If you're wanting to take the shooting seriously and want the control of a digital SLR on that budget, look into a used DSLR. I bought both of mine (yep, one for each hand) off the classifieds at Sports Photography and Photojournalism for Professional Photographers and Photography | SportsShooter.com. Most of the classifieds are only viewable by members, but some are open to the public. You need an IMPRESSIVE portfolio to get on as a member. Most of the members there are working professionals in the media, and when they upgrade, last generation's stuff goes up for sale.

Craigslist might be viable in your area - there are plenty of used DSLRs here in Atlanta on there, but one wonders if they're too hot to touch, y'know?

Bottom line, do your homework, and while we offer lots of suggestions, make your own decisions. Cameras are just as varied as an artist's brushes and what fits one's hand may not in another's.

(Still shooting with a Canon 10D and a 1D.. both older than dirt but they refuse to die!)