And, the cameras recommended by pip22 are quite good ones, too, though they may cost more than you expect.
For the Nikon D40, pricing is at $550 now, but on Amazon it's cheaper.
http://www.amazon.co...r/dp/B000KJQ1DG
For the Pentax K100D, it is currently priced at $599.95, though Amazon quotes it at $1000. Now, it's at $500.
http://www.amazon.co...c...2541&sr=1-1
I hope these can help you make your decision even further.
~Kelvin