Yes, I have a Minolta film camera and 2 lenses, but I don't want to carry any of that over. I was just never very satisfied with the results I got with that one. The lenses really aren't up to snuff, which leads to blurry, faded-looking pictures most of the time. They turn out better when I use only manual settings, but I like having the option of using automatic sometimes, too.
Well, if you don't plan to carry any of your equipment over, my personal recommendation is to go with a Canon. I had this same debate going myself in December, when I decided to go "SLR" instead of point and shoot.
Now, if you *did* want to keep your Minolta lenses, you could get the Sony A100, but personally, I'm not a big fan of that camera when compared to Canon or Nikon. The Pentax is okay, but lens selection is smaller and they are less consistent over the years with keeping up with technology. In fact, the K10D is their first truly competitive digital SLR.
I prefer Canon because a) best lens selection b) best sensors with the least "noise" (similar to grain in film) and highest ISO capabilities and c) they are right on top of technology and in fact, pretty much invented and continue to innovate in the area of digital SLR cameras.
Now, as far as film vs. digital... using regular 35mm negative film and printing images at any standard photo place, you will not be able to beat a modern (current model) digital SLR. Also, whoever said you lose quality transferring images.... Huh?! The opposite is true. Digital is digital. Bits & bytes don't change. If you copy a digitial image, in fact, you NEVER lose any of the original quality. If you shoot in JPEG mode, your JPEG will never "lose quality" from how it comes out of the camera. Now, if you process it a bunch in software, etc, and re-save it, there is a THEORETICAL loss of quality with the re-compression, but in reality it is indistinguishable. Furthermore, you just go back to the original file (which you kept, right?), and what you have is even better than a film negative... it never gets dusty never gets scratches and never loses color or quality in any form or fashion. Any possible losses (miniscule as they are) from JPEG compression can be 100% eliminated by shooting in "RAW"... but RAW images are huge and take up tons of space, so unless it's a critical image (e.g. a well set-up scene that I spent a lot of time with), I just shoot JPEGS at "normal" quality, which is awesome.
I don't want to sway you away from Nikon, but if you're familiar and capable of shooting with manual settings, you will be more happy with the Canon cameras (IMO). If you expect to put it on "Auto" (green box setting), and get perfect pictures, you won't be happy - get a Nikon. Auto doesn't let you adjust exposure, color, sharpness or anything, so I'd avoid that. I do use "P" Program mode a lot, though, but it allows for customization and I also often use Aperture priority mode, to stop down the "kit" lens or to keep a wide aperture on my 50mm F1.8 lens, for shallow depth of field portraits.
One fair warning that I have found out... Other than the Canon 50mm 1.8 II lens, which can be had for about $70-80, all of the truly good lenses start at $300 for a prime (no zoom) lens and $550 for any type of zoom (e.g. the 70-200mm F4 "L" lens, without image stabilization, which is IMO the smokin' best deal you can get on the best possible zoom for the money!). In other words, if you buy one of the $200-ish zoom lenses, be aware, you're getting a lens that is much, much poorer in quality. That's OK if you are able to accept that, but if that is upsetting to you, save that money until you can get an "L" lens (any Canon lens with "L" in the name, e.g. 50mm f1.2L, 70-200mm f4L, etc.). I don't have one yet, but man do I want one!
I recommend the Rebel XTi with the "kit" lens. The lens is not great, but for the price, it is a great little zoom to start out with and carry anywhere with no worries. Also, I would just go ahead and immediately order the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens for $70-80 and use it for portraits and indoor shots with limited light. F1.8 vs. F3.5-5.6 for most lenses!!! It makes a monstrous difference and the 50mm is "sharp" too.
Good luck,
Michael
