Hey, i have a Nikon D40, which is fantastic! There might be some people on here that will knock it, considering its only 6 mega pixels, and only comes with the basic 18-55mm lense kit, but it takes fantastic photos, and if i remember correctly, should be in your price range. So yeah, thats what i would recommend, or if you have a lil more money, the D40x, as it is the same camera, but 10 mega pixels. Most DSLR cameras in your price range will have an 18-55mm lense kit, which is fine for what you wanna do, just make sure its not some fixed lense shit, make sure it's removable, so you can upgrade the lense eventually if you get really into it. Hope i have helped. Sam