At 5k, if you wanna get cheaper bodies, u can have a look at Canon 400D, Nikon D40X and Pentax K100D. And you can also get good lenses.

On the higher end, there is Nikon d80, Pentax k10D

Yup, i think sojen is right. In that case, think carefully on whether you want the 5k to cover additional accessories as well e.g. lenses, UV filters, tripod, camera bag etc.

As for compact cameras, I prefer Canon Ixus. Have been using one for a few years now and still proud of the picture it takes. Another notable feature for the Ixus series is the video it takes. wonderful stuff

Here's my gear :

DSLR :
Pentax K100D (18-55mm kit lens, 50-200mm DA lens)
UV filters, Tamrac Explorer 3 DSLR backpack, 2 x 2gb SD cards, El Cheapo tripod
Cost : 3.7k

Compact :
Canon Ixus 40, 1 x 512mb SD, 2 x 256mb SD
Cost : 1.5k (3 years ago, now probably worth RM 500 )

Guys n gals .. looks like DSLR prices are dropping like crazy For those thinking of purchasing new budget DSLRs, I think now's the right time

Yup, I agree (coz I am a Pentax user too ). I tried out the D40, Pentax K100D, and 350D before settling on Pentax. The main reason was because it felt good in my hands and the features were a lot more than present in D40. No regrets so far

Hi hsienming, I purchased it from Tarita Sg Wang for 2.2k (body with kit 18-55mm). I bought additional Tamrac bag (rm 250) plus Pentax SMC DA 50 - 200mm lens (rm 750).

If you are interested in Pentax, the only shop in Sg Wang I found so far which carries a wide range of Pentax accessories is Tarita.

Pentax is also having a promotion now for the K100D where there is a RM 500 rebate for any old camera trade-in (not sure what kind of 'old' camera). Their retail price for K100D is RM 2.4k so less RM 500 is RM 1.9k