I really like the canon SX110-130-150s

That's pretty cool. And for not going into DSLR, I like the price range.

I'm a fan of Nikon DSLR cameras.

Strangely, I like Canon P&S cameras.

The only exception to this are the casio high speed cameras. They're pretty wicked. But, their only strong point is their trick shooting modes, the images themselves are nothing to really write home about.

With a P&S camera, you're gonna be pretty limited. Many do have a plethora of settings to do different things, but most people just stick them on Auto mode and just shoot. I was like that for years. The major drawback of a P&S shooter is that you can't really change much about how it functions (you're basically stuck with the lens and glass built-in) and they go obsolete pretty quick. As an aside, if you did go with a P&S, the lithium rechargeable batteries will generally last a LOT longer than some AA batteries.

With a DSLR, you get a lot of versatility, and can buy components that will last you YEARS. They are generally more expensive, but are quite a bit more versatile. If you put money into good lenses, you can use them on new bodies should you ever want to upgrade from your old body. What with many nowadays being well above 15 megapixel, there's not too much reason to want to upgrade very often. I bought a Canon T2i earlier this year, which is already a couple generations old... but it is still a great camera and is capable of taking great shots. The lenses I have can be used should I decide to upgrade to the T4i next year sometime... or even when the next generation comes out. Heck, the T2i, T3i and T4i are all 18 megapixel sensors, so there's not much reason to go higher. The T4i uses a newer sensor with better focusing abilities, and does have some whiz-bang features that make it interesting. So should I ever want to upgrade, almost all of the accessories and lenses I have will work with it.

It is a big chunk to bite off. I paid $540 for my T2i earlier this year... then got a 70-300mm lens for about $160 (not a high end lens, but works well)... then I got a nice superzoom that cost $500, and just this week found a guy selling a wide angle that I had on my "to consider" list for $350. I'll want to pick up an external flash unit sometime... but all of those things I've bought since getting the camera itself will work with all the newer models in the line, and should work with ones that will come out for the next few years. Even then, if some things change, the lens mount is unlikely to change.

Anyway, you should read around and decide if you just want to point and shoot, or possibly get a little more artsy. If you do decide to go with an SLR type camera, there are tons of good ones out there, and many on the used market since some people like to upgrade. I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Understanding Exposure and giving it a read. It's a beautifully illustrated guide to the basics of photography that applies to any camera.

If you want a compact that will allow you to shoot full auto AND dabble in learning how to use full manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority, go for the Canon S100. Last I heard it went for around $350, about $450 off it's original cost. I have two and love them

KEH?

Didja take a class with Stephen Alvarez?