I have looked on several digital camera websites and have narrowed the choices given me there to about four or five.
Here are two different websites' comparison charts:
http://www.photographyreview.com/ProductComparecrx.aspx?pid=27740487-24535773-23942030-29350544-22822662&befid=7185
AND
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos350d%2Cnikon_d50%2Coly_e500%2Cpen tax_istds2&show=all

They are all excellent cameras, but somehow I feel that I've missed a lot of the cameras out there, possibly cheaper and better suited for my likings. Any advice?
The main things I am looking for in a camera:
digital SLR
good manual control
medium-range lens, good zoom
5 or more megapixels
$500 or less, preferrably
I'll be using it mainly for traveling, nature shots (landscape, wildlife, flowers, etc), and everyday shots of people.

I know there's a lot here, but any advice/info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
undefined_orange

If you haven't chosen already use this site and put in your parameters and it will show you the choices.

I have looked on several digital camera websites and have narrowed the choices given me there to about four or five.
Here are two different websites' comparison charts:
http://www.photographyreview.com/ProductComparecrx.aspx?pid=27740487-24535773-23942030-29350544-22822662&befid=7185
AND
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos350d%2Cnikon_d50%2Coly_e500%2Cpen tax_istds2&show=all

They are all excellent cameras, but somehow I feel that I've missed a lot of the cameras out there, possibly cheaper and better suited for my likings. Any advice?
The main things I am looking for in a camera:
digital SLR
good manual control
medium-range lens, good zoom
5 or more megapixels
$500 or less, preferrably
I'll be using it mainly for traveling, nature shots (landscape, wildlife, flowers, etc), and everyday shots of people.

I know there's a lot here, but any advice/info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
undefined_orange
For Less than $500, you are going to be hard pressed to get a lens and DSLR.

I may be selling my DSLR D70 and Quantaray 28-200 lens and/or 28-90 lens (28-90 lens is new, still in the box). (I recently upgraded my camera and lens equipment.) Something like that may fit your budget. Let me know if you are interested? Either way good luck with your purchase.:thumbsup:

If you want in-camera IS, you're stuck with either the Sony or the Pentax K100D. Soon there will be a K10D but it's going to cost an thousand bucks.

You might be able to get a digital Rebel with a lens for a decent price, Canon has come out with newer models and they're selling off old stock.