im a canon nut. i use my trusty canon rebel. never once have i had one of my pics turn out bad! but just a suggestion!

Nikon D40
Canon Rebel XT

Both awesome and under or around $400 i have seen them both for $350

I would definitively recommend a Digital Rebel that you can afford or go one step above and get the Canon 50D.
I begun with Rebel XT and have shot over 30,000 with it and still like my camera…but now is my backup camera

I started with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, and I have found no flaws so far. I have used it for over a year and it is an extremely great tool to use in your situation. This camera has transformed my photography skills, and made me such a better photographer than I was before!

I am a Canon fan. I have a Canon 50D. But I have friends who started with the Canon Rebel which can be found at your local Wal-Mart.

Nikon is good