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Which SLR camera and lens should I buy??
These are the things I want
-faster operating speed (most slrs do have this of course)
-QUALITY manual focus!!
-Image Stabilization
-f/2-3 to f/20-30 (more than this if of course acceptable)
-wide variety of shutter speeds (not picky about this)
zoom or macro lens to start-probably zoom/maybe with macro extention?
-good at focusing very close up and far away would be ideal
-not a huge range of mm because of quality and price, but a reasonable range (not sure what a good range would be for this)
you can look at my pf. i am a definitely a beginner, but i love photography. my pf might help show which slr is best for me?
Thank you so much for all your help everyone!!! 
-faster operating speed (most slrs do have this of course) Faster than what?
-QUALITY manual focus!! that is a lens quality, not camera quality
-Image Stabilization Canon/Nikon have IS in the lens. Pentax and some others have it in the lens. Either way I don't think any particular brand is streets ahead of the others
-f/2-3 to f/20-30 (more than this if of course acceptable) This is a lens issue
-wide variety of shutter speeds (not picky about this) not a problem - any of the brands will do. Unless you want to go to stupids speeds like 1/20,000 second
zoom or macro lens to start-probably zoom/maybe with macro extention? Zoom lets you learn much more quickly. Prime (fixed focal length) are better quality. Take your pick- but if you are only just starting you will not really notice the difference. True macro (up to 1:1 reproduction) and you start to pay much more.
-good at focusing very close up and far away would be ideal All AF systems are damend good. For very close focussing manual focus is prefereable.
-not a huge range of mm because of quality and price, but a reasonable range (not sure what a good range would be for this) Kit lenses are both cheap and very good image quality. You have no worries there whatever you choose
you can look at my pf. i am a definitely a beginner, but i love photography. my pf might help show which slr is best for me? Not really much use - in a good way 
Your pf varies from close-up to portrait to cityscape/landscape and to get the maximum from each may need a different lens depending on your own priorities.
Any of the major brands will do - the main determinants will be money available and the size you want to carry around. I presume you currently have a compact camera (or a bridge camera) and moving from that to a fulll-blown SLR sounds great but the kit will be significantly bigger and heavier.
So when you are looking at DSLRs, don't forget about the much more portable micro four thirds systems (Panasonic Lumix, Olympus PEN etc) - it is fantastic printing up to 12"x8". Maybe get one of these now and if you do want to move up to full DSLR it will still make a great portable second system.
So get thee to a camera shop and handle everything you can. See which ergonomics you prefer.
Very good portfolio by the way!
Hi Louise, welcome back. You were originally interested in Canon, if I remember correctly. Mike gave you some good info and advice above, all of the major brands are suitable for you. However, the two top brands in terms of numbers of users would be Canon and Nikon, translating into much more 2nd hand kit available, and more lenses and the like available from 3rD party manufacturers. In the end though, only you can say what you're comfortable with.
I just bought a new Canon T3i camera body a week ago, after months of research. I sold an Olympus Micro 4/3 camera and several lenses yesterday, it wasn't for me. I really like the T3i, it's very light, has the best rear LCD monitor I've ever seen and it's fully articulating. It has many of the features of the Canon 7D, a much more expensive camera. At $600.00 to $700.00 it may be outside your price range, but there are lots more models available. If you decide to go with Canon, I highly recommend a 2nd hand 40D, excellent camera, very highly rated, and you should be able to get one for $350.00 to $450.00. Good starting lenses would be the Canon 50mm f1.8, the Nifty Fifty; for $100.00 it's a true bargain, and will serve you well for portraits and general photography; the kit lens 18-55mm IS is a cheap lens, but would still be a good starter, and has a very good close-focusing distance for macro. If you got the 50mm f1.8, the Canon 55-250mm f4.0-5.6 with IS, is another cheap, but very versatile lens. It has gotten some very good reviews. Should be able to pick one up on Ebay for no more than $150.00. Once you get started, just keep an eye open on Ebay for bargains on lenses, as you decide what you want.
If you decide Nikon is for you instead, the lenses are very similar in quality and price. Just remember, many of Nikon's entry level camera bodies don't have a focusing motor, so older lenses won't auto-focus.
Here are a few suggestions on Ebay; Canon Xti; Canon XSi, only 4100 shutter actuations, practically new; Canon XSi, only 7500 shots. Canon 18-55mm IS lens.
Apart from shutter speeds (which really should not be a problem with any major brand), all of the criteria you mention are features of a lens rather than an SLR body.
Which really adds weight to the old maxim, "put your money into glass rather than bodies".
The entry level dSLRs from both Nikon and Canon are now so good that they are likely to meet most of your requirements without moving "up-market" in their respective ranges. (and others like Pentax are catching up). Frankly, toss a coin or go into a shop and handle them. Then buy the best lens you can afford to go with your chosen body.
.
Thanks so much! 
How old of a camera body can I get that will still take great pictures if i get a really good lens? would the canon 20d or 30d be too old? like would it still operate well and will it work with the newer lenses? What about a Canon Rebel body (i know this is very much an entry level DSLR) ? Can I get a lens that will make it take quality pictures? or will I outgrow it like I have my compact camera (Canon powershot g6) ?
I think I am still interested in Canon mainly. and i think i want to start with a zoom since i will learn faster and it's more versatile.
Louise, that is a very basic camera, but there's nothing wrong with it. However, I believe you can get a later model for near the same price. Better quality, and better resale value in the end.
Few of us on this site would ever outgrow a Canon 20D or 30D, they're great cameras. On the site that I linked to above, a 20D with a lens, and low shutter actuations went for $203.00 last week.
The reason I linked to that Canadian site is because I've dealt with them many times, and they have always been up front and honest with me. They also give a 90 day warranty on most items. I'll let you know if I see anything of interest.
Of the tow cameras I would go for the 30D - maybe I am biased because I have one but it has some refinements over the 20D: a bigger LCD, spot metering and an improved AF for example.
Whether you want the 20D/30D or a Rebel depends on which ergonomics you prefer. I liked the brighter viefinder and the dual-wheel controls (as opposed to buttons on the Rebels).
Quote: How old of a camera body can I get that will still take great pictures if i get a really good lens?
If you are worried about putting a good lens on any camera body check out this site. All photos have the details (camera and lens) and many of his earliest photos were taken with a 600f4L on the original Rebel (350D) released in 2004. So I don't think you need have any worries.
WOW! That 30d is a great price! I wonder how much it will go up in price though. That is DEFINITELY worth it right now though!!
Oh! and how does the XT model lineup go? like I know the other one goes 20d,30d,40d, etc. but I don't know how the XT lineup goes.
But... i have been reading some reviews, and it seems the 30d is maybe what really is for me! The ONLY thing I DO NOT like about it is that it is larger than the XT (or later XT models, whatever they're called) i don't know if it would be uncomfortable in my small hands or less portable. But I LOVE everything else!
Well, except, i know this will sound really stupid for some reason. I understand that an SLR is a completely different operating system, but i would really like to have the articulating LCD. The reason is that I sometimes like to do self-portraits bc no one in my family likes to pose for me, they get annoyed, so i just take pics of myself, lol.
I think I want to get a zoom lens with it. not a huge range of zoom though bc that takes away quality at each end and adds price.
Here's the history of Canon's DSLRs, the model designations are European. The Xt is the 300D.
You will have to go well up the list for an articulating LCD. It would be easy to do self-portraits using the timer or IR remote, which can be had for about $5.00.
There are many suitable lenses to start, for very reasonable prices.
Remember, when buying online it helps to get a warranty of some kind, and Henry's offer 90 days free.
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