I think buying SLR is not a good choice for you, Go for dSLR( digital SLR). O f course slr are little bit cheaper than the dslr however due to the cost of film and processing you gonna pay alot more. On dslr you can review the picture instantly and erase the memory card for further use. And the other think is that if you are only thinking of taking the photographs not the videos then dslr cameras are good because dslr doesnot have video function. I think Sony HDR-SR11 will be the best choice for both video and still photo becoz it has 10Mp still photo and Full HD video. If you really want the dslr then Sony Alpha 350 or higher will be the best for your price range.