Below $1k. Again its just a start to a lifetime of photography so it doesn't have to be the most expensive camera. I've kinda narrowed down to a few but I want to make sure i get the most for my $ since I'm paying for it. I'm not so much worried about the Video capabilities of a camera, I'm more worried about cameras that can take the best picture for my $. I know skills are required but thats part of learning.
1) I really like the Nikon D5000 but I've read people don't like the Lens that comes with the body. So at around $850+tax I won't have room for a lens at the time until I can save up.
I just bought a D5000 and really like it. I think the lens is fine for a kit lens. I'm not sure where you got the $850 price tag, since you can get it on Amazon for around $680 right now:
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D5000-1...r_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285270923&sr=8-1
At that price you could buy a second lens and still be under $1k.