The first DSLR that I used with any regularity is the Canon EOS 60D. It is a good DSLR for beginners as it is reasonably affordable, takes good quality photographs (18 Megapixel) and HD video, and can use either EF or EF-S lenses. I needed a camera that would do double duty with video/photos and this fit the bill.
One of the biggest differences between this camera and the higher end Canon’s is that the 60D has what’s referred to as a “cropped” sensor and therefore was designed to use EF-S lenses. A cropped sensor is smaller than the full-frame sensors found on higher-end cameras. The EF-S lenses are built in such a way as to accommodate the smaller sensor by projecting a smaller image onto it. A standard EF lens will project an image much larger than the cropped sensor, thereby adding a zoom effect when used with the 60D camera. But since EF-S lenses aren’t compatible with the higher end Canon’s, it’s still better to invest in EF lenses if you think you might upgrade in the future.
The 60D is still available but has been replaced in production by other Canon models like the 70D, 77D, and the 80D, all of which are both EF and EF-S compatible.