In your opinion whats the best priced SLR.

Looking at canons
Spend max of probably 2500$

at that price, most would agree 5D mark II (even most us Nikon users)

5d mk ii

ok cheers for the help,
Gotta save some $$$$

What about the lens?

funny that nobody above thought about it

Get a 7D and 15-85 for a start.

yeah true

save a little then get it with a 24-105 f/4 for just under $3k

or if you wanna go cheaper i would definitely say the Nikon D7000 and spend the rest on a lens or 2 but u must would be the 50mm 1.8

2500$$?

Canon:
Get a 60D
+ 10-22 3.5-4.5
+ 85 1.4 or 24 1.4 or 50 1.4
+ something 70-300

Nikon:
Get a D7000
+ 10-22mm 3.5-4.5
+ 24mm 1.4 or + 85 1.4 or 50mm 1.4
+ something like 70-300

optinal:
tripod, gradients, books, software... : )

60D is not worth the price, 7D is much better

This.

What do you intend to do with your camera? If you want a 5-7 year investment and you'll be emphasizing quality images, the 5D II should be your best option. Heck, with a 50mm 1.8 II it's still awesome. If you want more lenses / accessories, then a 7D + L lens will be your best option.