Using the fully automatic mode, it is about as easy to use as a compact digital but you’ll end up taking much better pictures. And there are a number of options between full auto and full manual, so it is quite easy to experiment with. The viewfinder and screen on the back are particularly nice too for a camera of its price.

You’ll probably find similar features on the other brand cameras too, but the entry level Canon ones are quire nice.

I would echo Behdad’s comments, especially if you buy the XSi, which is just an updated version of the XTi and get the $80 lens – the reviews are phenomenal and it’s a big upgrade over the standard lens that comes in the kit. I have that and a telephoto lens, and am a happy customer.

I didn’t buy a Nikon as a few years back because I had heard some models had a proprietary RAW format, but I don’t think they do any more.

Paul

The lens does not need to be from the camera manufacturer, but does have to use the correct mount for that camera. You may find specific features that are only available with the brand lens, for example Cannon anti-shake control is built into the lens, not the sensor, Pentax anti-shake is in the sensor, not the lens.

As far as name brands, Canon and Nikon are both good brands. I don’t expect Pentax to go away any time soon, or Sony for that matter. In any case, if you have a good quality camera shop in town, you may want to see what they recommend simply because the people there are going to be better able to show you how to get the best out of the camera, and are likely to be more able to perform any service that you are likely to need in the years to come.

I haven’t noticed anyone pointing it out but the camera mount issue is also of concern if you are thinking of upgrading to a higher quality camera down the line. If that D90 looks like something that might be of interest in a year or two, but is currently out of your budget, buying the Rebel now is going to be a problem as the lenses you get for the Canon are not going to work on the Nikon later on. You will be buying all new lenses when you update the camera body.

Have fun. I would advise taking a couple of pocket camera’s as well. I’m pretty sure you are more familiar with them, and that familiarity may allow you to get a shot of something you encounter happening that completes before you remember everything for using the DSLR. And a jpeg of a 5MP (or so) image in the camera is going to give you memories that a 10-20 MP image that isn’t in the camera, certainly won’t.

I have the first edition, and it’s really good (cheap too).

But, like everyone else said, it’s all about lenses – while the lens that comes with the camera (if you buy a kit) is likely very good outside with lots of light, you’re not going to get that good photos indoors at night. For photographing people indoors at close range, a 50mm f/1.8 lens is a very good and extremely economical ($100 – $200) option, but it limits your framing options a little.

Lastly, I’d recommend getting a real flash if you are interested in taking a lot of photos indoors – the ones on the camera don’t usually look that good…

Get this book: http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Barbara-London/dp/0321011082

And you’ll know everything you’ll ever need to know