Budget fast shooting dSLR

<p>I am looking for a budget, ~$600, dSLR for occasionally shooting birds. Lenses and brand are not very important to me because it will mated to a telescope. What is important - good performance up to, at least, ISO 800 and fast fps. So far, the options available seem to be a used Canon 40D. The soon to be released, Pentax K-x seems ok at 4.7 fps but the buffer is limited to 5 RAW images. Any other options/suggestions that are worth exploring?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>Sony A700, 5fps, 18-25 RAWs.<br /> Nikon D200, 5fps, 22 RAWs.</p>

<p>Both have excellent build. Sony comes with new 920k back display if that matters.</p>

<p>Edit: 40D is cleanest out-of-box at high ISO. Great value at current prices.</p>

<p>Your budget is a little low to be expecting a framing rate and large RAW buffer equal to or better than that of a 40D in a new camera. Budget and high-speed performance are typically not two things you find in a DSLR. If you want high framing speed and buffer depth in a new DSLR, you'll have to pay for it.</p>

<p>You may want to consider looking at refurbished cameras. $600 will generally get you an entry level DSLR. However, that price may get you the next step up in camera model if you go with a refurbished model.</p>