What do you see "decent zoom" to be?
The Canon T3 kit comes with a 18-55 IS lens and sells for about $500.
You can get a kit with the 18-55 IS and a 75-300 lens for about $600.
There are many other lens choices:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup
Are you thinking about two lenses or just one lens?
There are many third party lenses available too.
..
I am looking to upgrade from my current camera, a Kodak Z980, to DSLR that will take better quality photos. My Kodak camera is a nice camera and I like the control that I have with it, but I'm looking for a camera that takes crisper pictures and handles movement better. I've been doing some research but it's a little overwhelming.
I don't really care about being able to take videos, so that's not a factor in deciding on a camera for me. I had been looking at a Nikon D3100, but some of the reviews left me with concerns. My price range is between $500-$800 and I don't want to settle on the D3100 if I could get a better camera for a little more.
This would be my first camera dealing with changeable lenses and I don't really know much about them. So while crispness and movement are my main concerns I would also like a camera that has a decent zoom without having to purchase an expensive lense.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much in advance.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic