Digital Photography Noob needing Help

All right so I've been using digi cams for years after my old Cannon AE1 35mm finally broke. I'm looking at getting an (I assume) semi-professional digital camera and am really looking for a good Digital SLR camera for the swapable lenses etc. I'm not a professional and don't claim to be, just looking to expand my knowledge base and try something that I used to have alot of fun with. So all you photography gurus, please let me know what you reccomend for someone like myself both lens and body wise.

Thanks, 
Grant

Whats your budget??  What do you plan on shooting???

For me, it was either the nikon d40 or the xt that was within my budget..(600) and was good beginner cameras..

I got the canon xt with the kit lens because I didn't want to spend alot just for a new hobby plus with the canon , you have more  lens choices than the d40.... I also got it for cheap (550) new..

I also lurke @ *[url]http://photography-on-the.net/forum*[/url] It's a canon spcific website.. I go there  to learn more about lenses, lighting etc.. i'm just starting in the hobby also and want to learn more.

.All I can say is that it's a expensive hobby ..The lenses are the big ticket items..You find yourself wanting this and that..I could have gotten new wheels for my van but oh well..

Do you reasearch and you'll be gald you did..HOpe this helps..

*EDIT*

canon 20d or 30d

dont ever get a rebeli hate mine, its sooo inferior compared to the latter.

i have decided to get a Sony DSLR-100K kit I can get one from my work with my discount for $524 with a lens.  It uses the Maxxum Lens' from Minolta as well as a plethora of Carl Zeiss and DT Lens from Sony.  You guys should check out cyberscholar.net (or .com)and do the tutorial.  You might be able to get a 40% discount like i did.  Planning on picking mine up as soon as I sell my Kodak Z612 and my lens and adapters.  

Any input would be helpful though if this is a worth investnment:

[img]http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/sc/31885538-2-300-camera+on-1.gif[/img]

Nikons or Canons for DSLR...

So you don't think this is a worthy camera (Sony DSLR A100K)?

not for a dslr...
 
the best to get are what grant mentioned and nikons 
d50,d70,d80 d2 d2x...it depends on your budget and the thing with nikon is that you will get same 
quality shots with all there cameras...as you move up the ladder you have more fine tunning built in the camera, but for someone like myself that can make all those adjustments in PS...the d50 works for me.. would not mind having the d80 but thats probably about it..

I have the Sony A100 and I love it. I've played with Nikons and Canons before and the only thing I can say that the Sony has a problem with is noise at high ISO levels and the lack of lenses they make for it. I believe it has the same style sensor as a Nikon and it has the same if not more features as the Rebel XTi with the price of the XT. It's basically a Konica Minolta Maxxum 5d, same lens mount and all, with a Sony name badge. Also I favored built in image stabilization since I'm not planning to go pro and I don't want to spend $500 on a lens with it.

I think it is a perfect camera for a beginner.

Love my Nikon D70s.  Best camera I've owned yet for the money and isn't too complicated for novices if you don't mind reading up and practicing/testing settings and what not.  Sony is too proprietary when it comes to digital media.  I only buy Sony TV's.

[QUOTE=FAL;76512]I have the Sony A100 and I love it. 
I think it is a perfect camera for a beginner.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=elpresidente;76513] Sony is too proprietary when it comes to digital media.  I only buy Sony TV's.[/QUOTE]

I thought it used a compact flash cards and an adapter to use memorystick duo to a compact flash.

What options would you recommend FAL that i purchase. Is the 55mm lens a problem to work with.  Let me know about to sink the deal on this in the next week. After maximizing my discount i can break it below the $500 mark total shipped to me.  Let me know.