Which digital slr Camera is the best of the best not costing a fortune???

The best of the best is probably the Nikon digital SLR. However for any DSLR you are gonna pay a small fortune because of the resolution on most of them. Most are 8.0Mp or better.

I got a Canon EOS 350D last year. It's the most affordable in their EOS range, yet it's still a good camera.

KOdak digicams. They are very dependable and affordable. If you are after usability and ease of use , plus affordability, it's the right option.

Canon Rebel XTi

You never mentioned your price range.What do you consider a fortune in buying a camera? Everyone seems to be choosing their own camera and likewise me. I love my Sony Cybershot DSC-H2, 6 MP, 12X optical. Not much of a delay for shooting next shot, has image stabilizer, came with batteies and charger. Take great 8X10's.....I just re-read your question, SORRY my camera is not a DSLR.

I'd highly recommend the Nikon D80. It has a lot of the same features of a pro level camera, including spot metering which the lower level Canons do not, at a prosumer price.

If you could be more specific about your price range we could be more specific about what cameras we'd recommend.

Well Pentax, Canon and Nikon all make some affordable DSLR's for 500-750. These are the cheapest I am aware of. Some places might have some sales - so you may be able to get some better prices.

These models are similar, although I didn't take the time to make sure they were near matches... but they are close.