[gchappel]

There are terrific systems out at all different levels, by many different manufacturers.
I like to engineer backwards.
What are you going to do with your images? Posting on facebook/ internet can use different equipment than printing 40x60" images to hang in a gallery. (I do both.)
Reasonably priced- you need to understand you get what you pay for, and you really need to know your needs. I have lenses that go from $250 to $12,000.
Newbie, don't overbuy. Post processing is another topic, and will be just as important or maybe more important than the camera system.
There are no bad systems out there. I would go with sony, nikon, canon in no particular order.
If you can find an actual brick and mortor camera store- go visit. Handle the equipment, ask questions.
If you are looking for a online forum, I would recommend nikon cafe. Great group of guys/gals.
gary