I would suggest starting out by making a list of the type of uses you will want your camera to handle. Action, close up, night photography, zoom lens for far away pictures, wide angle for close up, external flash connection, video capable, need changeable lenses? These are just some of the things you might want to think about before asking a question like " what camera to buy for X amount"?

It is like someone coming here and asking what speakers do I buy if I have $300.00 to spend? The first question would be .... What are you going to use them for?

I also second asking at the photography review site. What camera you need to buy is determined by what you want to do with it, Jeff