[DonC]

Terry:
As with just about everything else, you get what you pay for.
If you want a digital camera with interchangeable lenses then you're looking at Canon or Nikon. If you're looking for a fixed lense camera you have a lot to choose from.
I'd second the recommendation to look through the DPReview.com site no matter what you decide.
Prices on the digital SLR's is getting lower but still at least twice what you'd pay for a film body.
In the digital end, EOS Rebel with lense (about 28-85mm) has a street price of about $800, next step up would be the Canon 10D without lense about $900. Can't speak to the Nikon side of the house since I use a Canon.
Just like Cobras or any other hobby, they can take over your life. It's up to you how much time and money you spend on either.
Whichever way you decide to go spend some time researching the cameras and camera/lense combinations.
Most importantly figure out how much you want to spend on a realistic basis and then go from there.
Once you get it spend time learning to use it. The beauty of digital is that you can experiment to your hearts content and it doesn't cost you anything. Initially you will be shooting anything and everything until you get settled in. Again, 1000 shots in a month and finding 2 keepers, not a problem. The only thing you've spent is you time to take the pictures and look at them. With a film camera I cringe to think about how much money I used to spend just learning a new lense let alone a body.
In general, once you've made a decision stay away from the brick and mortar retailers. Do some web surfing for the best prices and you'll save a bundle.
DonC