Digital SLR

New DSLR recommendation?

The Canon XS looks like the best bet. Apparently it is a bit plasticky feeling, but has the most features and great image quality. There are decent reasonable lenses you can upgrade to (get the 18-55IS with the camera) such as the 55-250 for $349 (for telephoto). To go wide it will be pricey though, around $700 for a wide angle lens. The Canon has no movie mode and is a bit slow when using the back screen to focus.

The Sony A300 looks like a good alternative. I'd get it over the A200 or the A350.

Nikon is not really up to date with the Canon and Sony feature wise, but the D60 and D40 are decent cheaper cameras. Their higher end lineup including the D90 is excellent, but over $1000.

I like the look of the Panasonic G1 DSLR as they are very small. $750 with lens.

I never looked closely at Olympus and Pentax. I think they are niche players. I know Olympus had one DSLR very cheap (like $349 with two lenses) at Futureshop recently.

DPreview.com has reviews on most DSLRs.

Ken Rockwell's website has a ton of info. Don't be put off by the big lens on the front, his advice is basically to spend the least amount possible. Also, don't expect great pictures from a new camera. Getting outside and taking pictures and learning about composition is where good photos come from. Good stuff.

Cheers,
Scott