Good Digital MANUAL Camera?

[whoiscece]

I used to be into photography 24/7 but haven't been lately. Got married, had a baby, blah blah blah. Now I am so out of touch with what's new and great in DSLRs. I am hoping for some specific rec's from some people who know.

Background:

1) I own an 8 MP Nikon D100. Bought it used about 8 years ago. Or more. Lens is a Tokina 55- 170 (I THINK, don't quote me). Some giant black spot that I can't clean out shows up on all my pics. Great pics otherwise. But would like something with higher MPs, obviously.

2) Also own a Mamiya 645e medium format film camera. Love this camera to death. But developing that film is, well, difficult as I live in a small town. So I don't use it much. Like, ever. Makes me sad. Wish I could convert it to digital, but it can't be done. If anyone wants to buy it, make me an offer, no joke! But I digress.....

3) I have a home portrait studio set-up with lights, etc etc. I use my handheld light meter to get the Aperture and SS, but getting the dang Nikon to do what I want it to do takes me forever. Maybe it's just because I use it so seldom. Maybe it's just me..... but the manual settings are just not very intuitive.

My question:

Anyone know if you can get a camera that is more manual-setting-friendly? Something 14 MP or more. I like Nikon and Canon, but I am open minded. Under $1000 preferably. Way under would be great!!!

Thanks!

 

[OrionsByte]

What specifically gives you difficulty with the D100 controls? Any other Nikon is going to work pretty much the same way, unless you get something a little more consumer-oriented like the D3000 series or D5000 series, in which case they'd be less intuitive, in my opinion.

Why not find a local camera store and handle the cameras to find out what style you like best?