Update Nov 25, 2011:  The Wall Street Journal's  Smart Money magazine:  So far, it us unanimous. The December 2011 Issue of "Smart Money" on page 84 recommends one digital SLR camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T3i

"The Canon T3i's intuitive settings help amateur shutterbugs capture crisp shots, even in low light situations, the pros say.  Its flip-out, 3-inch LCD screen lets shooters maneuver around awkward angles to get snapshots and video.  Plus, there are more than 60 compatible lenses.

Below ee list organization, current price range and recommendations.  We will look these over and add our opinions in a "best SLR Digital Cameras" article we'll publish later this year.  (We own a 2008 Nikon D60 with VR lenses and still love it, but you get many more features with newer models.  If you are paying top dollar for a digital SLR camera, then it is well worth the extra money to buy "VR" or "IS" lenses for "Vibration Reduction" or "Image Stabilization.) 

From CNET, Entry Level Digital SLR Cameras: $689-$970:  Canon EOS Rebel T3i (with 18-55mm IS II lens) $640-930: Canon EOS Rebel T2i Pentax K-x with 18-55mm DA lens (Black) $835-$1500: Nikon D5100 (with 18-55mm VR lens) We LOVE the VR lenses!!! "Though it doesn't rank first based on any individual aspect of the camera, the Nikon D5100 delivers a solid combination of image quality, performance, features, and design that puts it out in front if you're looking for a well-rounded option under $1,000." Top 4 RECOMMENDED by Consumer Reports, best SLR digital camera under $1,000 $850  Canon EOS Rebel T3i $850  Sony DSLR-A580L $750 Canon EOS Rebel T2i $750 Nikon D5100 (with 18-55mm VR lens)

2009 Article:
Start with "Consumer Reports" magazine:  Page 39  of the March 2009 issue of  "Consumer Reports" magazine (CR) ranked the best new digital cameras from their performance tests of 65 cameras.  Cameras were ranked on things such as image quality, speed (first and second shot delay), versatility, dynamic range, Max ISO, battery life, etc.    Subscribe to Consumer Reports

Next check the most popular models:  Often there is  "wisdom in the masses" so you should check a list of the  to see what others decided to buy:

• Best Selling Digital SLR Cameras

You may not always agree with all conclusions from "the masses" or "Consumer Reports", but at least we know neither is influenced by the need to sell advertising.

Final Step to selecting your new camera  Do your own research in the store as your tastes will probably be somewhat different from "the masses" or "Consumer Reports."

Best Selling SLR Cameras

#1 Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS    => #1 Top Seller  =>  We really liked the 3.0" LCD display with "Live View" #2 Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens   => #3 best seller #3 Nikon D60 10.2MP We own this 2-VR lens pachage using our budget to get 2 VR lenses (image stabilization) over more pixels. #4 Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP  => #2 best seller