An Aspiring Photographer?

I really like taking pictures and i would love to become a a photographer. The only camera i own is a small, cheap Canon digital. I work with my friends Nikon really well. I need a camera-preferably professional, and preferably you can change the color (black n white, sepia, etc.). Budget isn't that big a deal, but preferably under $1000.
Thank you!

Added (1). (The Nikon i work with is D70)

I suggest something like the Nikon D5000 for $630: http://www.nikonusa.com/...D5000.html

The camera comes with the kit 18-55mm lens. Then once you have figured out what you like to shoot, get another lens or two.

I would recommend taking things one step at a time. I would focus much more on the lenses you purchase rather than the camera itself. Maybe look for a used Nikon D90, which is a fantastic "prosumer" camera and will allow you to use pretty much every lens Nikon makes, whereas an entry-level Nikon (like the D3100 or D5000) will not autofocus some of Nikon's best and affordable lenses.

Then I'd recommend buying the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 (you can get this used too!). A D90 + 50mm is about $900… What a steal! This is similar to how I started out and you can take truly stunning photos with this duo, or any Nikon camera that works with AF (not AF-S) lenses.

Here's one of mine with the 50mm:
And someone else's:

I know you said you work with Nikon really well, but honestly, the brand shouldn't really matter, so long as it's the right fit for you. Try something like the Canon EOS Rebel T1i, it's only $684.99 at Mordy's (http://www.mordys.com/Canon-T1i-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B0049P12RM). Or, you can check out our other discount cameras.