Digital and film SLR hybrids are still a little iffy by today's standards, especially with the fact that newer digital imaging chips which effectively double the resolution are due out later this year. I'd stick with a straight 35mm Film SLR, just because. If you're worried about film, buy it in bulk; big packages of film costs a shitload less than individual film rolls.
As for price, it really depends on 1.) The manufacturer 2.) Features 3.) Material 4.) Quality. 4 and 1 tie together, as one manufacturer can be higher quality than another, thus increasing their prices... or something... Stick with something from Pentax or Nikon, though. A lot of features you probably won't need. If you find a SLR camera with red-eye reduction, for example, don't get it; that's a typical sign that the camera MAY use digital enhancements to fuck with the image and how your pictures are taken. Some basic things you'll probably want, are some simple automatic stuff, such as auto shutter speeds, aperature size, etc. Also, a good rapid shot feature is nice if you plan on taking sequence shots(especially handy if you're going to be taking pictures at sports games, for example). One thing that's definately required, though, is flash... but that's a given. Lets see... Most SLR cameras come with swappable lenses... shit, in fact all of Pentax's and Nikon's cameras do. Before you purchase your camera, though, find out what kind of mounting the cameras take(either screw mount or bayonette mount). Personally, I like bayonette mounts more just 'cause they're easy... as easy as Zaphod. Anyway, definately ask that. You also want to check what the maximum shutter speed is. The higher the number, the more you'll pay. I have a max shutter speed of 1/2000, and it works like a charm. I've seen some Pentax cameras go as high as 1/16000, and those cost shitloads.
What sort of cameras were you looking at, and what sort of price range do you have in mind?
