On the other hand, there's the Konica Minolta Z5, with 5M pixel for either a point and shoot or advanced amateur level where you can set aperature and shutter speeds. It has a small built in flash and a zoom lens. You can find it on the internet for less than half the price of the Canon Rebel. However, you won't be in the same class as the Canon. You can find a 1 G memory card at CostCo for around $90 and have the capacity to take around 400 hi-rez jpeg pictures. Add the highly suggested rechargeable batteries, a camera bag, tripod, and lens cleaning kit and you'll still be under the cost of the Canon. You could even add Photoshop Elements 3 for less than the cost of the Canon.
Still, you won't have the same potential for high quality pictures as you would with the Canon.
Try posting over on the Shutterbug Strasse Asylum and see what advice you can get there.