Info on good cameras please?

[B K]

Megapixels are not important AT ALL!! - got it?? All modern DSLR cameras have more than enough megapixels, so you can score that right off your list of requirements.

Your uncle is right, lenses are more important than camera bodies. Even more important however is the skill of the photographer. Buying a good camera does not guarantee good photographs. Of course that skill can be learnt. But if you are expecting instant success, you are going to be disappointed.

For a beginner, what you are looking for is an entry level DSLR - the kind that comes with a kit lens. That's all you need to get started as a hobbyist.

You can forget buying any Canon L series lenses on your budget. They will cost way more than the camera.

There are more camera manufacturers than Canon or Nikon. All DSLRs are good. The brand is irrelevant.