D700 by nikon I also have a d50 and a fuji s5,3,2 for snakes a used s3 is a great one (the best colour of all) d50 isn't horrible the 700 is awesome but it is quite pricey. The d90 and d5000 are also quite nice. It really depends on the pocket book. Before you buy READ the manual. It will give you a better understanding of what it will do and then when you go to hold the ons you like you can then make a more informed decision. When you price the camera and are thinking of shooting snakes price out a true macro (1:1 reproduction ratio) over a kit lens. I hope that helps. I don't use Canon they make great gear too but tend to change things model to model (battery my d700 d50 s5 all will use the same one.)
A