an old $70 DSLR aint gonna really showcase anything a DSLR can do these days

i vote for a D90 or a t2i or something to test out or check out LensRentals or Borrow Lenses

but i mean, if you shoot more with a P/S and getting what you want, you may wanna just upgrade to one of these CMOS mirrorless joints. Aint really no point in getting a bulky expensive camera you're not gonna use much if you aint making no money off of it. its not much difference other than the crop factor.

unless i'm mis-reading. you looking for features or are you just trying to see if handling a body feels right? if thats the case the i guess get one of those cheap old ones