I don't disagree at all Sal, I love my SLR, but I just went through this with my mom. She basically told me that she wouldn't take it if it didn't fit in her pocket, which I totally understand. You can still get a really good point and shoot with a nice long zoom for under $500.

However if size isn't an issue (thats what she said?) I'd get an SLR all day long. I personally like Canon, but thats also what I've always owned. The problem with picking an SLR is if you start buying other add-ons you will always want to stay with your starting brand so that those add-ons can be used on your new camera. Personally because of all the extras I think I'd stay with either Canon or Nikon.