Back in the old days, when people used film, I did so too. I shot a lot of film (both black and white and color) in my beloved screw mount SLR Pentax (which I no longer have) , and later played a bit with a 4x5 view camera, but never got really serious. Also, I have strangely acquired three Minolta SRT101 cameras and a collection of lenses, two as gifts, the third in a thrift store (for $8.00 and with a 28mm lens). I have yet to take a single photo with these fine Minoltas though, and likely never will. With the advent of the 20th century and (with the notable exception of 4x5 cameras) the passing of film technology into the dim and distant past, I have now turned my attention to digital photography exclusively.
When I began these pages, I was still clicking away with a tiny little Canon S200 and had taken something over 4000 pictures with it. Point and shoot cameras definitely have their place. In particular, a camera in your hand is worth two in the bush (or sitting at home).
That little camera pleased me so much, that I found myself pondering the purchase of a digital SLR and ultimately (in early 2006) settled on the Canon EOS 20D. I have had no regrets or problems with this camera.
Sometimes the Canon versus Nikon question comes up. Both are fine camera systems, and I think it is pointless to try to answer the question of which is better. I chose Canon probably because at the time I was making my decision, photographers I knew and trusted were using Canon gear. Now that I have an investment in Canon lenses, it would be difficult to switch, even if I wanted to.
I find it interesting to note (in early 2011) that after 5 years the Canon 20D that I paid roughly $1200 for, is now selling for $200 on the used market. On the other hands, lenses I invested in are selling for nearly the same as what I purchased them for (the prices of the same lenses new has risen). There are some clear conclusions that can be drawn here.
It is early 2011, and I am considering upgrading the 20D. I liked the Canon 50D, but I don't think so highly of the 60D. The advent of the 60D and demise of the 50D led me to serious consideration of the 7D (a wonderful camera). From there, the next step is the full frame 5D Mark II.
The following links are some information I accumulated while in the process of evaluating and researching various cameras.
Tom's Digital Photography Info / tom@mmto.org