I am a professional photographer and production artist. My recommendations for cameras are as follows for your budget in order form best to good:
Canon
Nikon
Fuji
Olympus
Canon makes fantastic cameras, my studio owns two EOS 1Ds MArk II's $15,000 USD with lenses. I own a Canon G5 for home and its a wonderful camera. Technique comes with practice, a natural photographic eye is something your born with. If we all had it I woundnt be able command the money I do for production. Taking the photo is only half the battle the other half is production.
Canon
Nikon
Fuji
Olympus
Canon makes fantastic cameras, my studio owns two EOS 1Ds MArk II's $15,000 USD with lenses. I own a Canon G5 for home and its a wonderful camera. Technique comes with practice, a natural photographic eye is something your born with. If we all had it I woundnt be able command the money I do for production. Taking the photo is only half the battle the other half is production.