what are you guys using, why are you using it? I am looking to get one, I just want to make sure I am making the right decision.

 

Nikon yo! I have a D50, the new D90 is pretty sweet, it records HD videos! and takes great photos

 

Cannon makes the best SLR digital bodies but you'll spend a bundle for a pro-quality outfit. I've been eyeing them for years. For "instant" digital cameras I like the Olympus, own 2 of them. State your price range and purpose

pss I hate the Nikons

 

why because of their supperior lenses i have owned both and thats my choice!
canon has great stuff too i would look into some of the new rebel models if you want a smaller dslr.
nikon has the d80 and d40x which are both great setups.

i would say you cant go wrong with nikon or canons entry level dslr's

 

I am looking to get into the next stage of photography.....(cheaper hobby than cocaine) and I would like an intermediate set up. Something to get started and use for a year or two and upgrade then. I have been looking at set ups that are 700-800 bucks for a bundle deal.

The use would be car photos (obviously) and some nature/outdoors pics.

 

canon rebel xsi, xti
nikon d60,d80
I bought my d50 two years ago and have been well pleased with it, I have done four weddings, multiple portraits and family photos.

do you have a film slr right now?

 

Negative, I have a point and shoot olympus.

 

Cannon. I dislike the Nikon's but to be fair haven't used one since the 900
Most professional and experienced amateurs will use the Cannon. You can get a body for ~$600 or a 'kit' with a wide angle lens for $700 but good lenses are what will kill you. A decent lens will run in the $2400 range and you'll want a few of them.

I am [] close to going to BestBuy and sticking one on my card, I have been looking at these and talking to people for the last 7 years about them.

 

I have been looking at the XSI, this deal on EBAY (god I hate EBAY) is almost too hard to pass up:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CANON-EOS-Rebel-XSi-450D-Digital-SLR-Camera-5-Lens_W0QQitemZ290261402656QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 290261402656&_trkparms=72%3A1205|39%3A1|66%3A2|65% 3A12|240%3A1308&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

wow, that looks like a killer deal and those lenses will get you by until you are ready to upgrade to the real ones. My kid's friend works for Ray Manzarek in LA advised me that the bodies are pretty much all the same.