I'm starting to seriously look into getting an SLR. Right now I use a point and shoot kodak, so I'm sure any model will be a step up. So, question is, what is a good starting point for a beginner photographer?
I'm considering:
Canon XT
Canon XTi
Canon 30D
Nikon d40x
Nikon D80
Nikon D200
Pentax K10D
Sony Alpha A100

I'm hoping to spend about $1000, may go up to $1500. So, for the price's I'm looking at what can/should I get? Should I get a kit to start, with the camera and lens? I've read in many posts that the kit lenses are pretty bad...But I can get a Canon 30D with kit lens for like $1200. Or am I better off going with the Canon XT for $435 and getting a good lens or 2 or 3? ;)
Or, the Sony Alpha is looking promising too...Opinions? What should I look for in a good lens? I'm totally clueless...
I have done a lot of reading/looking at reviews, and they all have there pro's and con's, and I cannot narrow it down to one that stands out from the other for me.
Thanks
Jamie
PS, I had a huge post typed up like 3 or 4 times with prices and links to camera's, kits, lenses etc, but I kept getting error pages, and the page kept closing on me! Had a ton of stuff there for comparison.