Need help deciding on a new camera!

[xkaradactyl]

I am a photography student in college and I've been working with B&W film, but now I would like to purchase a dslr. I want something really solid and good. My budget isnt much, I need to spend under $600. What is the best dslr for a growing photographer within this budget? I'm talking physical build, image quality, lens quality, settings, auto focus, etc. I would like to get something with that I can add quality affordable lenses to over the years. I know canon and nikon will be likely choices for most, but i am open for any suggestions on a quality camera that will last and consistently give me awesome image quality in raw AND jpeg.

PLEASE HELP!

thanks,
Kara

[dizzy]

S5 pro perhaps? Better results than a Nikon D70 and less than price of second hand Nikon D200.

[xkaradactyl]

My budget is only $600. I was thinking more semi-pro or beginner cameras. Like Nikon D60, D40 or Canon xs, xsi, etc. for example. BUT if anyone knows any better cameras for under $600...PLEASE let me know.

[SmartWombat]

Pentax ?
Sony ?
Olympus ?

What is your current B&W SLR ?

[xkaradactyl]

I have a minolta x700 to shoot film.

I am seriously thinking about getting a nikon d60. the only problem is, i read that you can only get af-s or af-i lenses for this camera. i dont know if this will be a problem in the future, but this camera is probably my favorite right now. i also like canon rebel xsi...even though xs is more in my price range. i also looked at pentax k10d, but the image quality before raw isnt so great. any thoughts from anyone?

[Frog]

You can get other lenses but they won't auto-focus.
Have you consedered re-conditioned. Your requirements are pretty high and when you start adding glass the bucks go up.

[dizzy]

sorry, was thinking in pounds rather than dollars when I recommended the S5 pro. I think you should look at the Sony range as well as you will get much more bang for your buck than the entry level canon and nikons.