The primary advantage of SLRs is control of variables and the interchangeable lens. We work in some fairly dim conditions at times.

Now this is not flaming or a deterent, just straight forward honesty. IMO if anyone is unable to invest in the quality lenses for proper use of a SLR (which is as much or more than the cost of the camrea base), you will actually get better use of your money to buy a good point-and-shoot style camera. You simply will get a better bang for the buck. I did this two years with a Sony DSC-70 (3 MP P&S) and got some great shots for use in the videos.

If you are wanting to go for higher quality, and possibly look into blending the two arts, I suggest that you plan on getting a good wide angle, a good/fast telephoto, and a couple of flashes/diffusers to start into photography as well. It is scary regarding the flow of funds, but the merger of these arts is terrific. And digital makes it work!

In the DSLR world overall, I do prefer Canon base, lens and flashes personally. ...and I was a Nikon F4 lover in a past 35mm film-life.

The SLRs are really fun too.... and researching htem is kind of neat. If you haven't looked yet, visit hear to compare specs: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs.asp

When considering a camera, the MegaPixel race is sometimes over-emphasized. The difference between 4 and 8 megapixel isn't twice the resolution.... it would need to go from 4 to 16 megapixel to do that. My point is that the advantage of Canon 20D (an 8 megapixel sensor) versus a Nikon D50/70 (6 megapixel sensor) isn't that big of a deal and not worth a huge price difference. I also doubt that bursting at 5 vs 3 fps is really big either, as long as it has some type of burst.

As I said, I am now a Canon advocate, though it is not by a huge margin. So, since it is such an enormous choice, I recommend that you select the cameras in your price range and go handle/experiment with them... personally, I went to Atlanta since no one in Knoxville had them all. Take a CF card (or buy one) to capture sample images. Play with an array of lenses from wide to telephoto, fast to slow (this refers to the aperture size at different focal lengths, not focus speed) and see which you will eventually aspire to get. As I did this I found I was more comfortable with Canon-- but it may be Nikon or FinePix for you.