Originally Posted by boudoir

Since you're doing amateur only, here's what I would do:

Budget: Nikon D60 and a SB600.
Mid-range: Nikon D90 and a SB900.

Use the diffuser cap that comes with the speedlight and keep it pointed at the ceiling... never point it at the subject. Set the camera on "P" for professional (snicker).

Why Nikon? They are known for having more accurate flash exposure and better color when using flash.

NEVER use the built-in flash... you'll get freaky shadows and red eye almost every time.

Oh yeah, really budget... used Nikon D200 and SB80.