Im half way through a deploma in photo-imaging and I use a 400d cause im a poor cunt lol. Don't go any lower then that! its a good camera and if you go through the photo threds you will see some of my work. I focus more on film then digital but if you just beginning I say 400d. Easy to learn on and fairly cheap these days. that said I've had mine for 2 years and really want to upgrade but that's mainly because of my course outline and sick of borrowing tafe cameras
But I say no to 1000d... it is the step between consumer and prosumer camera and isn't that great!
Even a 350d would be sick. There's some on ebay withnice lens deal's etc.