Looking to go DSLR..

[Hitched2BellesCastle]

Well I currently have an Olympus D50 it's about 4 years old and is good for a point and shoot (pretty compact). I have been looking at the slr cameras for a while now and really like the reviews the 20D has received. I also know I may be getting in over my head by purchasing this camera as everyone seems to indicate it as a "prosumer" grade camera. I am having a major mind riot here. I have looked into the 350d, and the Nikon D50. I just seem to keep going back to the 20D. It feels so sturdy and responsive and the price is bound to come down a little more with the release of the 30D. No matter what camera I do wind up getting I plan on buying books etc to get the most out of it. This is going to be my first Dslr so any and all advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

If you have the budget I strongly recommend:

Canon 20D body
Opteka battery grip for the camera
An extra battery
Sigma 500 DG Super (or if you REALLY have the budget, Canon 580 EX)
Walkaround lens:
for the time being: Sigma 18-125 (not 200, if you still can find a brand new 18-125 due to less purple fringing and lesser distortion. I actually bought a brand new in-the-box backup 18-125 just in case mine breaks)
rumoured to be in the future: Canon 18-125(200?) IS (Image Stabilization)

"specialty" lenses:
Canon 18-55 f/2.8 IS (planning to buy this, already pre-ordered)
Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS (have this, love this lens to death)
Canon 50 f/1.8 (have this, love this lens... but not to death)
Canon 85 f/1.8 (on order. Tried my teacher's lens... very drool incuding)

 

[Hitched2BellesCastle]

Thanks Kelly the advice is appreciated.