Ideally you would need a digital SLR, specially if you plan on using studio flash. Generally, compact digitals can't handle or cope with studio flash.
Don't know what you'd get in your price range though. Have a shufty on "eBay" for a use Canon 350D, you might get lucky?
Look at the Nikon D70s as well (but they are thinner on the ground and seem to go for a lot more).
Good luck
Myson