Digital Camera references?

Looking to buy a digital camera. Willing to spend $400-$700. I want a camera that's got nice quality. Not too heavy. Not too big either. Really confused when it comes to all the little tech specs, but if you can explain it or refer me to a website, that'd be nice I was looking at the Nikon D90, but that's a few hundred over my budget. So then i settled with the D5100. But. I'd like to hear thoughts on that DSLR. A friend had a Canon digital ixus 860is & said it was a good camera that wasn't so expensive. Anything? Anyone? Thanks!

Added (1). I don't know anything about photography. But. Is it wrong to want a nice GOOD QUALITY camera? Pocket cameras are fine too, but i'd like to have a "high end" camera as well so i wouldn't need to take my daughter to the studio to take pictures & i can just do it at home myself FOR FREE. I just want an affordable DSLR camera (if you can refer me to a good one that's in my price range) & i'd also like to know which 'pocket' cameras have nice quality also. Just in case i decide to buy a small cheaper one rather than an expensive one.

Your explanation is vague. You need a small-pocket camera or you want a DSLR? If you want a DSLR then D5100 is really good choice. Check Canon 600D too. But if you want a PnS then go for Canon S100

I don't want to sound too blunt with this following comment, but do you know the basics of photography shooting and its terminology?

Because if you do not, it does not matter which DSLR camera you go with, without some sort of understanding not just in using the camera itself, but also towards the type of shooting you'll be doing?

Most people, who buy DSLRs will generally have come from using other types of cameras such as P&S, Hybrid SLRs, or a mixture; but would have attained some sort of basic understanding of various photography techniques.

Otherwise, when you decide to get a DSLR whether entry level or high-end; you may find it difficult to understand the concepts and to use the camera to its fullest extent. Therefore, if that is the case; then you will have to take a photography class, at least several to have a grasp.

For you, you should be looking at either the Nikon D3100, the Canon EOS 1100D, a Pentax K-X or K-R.

Alternatively, a Hybrid SLR, which will be the Nikon 1 J1 and the Sony NEX 3 and 5 series.

All of these cameras mentioned above should relatively be within your budget and all have interchangeable lenses.

Unfortunately with these cameras, you will have to read the technical specifications of what each camera is capable of and compare their differences towards each other. Yes it is overwhelming but I guess you can visit Digital Photography Review for a run down as to what is good while reading those who have bought these types of cameras or the ones' you have listed in your question. See the sourced links below, the second sourced link provides you with a comparison between two types of cameras, any kind; and it will give you a point to point evaluation telling you of the pros and cons.

Canon G12
http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/canon, g12/Timeline

http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/g12/Recent

Look into the Sony a35 or a55 a lot netter value for your money but still great quality. Was the camera of the year last year. And had a faster focusing, faster frames.per second, and has stabilization built In the body

Canon is the best value you can get. Nikon will ultimately cost you hundreds or even thousands more in lenses and Body.

I have a Canon Eos T3 and this is an exception camera. T2i and T3i are even better but the cost is more also. Basically, any DSLR will give you the photos you want. The differences in cameras are usually build quality, ease of control and processing speed.

One of the most important factors in a DSLR is the lens you use. This is where the money goes.