Chatmandude SLR camera (both film and digital) is a whole new beast when compared to compact point-n-shoot cameras. If you learn to use them correctly and be able to use the features they offer it can take you to great heights however if you are not able to learn and not be able to use the features they offer, most likely SLR cameras will screw you badly and it will be a worthless investment. There are three levels of SLRs (for both digital and film) Entry level: such as Canon Rebel, Nikon D50 Mid level and serious amatures: Canon Rebel XT, Canon 20D, Nikon D70 Semi Pro and Fully Pro: Canon 5D, Nikon D200 When it comes to lenses each Brand has a huge line up of lenses. Lenes come in focal lengths from 10mm ultra wide angle lens to 1200mm super telephoto lens. There is an option to choose lens that are either have fixed focal length or zooms (variable focal length). If you want to use DSLR for taking pics for enlargement of more than 14 inch across in size I would suggest you to buy a camera of 8MP and above such as Canon REBEL XT: 8MP (suited for entry level photographers) Canon 20D: 8 MP (suited for entry level and serious amature photographers) Nikon D200: 10.2 MP (suited for serious amatures) Entry level DSLRs currently cost around 900-1000 $ in package (body and lens kit) such as Canon Rebel, Nikon D50. You also have option to buy body only and buy the lens of your choice seperately.