Don't walk- run to your nearest store and pick up the V1 for $299.....that is by far the nicest camera in that pricerange. I paid $675 for mine when it first came out and couldn't have been happier with it as a point and shoot camera. (I now use my D70 for everything though)
IMO
$500 or less V1
$500-1000 Nada save the money and get the V1
$1000+ D70 or 20D
IMO
$500 or less V1
$500-1000 Nada save the money and get the V1
$1000+ D70 or 20D