I have a Canon 550D. I looked at the Nikons but preferred the Canon when it came down to it at the stores. I waited it out until she came on sale then snavelled her up then and there.

I had a very basic DSLR before this one and it frustrated me to no end that I couldnt do what I wanted it to. So when it came time to upgrade I did so with the idea in mind that I wanted it to grow with me. So far it has done everything I want it to and more. In terms of features I wanted something that I could hand to my parents and know that I could set it to auto and they couldnt muck it up (very technical illiterate) but I could also take it and do so much more. After much research this one seemed the best of both worlds.

I occasionally take more arty photos, but mostly they are just your standard portraits etc. I never have her out of manual mode now unless she has been handed over to someone else.

I wish I had been able to keep my old point and shoot though (went to point and shoot heaven) as sometimes I find it a bit too much to take the DSLR to some places.