro lens.

The big differences with the macro lenses are working distance and depth of field. As you increase the focal length (more mm), you get more working distance between the end of the lens and the subject, but your depth of field gets shallower too. The Sigma 50mm macro lens is very inexpensive too for a macro lens.

This setup will open up a whole new macro photography world, allowing you to get photos you couldn't before, due to the improved lighting capabilities.