Tam's usually a good source. Personally, I've been looking at the Nikon D90 at costco it seems like a really nice deal. The price looks a little steep for just the body, but then I'm not a camera buff.
You aren't going to beat Nikon or Canon on an SLR; Sony's better than they used to be now that they own Konica/Minolta, but they're still too pricey. The D90 is indeed a great camera; actually, for an intro DSLR, the D40 (6MP one, not the D40X) is a GREAT camera... then you learn what you want without breaking the bank.
You'll soon realize that it's really all in the lenses however; if you go with the Canon rebel series, you'll find a lot of really cheap lenses that will work with your body. Nikon is more expensive, and Sony even more so. Make sure you get a decent 15-55mm lens and a decent 55-200/300 lens - and the vibration reduction feature is great to have.
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