[nicotine]

Originally Posted by Basch

Second hand hasselblad with film if you really want some good pics

something like this
Hasselblad 500 C camera w/Planar 1:2,8 f=80mm Lens - eBay (item 170251758524 end time Aug-24-08 13:54:06 PDT)

A medium-format camera is not what he needs for a beginner in photography and just because you buy a good camera doesn't mean that you will automatically get good pics.

I would recommend the d40 if you're trying to stay under 500, or you could wait for about a month and pick up the Canon Digital Rebel XS which will be in about the same price range.