I've never had a nice camera before, but I've been saving up for one. I just dont know what kind to get... any tips?

1st tip: read through all the posts in the photography forum that cover this very same subject matter and include many suggestions as well as links to independent hardware review sites :-)

this is not really a question with ONE answer ... so many variables, most of which depend on YOU and your interests

like ... how deep in debt do you want to go? .. so deep, that your own children have to finish paying for it?

As noted above you need to provide a little more information then that for us to be able to give you suggestions. We have no idea whether you want something that you can take quick little shots of your friends and would be happy with the quality from a camera phone, or if you are thinking about starting out as a pro wanting the top of the line equipment. There is a lot of space between there.

Middle of the line, unless you are a professional, than go for the top of the line.

...remember, digital cameras go out of date in a few years (right?) (or am i wrong...u know, megapixels seem to get lower compared to newer models).

...film cameras last forever (basically) + u can scan, get better quality, etc etc...

They cost less, too. But digital is much more convenient.

...back to the point every1 else had: it matters what you want you will or think you will use it for.