Quick Background –
Current Powershot S40 user – nice camera for outdoors, however it is very limited in flash performance indoors (weak plus lots of red-eye). It has a slow AF and somewhat weak AF in indoor light, non existent if zoomed unless I use a laser pointer. We miss a fair number of shots due to the above.

Looking to upgrade. I examined reports on numerous websites and concluded from the reports that while a SLRlike camera can produce a great print and that they may somewhat improve on the S40’s shortcomings I may still be left with significant shortcomings in those areas and massive shortcomings at higher ISO’s. That leaves SLR’s. Reading the same website reports it seems for me it comes down to Sony, Canon and Nikon.

I believe IS is the way to go. In camera (IS), the Sony appears to be the choice over Olympus and Pentax. The Pentax K100D Super could be intriguing, but with observed weak AF performance and only 6MP, it’s hard to swallow. The K10D appears to be too fussy and doesn’t have pre-set scene modes that an educated novice like me still likes to have. In lens IS, that leaves the big 2 – Canon and Nikon. Problem is neither currently makes an inexpensive IS walkaround lens. Canon makes the 17-85 in an IS, but it’s $500. Nikon doesn’t have an equivalent VR lens with the closest being the 18-200 VR at $750. Both have reasonably priced IS zoom lenses, though I think the nod goes to Nikon on price/quality there. Based on reports, I conclude that Canon and Nikon have the edge over Sony in net overall performance (XTi and D80). So do I suck up the extra $400 for the Canon IS walkaround lens? Anyone have an updated timeframe on when the less expensive 18-55 Canon IS will be available (other than just October)? Do I just wait for that to come out? Ultimately, I look to have the wide zoom, a telezoom and a fast 50/60 prime (for portrait like shots). Shots to be taken vary from indoor flash or lower light no flash to outdoor action (soccer etc). I’d like to be able to get indoor hockey, but that’s a $1000 plus zoom I’m not prepared to get at this time. Comments on my thought process, analysis appreciated.