Hi Donna and Tammy, I've only read a little beyond the Canon press release on their new (not yet available) SX ultra-zoom models. But I think the jury is still out on these cameras. The SX-1 will have a new sensor which might offer real image quality improvements. But the SX-1 will be more expensive than previous Sx-IS models, and currently there are no plans to sell it in the US. The SX10 model is apparently a bit less of a technical advance. But perhaps more importantly, the move to a 20X zoom lens in these new models may actually be a step backward rather than forward for those of us who would use the camera for birding. The maximum aperture for this new lens when zoomed is f5.7 (very slow compared to the f3.5 of the Sx-IS's 12X lens). This means even less light at the long end (where our birds live), and thus slower shutter speeds, which is already a big limitation in all superzooms of every brand. Soooo... Personally, I wouldn't pre-order just yet. I will be very interested to read the reviews once this new camera is available... but... We now use both the S3 and the S5, and imo they are both great cameras for the money, but neither is any significant advance over the other (or the S2). I have my doubts that the SX-10 will offer birders any real improvement over the Sx-IS models equipped with a good TC lens. I could be wrong. hth, Kenn :)

nah, dont have an IS yet...I SHOULD have waited on the XSI this april. It comes with one...but two extra megapixels and a couple of other bells and whistles didnt make up the price difference for me, Plus at $899 its gonna be outta my price range. Cant get anything THAT expensive til I slap a ring on my girls finger...:) I may order an IS lens, but 99.9% of the time I have my tripod handy. Gotta recover from throwin the dollars at this one first....I think for the price I got a good start anyhow! :) Thus far I have had a blast with it.....there are tons of pics that I got with my h7 that I'm looking forward to reshooting with this one. If I can just get as good as Joan with it, Ill be content! :) A

Can't say much about Nikon's camera since I never owned one. I do however, once owned the Canon XT and now the Canon 40D. Both are Digital SLR cameras (DSLR). The reason I stick with Canon is not only for its quality but also for its interchangeable lens. Lens can be expensive to invest. With Canon, I don't mind investing in their lens knowing that when I upgrade the camera body, the same lens would fit. I have an old EF zoom lens that I purchased in the mid 80's and it still work well with the Canon XT and 40D. As for DSLR a "must have", well, it depends what you're shooting at. If you have kids and/or shoot for sports, you should consider a DSLR. Once you press the shutter button, it's an instant shot. You won't lose that "kodak moment" when your child make that funny face as you would with the slow shutter lag (delay) of a point and shoot digital camera (digicam). DSLR also has continous shooting for sport events or quick actions. The only cons about a DSLR is they're big and bulky which may be an inconvenient for traveling. Then again, once you use it, you seem not to mind dragging it everywhere you go. Also, it doesn't do video clip. Though, I have an inexpensive point-n-shoot to do just that. If you're a serious photographer that want to learn further about photography, then, I strongly recommend purchasing a DSLR. Have fun with your purchase! Natalie

I don't own a digital SLR, but have seen some terrific pictures taken with them. I'm a Canon fan so if I were to buy any digital SLR, I would go with them. I've always wanted a Digital Rebel. My sister however, would disagree with me. She takes pictures for her local newspaper and she uses a Nikon SLR. Why not go to a camera shop (not Future Shop or Best Buy....), but a small mom and pops type camera shop and get their views on many of the cameras they have. Most shops don't mind spending that extra time with customers to make sure they are getting exactly what they're looking for in a product.