Digital SLR?

It’s perfectly all right if you don’t like Nikon – I think Nikon made a pretty good camera but I think since you have already in the Canon camp, might as well as stick in it. Well, you probably won’t be able to port your existing camera’s accessories to your DSLR when you finally get one, but the user interface will be very much similar from the S3 IS to the DSLR so I’m pretty sure you’ll adapt pretty easily.

Don’t worry about add ons/accessories. There are actually more accessories for Canon than there is for Nikon. Not by far of course because they are both pretty popular.

The S3 IS is not an SLR and if you buy an add on for the S3 IS, you won’t be able to use them into any Canon SLR.

Now the camera itself. I have the Canon XTi and I liked it pretty much. It does everything I want it to do, and it produces good images. The only thing I hated about it is that itty bitty tiny grip that made an otherwise good camera felt like a toy.

I’m in the process of saving up on getting the new 40D – after I replace my kit lens that is – and since I have tried it on a camera shop before, I know that the 40D is a pretty awesome camera.

Although a little bit outdated (and replaced by the 40D), the 30D is still a very good camera and you also want to look into it.

My advice, go to a real camera store and try things for yourself. Just say the clerk that you want to try the camera first before buying. I’m sure he’ll understand.

The Powershot S3 IS does not support interchangeable lenses.

The Nikon and Canon DSLR’s have much larger sensors than any SLR-like camera and many have higher MP counts as well. That is but one reason they are the choice of the pros.

That said, you will be moving into a whole different arena of shooting technique and may want to take a couple of photo classes before you commit to a DSLR.

The techniques you learn in school using a 35mm camera will translate directly to a new DSLR.

The real benefit to taking a couple of classes in traditional photography, is that you will be able to later avoid some of the problems that most new digital photographers have because of no fundamental knowledge of photography. (Sort of like trying to build a new home because you have professional tools and have changed out your faucets successfully in the past.) And by the time you finish two semesters of photography, the new Canon DSLR’s will cost less and have more features.

You seem to be somewhat camera savvy, and familiar with Canons. I think some camera reviews by some of the best photographers around the world, and a chart of comparison will be all that you need to make up your mind for yourself.

Check this link for reviews:
http://www.betterphoto.com/reviews.asp

Here you will find a comparison chart of features:
http://www.betterphoto.com/digital/camera-comparison-charts/overview.asp

Also, you are able to view photos taken by photographers using certain models of cameras (under PHOTOS, go to By Camera) to see some of the results yourself. This is a very family-friendly site of photographers who are interested in continually learning more about photography and helping others to do the same. You could even contact certain photographers by email to ask them more specifics about what you think you are interested in.

And, while you are at it, take advantage of the free blogs, forums, and newsletters!

Best wishes on your decision.

No, they’re not the same lenses.

Canon EOS 40D or one of the previous models or the XTi with a couple of extra lenses, such as a macro lens for close-ups of your reptiles

my first digital SLR camera was an EOS450D, now i have an EOS550D which also shoots high resolution video .~’