WHAT to do ??

I'm in a pickle somewhat. I mentioned to my bride a few weeks ago that "someday" I think I'd like to have a really nice camera. I know nothing about quality cameras or how to use one, I've had a Canon Powershot G3 for 7 years and it takes great pictures "to me" anyway. Tomorrow is our 26th anniversary and this mornin when I woke up there was a sack on the table that contained a Canon EOS Rebel XS (1000 D) ,,,, EF - S 18-55 IS ???????? After reading on here, I was leaning toward a Nikon, same model and lense several of you have mentioned to be fairly easy to operate. Now I don't know what to do, I believe she payed about $500 for this camera. She understands if I decide to return it, after 26 yrs it ain't gonna cause a stink.
Any of ya'll have this camera and whether you do or do not, have any suggestions?? http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/ohwell.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/doh.gif

I'm a Canon guy, so I am gonna say that's a great "starter" SLR. I have a T1i, which is a couple steps above the XS but they are quite similar. It's easy to take good pics with, and a great camera to learn all the manual settings that can really open up the photographic possibilities. Being a Canon there are TONS of lenses and accessories for it. Don't overlook used and refurbed stuff either. I'd say keep the camera, get a couple lenses for it and if you really enjoy it you can always upgrade the body down the line.

Thanks Klinger, I'm sure to be a real photographer there's a need to use all the manual settings and such, but honestly they are dang near intimidating to me and time spent on "camera practice" ain't real high on my list. I have not even opened the box yet, will the EOS require a lot of tweaking or is there an "auto" mode such as the G3 I have?

Yea, there's an "auto everything" setting on the dial. The green square on the dial is auto everything, or adjustable auto setting in the "P"(Program) mode.

kinda like a depthfinder huh, reading the manual is a good thing to do http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/sick.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif

OK, I think I'll keep it, and jump for joy and tell her after further review it's exactly what I wanted. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

Troy,

I have the XSI which is right between Bryan's and yours. If I had my guess from what you are saying is the XS is perfect for you and actually would of been more then perfect for me. I had and pretty much still do not have a clue what to do with the dang thing but what has helped most is this book I bought that was written just for the camera. It is at work but I will try and get the name of the author tomorrow. He doesn't just rewrite what the manual says he explains what each function does in detail. I can atleast beat around and get a decent picture now in manual mode..... which is a lot more then I could do before the book. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/doh.gif

http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif sounds good Mike

David Busch is the Aurhor. The one I have is for the XSI but if I had my guess he made one for the XS also. I got it at Barnes and Noble.