Congrats on the new camera!  If you get a chance you should check out the 17-55mm 2.8 IS USM lens.  This is my favorite lens to use, it is a great general purpose lens.

Well, I finally upgraded!  I ended up with the Canon 40D and let me tell you, it is SWEET!  I made the jump from a Canon Rebel (the original FILM SLR Canon made, back when it was still mostly metal) and an ancient, perfectly working Canon A-1 to the Canon 40D and I can assure you that I am not disappointed with that decision!  I got the 28-135 IS USM and am planning to add the 100-400 IS USM very soon.  I know what you mean about that delay when taking pictures.  I also have one of the Canon Powershot A-520's.  I used to get so frustrated when taking pictures of our dog.  I'd have the perfect shot, but by the time the camera actually TOOK the picture, he'd already be looking off at something else!  I'm still learning about the 40D but I have gotten some truly amazing photos!

The 30D is great! It was a huge upgrade from the Rebel (digital).  You would be able to use your the Canon lenses you already own.  I do not know how the camera does in cold weather.

 

I had owned point & shoots before.  I was extremely frustrated w/ the delay between the time you pressed the shutter button & the shutter actually took the picture w/ digital point & shoots.  The Digital SLR I have used work just like the Film SLR, no shutter lag.

 

Digital does eliminate the developing creativity, but it allows you to be creative w/ software.  People who are can touch up photos, correct color, whiten teeth, remove pimples.... 

 

I've been looking into upgrading to the Canon 30D.  What a sweet camera that is!  A friend of ours has one and I've had the opportunity to shoot a few pictures on it.  Fantastic metering system!  I love the way Canon has refined their metering system and given the user so many options.  It was great on the EOS 1, but the 30D is really amazing.  I currently have a small Canon powershot for digital, but I have the original Rebel 35mm--the one that wasn't all plastic.  I also have an ancient A-1 that is a tank--I could literally drag it on the ground behind me, pick it up, and get a perfect photograph--my only complaint with that camera has been that it will freeze up in cold temperatures much faster than my Rebel will--I've had to keep it tucked inside my coat when doing some outdoor work in Canada, just to keep it warm enough to use.  But I do love that camera.  I also have a collection of antique cameras, including an old Yashica twin-lens box camera--all in perfect working condition.  I've been slow switching over to digital--I have my own B&W darkroom at home and I love the creativity of developing and printing my own photos.  Trying to talk my partner into letting me upgrade, but it seems to be coming down to that or a fishing trip to Costa Rica in February.  Decisions, decisions!  If only I could convince her of the great photos I could get on a fishing trip with the 30D!

Any Photo gear heads out there?  What equipment do you have and what do you like to shoot? 

I have been in love w/ photography since I owned my first SLR in High School.  I have owned all sorts of film cameras and digital point shoots.  I got my first digital SLR a Rebel in 2004. 

 Digital photography is totally amazing!  It really gives you the freedom to take an incredible amount of pictures w/ out the expense of film.  If the picture doesn't come out the way you want it, delete it and try again.  My photography skills have improved tremendously over the last couple of years! 

Last year I upgraded to a Canon 30D.  I found that I was using the kit lens most of the time.  I upgraded to the 17mm-55mm 2.8 IS USM.  I take a lot of portraits and sport shots (I have been studying Shorin-Ryu Karate and Tai Chi for the last 6 years).  The IS USM 2.8 lets me take great photos w/ out a flash.

My wife and I are going on the Alaska cruise in September.  I just purchased the Canon 70mm-300mm IS USM.  I hope to be able to take some great landscape and wildlife shots!.

I also have a small Sony DSC-1 w/ a waterproof case for those times I do not want to haul around all that gear.