Sony Alpha DSLR-A100K w/ 18-70mm F/3.5-5.6 Lens

Pros: E-Z-2-Use controls, flexible settings displays, control-freak-level image controls

Cons: Heavy, no LCD image preview, some settings/controls counter-intuitive

Summary: Nothing better for the money ... period. Startup time is fast enough, but then, I don't shoot sports. Flash settings require wading through menus, so why not a flash toggle button (fill, sync, stops, etc.)? Still, using the top dial, it's okay. Image quality is very good and, with image stabilization, I've gotten shots that would've bombed on my other cameras. My brother is a professional photog -- he used it and was impressed, especially in light of the price. Wide range of lenses and a trip to eBay will yield lots of decent Minolta glass for reasonable prices. I've got two hi-power Minolta flashes and love how this (like old Minnies) does wireless flash sync out of the box. I love mine and have already sold some prints -- 'nuff said.