The cheapest and best would either be a Nikon D50 or a Nikon D70s (if the Nikon D70 is no longer available anywhere).Some snippets from the D50 conclusion:"Unlike Canon when they produced the EOS 300D (Digital Rebel) Nikon chose not to cripple their affordable digital SLR. Instead the D50 while lacking some of the D70's features doesn't compromise performance or photographic flexibility, most important for first time buyers who (surely) the manufacturers hope will progress to a more expensive D-SLR later."&"The nicest thing about the D50 however is that it just feels right, build wise it's a step above the Canon EOS 350D and Pentax *ist DS, it's also not too small, I'm all for making cameras lighter but there's a limit as to how small you can make an SLR before the hand grip feels cramped and controls begin to get in the way. The D50 feels as responsive as any film camera and is a pleasure to shoot with. The only change I would make would probably be a larger viewfinder view (like that of the Pentax *ist DS).I'm quite happy to give the D50 our highest rating, Highly Recommended, there's little to dislike and for anyone looking for an affordable digital SLR it has to be seriously considered. My only advice would be to research lenses and decide if you want to go with the Kit or spend a little more on a slightly better lens."The following links will give you a guidline as to price and say a little something about lenses.Nikon D50
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond50/Nikon D70s (Just some info not a full review)
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0504/05...kond70s.aspAnd not to be completly biased.The site also reviews the 350D that someone else has mentioned.350D
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos350d/From the conclusion:"when we reviewed the EOS 300D we were disappointed that they had chosen to effectively cripple it by 'coding out' certain features such as metering mode, AF mode, flash exposure compensation, flash sync curtain, mirror lock-up etc. These features were removed in software and it wasn't long before hackers began to restore them in the form of unofficial firmware updates. Thus we should remember that quite a few of the 'new features' available on this camera are there just because they've not been removed.We did have some control issues too, I was surprised to see settings such as ISO, metering, AF mode and white balance moved from the status LCD to the LCD monitor (which means you have to be able to see it to make changes) and with the requirement of an extra press of the SET button to make changes stick. Lets hope a firmware update can take care of that. We were also disappointed with the 'new' Kit lens, it effectively cripples the potential of the 350D with softness and ghosting at small apertures, do yourself a favour and go for the body only option along with a good lens (the EF-S 17-85 mm IS is good but expensive)."Though remember the choice of DSLR is also that of personal choice so try and give whichever cameras you are considering a trial run. Also remember not only does the Body (camera) make a difference but also the choice of lens.Good luck in your choice.PSAs I am sure you are aware the Cybershots & Powershots are not DSLRs.PPSThe KODAK P850 is also not a DSLR.People he asked about DSLR's not any old digital camera.