Older high end used dslr or a new entry level dslr?

I was a film camera slr enthusiast- did some semi pro stuff in the past. I was using a 35mm film Nikon FM with nikkor prime and zoom glass. Excellent system for my needs-low light, fast lenses. Unfortunately all stolen some years ago (many $$ worth). We now use digital point and shoots for the family and are fine, but for me, very frustrating - especially lag and other obvious things. I have been researching a dslr, have read about nikon d90's, 3100 and Canon D550's, Pentax K-r and K-x. Even looked at second hand Nikon D40 and D200's (also have looked at some favorable reviews about older Canon's).
My needs are a camera with no nonsense manual settings with high quality images; that offers automatic modes for my kids (who I want to teach photography) and for my wife to learn to use (she takes great photos with the point and shoot). Not interested in hybrid cameras.
I want to get a f1.4-1.8 55mm prime lens for the camera.
What used cameras would be a good buy ($400-$900) to build upon? Or should I go for the budget entry level dslrs currently available. I want to build up the system over time. I'm unable to spend $1500+ at sale point on new technology at the moment.cheers

How to make a 'steel wool' long exposure photo?

Alright, well I understand that it has to do with long exposure. I basically know all the tecnical stuff about the camera details. And I will be using my Nikon D200 w/ tripod.

My question is:
how do you make the steel wool-like ropes?
how do you use them?
how long do they last?
Any other info/tips?

How come my nikon D300 lens won't go on anymore?

Okay so, I just recently got a nikion d300. Everytime I put the lens on, it says "lens not attached". However, the lens is attached. But the dots won't line up anymore when I attach the lens. But, I can still see out of it, but it keeps saying "lens not attached". Why is it doing this?

Photo samples nikon d3100 with wide angle lens?

I'm shopping for an ultra wide angle lens for my nikon d3100. My top choice at the moment (budget considered) is the sigma 10-20 mm. I'm wondering if anyone can point me to sample shots taken with the nikon d3100 and this ultra wide lens. The only examples I found on the net were taken with better cameras (nikon d300, etc.) so while these impressed me greatly, I'm afraid the quality of results I can get with the sigma on my d3100 will be less stunning. I'd love to see some actual sample shots taken with my same camera and the sigma lens, or even other similarly priced ultra wide angle lenses. Any suggestions? By the way, I'm after landscape shots, not interested in indoor.

Would you buy a Nikon f3d?

Would you buy a digital version of the Nikon f3 if they made one?

(the D3 doesn't count as it is a digital F5)

What camara shall i get for 1st photograhy camara?

I'm starting out photography and i'm not sure what to get, there's a camara shop near me calles charlie eagles and son, and i've put a deposite down on a NIKON D200 second hand for £499 and a new lens for £250, i can change this if a better 1 comes in, so if i no afew better camaras i can look out for. Or if the camara i've already chosen is good enough for starting out?

the lens, it is ok but not the best zoom ect there was one there second hand but that was £399 abit to much for me. So afew good lens names i could look out for aswel would be great.

would be a massive help if someone could solve this problem thanks

Would this softbox fit on a speedlight?

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/685994-REG/Interfit_INT484_36_Octobox.html

I have an external flash (third party flash) for my Nikon D200, that I can get off my camera with a flash sync cord.

My question is, would this octo-softbox be able to fit on the speed light?

And if no, do you guys know of any SMALL softboxes for speedlights, within the $25-$50?

Thanks!

Added (1). Oh, and if you can find another octobox, that would be a plus.

I want to buy a sony HX5V, will the pictures excell compared to W380?

Everytime I want to get a camera I look to get a better picture than my last camera. My recent purchase was W380 but today I'm considering buying a Sony HX5V but the sony shop said no you better buy a Sony NEX5 but I have a Nikon D200 so that is probably as good as the NEX5 and the Sony HX5V is smaller to carry. I want to achieve beautiful travel pictures mostly shot close of people and sea etc. Please advise me, Will the Sony HX5V be sharper pics than my Sony W380

Added (1). I liked P's response, but I have the TZ8 and I found Fuji cameras to sweat and get sun damage in places like Egypt. However I'm still very interested in the Fuji idea and will follow this with more research and also I have read very good feedback now about Nex5V

If I'm bringing my dslr to school? Nikon D700?

Do not hesitate I go to a senior school and many many people own a dslr which they also bring to school.

1) Can I bring it with just the lens cap (so If I'm not using it I just put on the lens cap) or do I need to bring the case?

Albinar ADG 80-200mm Mc on a nikon?

I'm looking into used nikon d1x, d200, d40, d80.body, just a nikon body in general and was wondering if i can equip my old lense onto any of them? I mean this is a great lense and it would save me much more? Anyone know of anything?

Added (1). It was on a Ae-1 canon, arent there adapters for canon to nikon lenses?