We are looking into getting an SLR camera :) But I have no idea where to even start looking and deciding what we want to get. I have a Nikon something or other (a bit more advanced that a click and point...) that we a re using now. I like it.

DH asked me just now if I wanted a Nikon 6mpx or 10 mpx....or a Canon. So that is where we are.

Any suggestions or ideas or where to find more information.

At first I thought you meant non-digital.

Someday I want the Canon 5D. A friend has it and I've read only good things about it.

You can get the Nikon D70S or the Canon Digital Rebel (what I have). What does Tammy have? I'll bet it's one of those two. The Canon is cheaper but I think the Nikon is slightly better. You can read reviews at www.dpreview.com

I should have clarified on the dSLR. Tammy has a Rebel as does another friend of ours. I've just always used a Nikon before. I'll check the reviews out.

I have the Nikon D70 and am absolutely thrilled with it. Have had it over a year now. My sis bought the D50 and really likes it alot too.

I have a Canon Rebel 2000 which - IMO - is a good bang for your buck. That said, I'm actually thinking about how much I would like a really excellent SRL type digital.

Also, I highly recommend getting some extra lenses. I have a telephoto and I'm drooling over a macro right now. Actually, as soon as I pay off my credit card (it'll be a couple of months), it's the first thing I'm buying.

I should have clarified on the dSLR. Tammy has a Rebel as does another friend of ours. I've just always used a Nikon before. I'll check the reviews out.

oh, didn't know you were talking digital. Rock your bad self then! I know nothing about digital.

Well I like my Nikon film camera more than my Canon digital. ;) I have known a few people who've owned both and stuck with the Nikon and returned the Canon. They feel different in your hands. Other than that, they are really very similar. The difference in mp between the D70 and the Rebel is insignificant when it comes to the prints.

the Pentax *ist series is also a LOT of camera for the price, and comes with a good lens. I have heard the lens the rebel comes with isnt great. I second the dpreview site-- its a GREAT and informative site.

I think the whole Nikon/Canon thing is really personal preference. Do you have a camera shop that you could go to and try them out? If possible, bring a compact flash card that you can put into all the cameras and take some pictures with different settings -- that way you can compare them at home later.

There are a lot of subtle differences between the two brands. One major difference which was important to me since I prefer natural light, was the noise levels at high ISOs. I find the Canon to be superior in this area -- there is much less noise at high ISO. I think the newer Nikons (e.g. D70S) have improved in this area so the difference isn't as great as it was, but it's still significant.

However if you already have a film Nikon you can probably use your lenses on a digital, so that is a huge factor!!!

I have a Nikon D70 and I couldn't be happier.

Rosemary -- just read your post. I shoot almost exclusively in natural light and I don't think I've ever had noise issues with my Nikon. I've never heard that before.