I was raised by a photographer.  My father was in the business for many, many years.  It wasn't until I had my children that I became truly interested in photography.  My father always shot with Nikon, but I find Canon easier to use.  I had several film SLR cameras but decided to bite the bullet and get a digital.  I also worked for Kodak for 5 years.  I love the camera although the kit lens (18-55mm) leaves much to be desired.  My advice, buy the body and invest in a better lens.  After all your pictures are more dependent on the glass they are shot with. 

Two weeks after purchasing...