Total beginner going to Jordan wish to take photos

[zeedarkjster]

I know nothing about photography. Shame i didn't take a photography class in highschool or college. This fall quarter for my college imma be going to Jordan middle east. Thought it be cool to take photos, and be a great opportunity to get into DSLR as a hobby.
Looking at the DSLR, and I have done some research by reading the information on this site, DSLR VS. P&S, top 20 DSLR etc.

Still confused as ever, so many terms like live view finder, Image Stabilization/Vibration Reduction, minimum focus distance and all that terminology.
cheap body, expensive lens...

In fact, If someone gave me 2 pictures one taken by DSLR beginner, and one by Pro. I wouldn't know which is better. haha.

So the REAL QUESTION is, what is a beginner friendly DSLR that can upgrade the lens when I get better, and is student budget friendly. F the state and UC budget cuts for college...

TIPS< Comments, links all appreciated.

[Murtasma]

What is your budget? Any DSLR will have manufacture and 3rd party lens you can upgrade to when you have the money and feel they are needed.

[zeedarkjster]

Well probably less than 500 now, I was looking at the Nikon D40 it was on sale for 360ish, lol I love hunting for deals.
I'm fine with the stock, or "kit" lenses for now, I heard the nikon kit 18-55 or something is an alright lense.

Personally I think Canon and Sony are a little bit more money for their cameras/ may be worth it, but as a beginner I wouldn't even tell the difference.

Some of you may be thinking "this kid might as well get a Point and shoot mega zoom, it has built in IS and will take better pictures than a low end DSLR.... but, im fine with that, I want to get to learn how to take a dslr picture, and adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and all that fun stuff.

recommendations!!!! i Leave on the 28th

As of now learning photography off of the dummies series books, and youtube videos.

[A@EPOCH]

-Canon Rebel XTi 10.1MP DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens : $490-550

-Canon Rebel XSi 12.2 MP DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens: $580-600

-Nikon D60 10.2MP DSLR Camera w/18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Lens: $580

-Pentax K2000 10.2MP DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DA L & 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lenses: $500-600

These I believe are the best choices for your criteria:
- They are all in the consumer body category which will begin your hobby in photography
- They all have good support as far as ancillary items
- Most people are fimiliar with the brands and could help you if you get stuck
- All can be found cheaper via craigslist or ebay if you like to look

Let me know what you think?