I have a Canon DSLR. It's the Rebel Xti and I LOVE LOVE it! There's a few others here who own the same camera and I know they agree with me. I'm a huge Canon fan. I'll never own a Sony product again, so you won't get any praises from me for that brand. I'd even tell you to go Nikon over Sony. We had a huge problem with Sony a few years back, it was over a stereo and the awful customer service we got from them. (not the store who sold it to us, as I worked for that store. I sent it directly to sony figuring it would be the best way to get it repaired. NOT! Six months later I finally had to threaten them!).

Anyways, I love my camera and use it daily.

Love my nikon....I agree...stay away from sony products unless it is an incredible deal.

I don't have a DSLR (yet..) but I do love my Canon powershot.

I would have a tough time deciding between the Canon Rebel or the Nikon D90. The Nikon D90 is the only DSLR camera that takes video - high quality video. It is $$, but I think that is the one I would go for.

I love using the video function of my Canon S3, and wouldn't get a camera without it.

I own the Canon Rebel XTI and think its the bee's knees.

That said I have heard great things about the Sony line, but have no personal experience with them. I have owned a TON of Sony electronics, and have never had a CS problem with them so it really shocked me to read that. Been a while since I had to use them though...

I have owned 3 Canon DSLR
30D, 1DMkIIN and 50D....excellent, especially the "L" lenses with super resale value(until recently)'It is a big change from P&S to dslr and you will have to do more post processing and be more critical in you shooting as depth of field is very different

stick with Canon or Nikon IMO

excellent used deals here....Canon 30D as low as $400 some days and that's over a $1000 body.

Here is a link that might be useful: FM Buy & Sell forum

What is the difference between a regular digital camera and a DSLR camera?

I have a canon rebel and several lenses. We love it. I have had canons since my first one in 1958 just kept getting newer ones. Now at 84 I think this will be my last.

I also have the Canon Rebel xt and love it.

patti

I too have the Canon Rebel XTI and love it....I am still not great at it....still using mostly the auto. part but do try and do some manual focusing with it...have a ex. zoom lense for it also and it is super.......Stacy

I also have the Canon Rebel XTi, I love it, too. I would like to upgrade to the 50D, but don't think that will happen. In the meantime, this works great for me!
JoanMN/FL

I have a Nikon D60, which I love. I have 3 lenses for it, but use my 70-300 mm the most.

I also carry my Kodak Easy Share camera in my purse, in the event there is a "photo op" that I really want. LOL

We have a Pentax. We got it because we already had a film Pentax and wanted to be able to use the telephoto lens we already had. It's a great camera.

Linda

Thank you so much, everyone! Your input has really helped a lot.

Would it be too much to ask to see a few pictures taken with your cameras?

Also - Do you have a 'dream' camera that you would LOVE to have in the future?

Thanks again! :)

I will post a link to my webshot pics, the newer ones mostly taken with the XTi.
Canon 50D is probably my dream camera. But really, since I have a great lens, the XTi does a good job for me.
JoanMN

Here is a link that might be useful: My webshots pics

Your pictures are so beautiful, Joan! Thanks for sharing them with me.

Dave - How do you like your Canon 50D? Has it lived up to your expectations? Any negatives?

Also - I like previewing the picture I am about to take in the LCD rather than be forced to use the viewfinder. Can you do that with the 50D?

I am considering this camera too, but I am still trying to figure out what would be the perfect lens for it while trying to keep the lens at a reasonable price too. I would like to start out with one piece of good glass and then eventually add more. My main use would be for pet portraits, nature shots & scenery while on hiking trips.

If you had to pick one initial lens for the Canon 50D, which one would you recommend?

Thanks again! :)

An SLR is single lens reflex, which ultimately means that what you see in the viewfinder is what will be "photographed". As opposed to cameras that use two lenses, AKA rangefinders "or the little automatic cameras), one is the viewfinder, the other is the lens which can cause a little disparity in what you shoot vs what you are seeing.
The D-DSLR is just the digital version of the SLR camera.
I have mostly Nikons, the D-40 which is lighter and smaller than the regular DSLRs and the D70, D100 & D200.
I also buy last years model, which are perfectly fine and usually on sale. The D60 is the newer, smaller version available and often comes with a two lens package. Best thing you can do is actually do some hands on shopping.
You will probably find that ultimately there won't be a whole lot of difference in quality/price between Canon & Nikon and you just have to decide and stick with it.
Also you might consider buying an extra battery, an extra card, external flash and neutral density filter to protect the glass on the lens.
And don't forget to backup your photos! Use DVD or external hard drive.

You won't be previewing the shot on the LCD with a DSLR, you have to use the viewfinder...

The Canon Xsi allows you to preview your shot in the viewfinder.

Here is a link that might be useful: Xsi

Nycefarm - Thank you so much for your input! :)

About previewing the shot in the viewfinder, I know you can do that with the Alphas and some Canon models, but wasn't sure if the 50D was just one of them. I just got too used to the LCD (maybe spoiled with it? lol) so even though I wouldn't mind using the viewfinder, I'd still love to have the option of previewing it with the LCD.

'Best thing you can do is actually do some hands on shopping.'

Absolutely. In fact, I've been to a local Best Buy store at least twice to get a first hand look at each camera. Unfortunately, I haven't seen a Canon 50D at this store and I am not sure where else to look for it to go check it out.

I've been reading tons of reviews and still have a hard time making up my mind.

Debby - Thanks for the link to the Xsi! :)