Thanks dadoes, My husband just called from where my son is filming and said that they finally got it uploaded. They had to borrow someone else's camera, and then they were able to upload the film to the computer for editing. Yes, I meant a cassette, and yes, the camera and computers have a firewire connection. We still don't know why the big camera wouldn't let the upload happen......but I think you might be right about needing some software. Unfortunately, his T-Com instructor had never used this model, and probably didn't even know you needed the software. As a last resort, they borrowed someone else's little home camera, and it allowed them to upload it to the computer.......so all is well. Crisis averted! Although my son will be up all night editing.........but that's better than not being able to do it. Now on to the next crisis. ;) Thanks for your help.

Thank you for all the different links, suggestions and feedback. I don't remember if I mentioned I have been looking through Popular Photography mag's and found the first links there. I have a canon PowerShot A85 that has worked great for a long time. Last time [maybe a year ago] I came here and got lots of help someone - Maybe Joe- gave me links and info on more things I could do with that camera. So I have had lots of fun and improved a bunch on photo 'how to's' but it slipped out of my hand a while back and I broke the little silver ring covering the lens area where it zooms - I think it probably also protects the lens a bit along with just looking better! LOL Anyway since then I have been looking more seriously. I have have just gotten a new job and will will be able to afford a nice camera so thought I would take the plunge and get the 'Dream' Camera. I want to get as many perks to it on the first purchase as I can afford because I will also be using this for business so can deduct it. Thank goodness for that although even with being able to deduct it I stillneed to be able to pay for it! Thanks again!

Maybe a trip to a reliable camera dealer in your area would help.

Search in the Photography forum and you'll get plenty of answers. In the mean time, I'll try to give you my 2 cents worth. Cameras are like cars. There's a maker for each person's individuality. 1st, You'd need to determine what is his level of photography knowledge? In any brand, there's intermediate, medium and professional level cameras. If he's a pro, you may just want to ask him what he'd like. A pro knows what he wants and mostly will not settle with just anything. If he's not, most intermediate and medium level cameras has both features: auto focus and manual focus. They're made for those that want to grow and learn about photography beyond autofocus features. 2nd, Does he owns any previous 35mm camera lens? Would these lens capable to be mounted on the new DSLR body? Such brand as Canon has been a favorite for many because of its interchangeable lens. Meaning, we can invest into the more expensive lens knowing that if we ever upgrade the camera, the old lens would still work with the new camera body as well. I have a few that I owned from the mid 80's and still work very well with the new DSLR. 3rd, The camera body and weight must feel comfortable in one's hand. It makes a different with the result of a photo. If all possible, take him to a camera store and let him play around, ask questions and make a choice of the Digital SLR (DSLR). Then, go online and purchase from one of the reputable online store. Normally, their prices are less expensive. Watch out for import (gray market) vs. US warranty cameras (price varies). Personally, I've always owned Canon. I had several Canon 35mm cameras and had since upgraded to digital: from the Canon Rebel XT to currently the Canon 40D (had it for a little over a month). As mentioned, I have a few lens from the 35mm cameras that works well with both DSLRs. I've upgraded to the Canon 40D because it has some image stabilizer built into the camera. Although, Canon also makes some lens with Image Stabilizer (IS). The lens kit of the Canon 40D camera comes with a 28-135mm lens that has the IS feature (mainly in the US). I don't plan to upgrade the camera body for a long while. I'm quite satisfied with the Canon 40D. Instead, I'm investing on better lens. And, that's what I'd recommend for you to do. If money is not an object, buy a medium price range camera but invest the rest on a good lens with low aperture capability such as f/2.8 or less. Good lens give the flexibility to take crispy clear photos in low light situation. I strongly recommend to read reviews from the 2 websites that Susan posted above. They also has forums in categories of camera brands. You may find some useful information from the users. Good Luck! Natalie