Handling of DSLR compared to film SLR + DSLR recommendation

Hi,

back in the day as a teenager (late 80's) I was given a Pentax MX and loved it - even got as far as developing my own black and white/slides - the camera just worked and worked well. Later I lost interest and eventually gave it away when digital arrived not knowing how good a camera it was!

I've read loads of reviews, mainly Nikon D40, D60 D80 D3000 D5000 D90 etc but one thing I can't get from these is how it compares to the usability/feel I had with the MX. My only digital experience is with compact point-and-shoots which don't compare! My concern is that the DSLR will be all plastic-y or will get in the way of taking pictures, have a not-so-great viewfinder or menus that are difficult to use etc.

Maybe modern DSLRs are just in a different league now...

Any thoughts/recommendations welcome. I'm looking at second hand, budget is about $600.

Many thanks,

John