Cross-posted from photo group - what camera should I buy?

[Phillycat]

Hi all, thanks in advance for any advice you have. I want to use part of my income tax return on a good digital camera. I am by no means a pro. I have a Fuji Finepix point and shoot digital; it's old and outdated. I have used the Canon Digital Rebel and loved it. I'd like to spend about $1000 and I'd like that to include one decent lens. I will be using it to take regular pictures - don't know how else to describe it. My friends and family, nature, the cats, etc. What camera would you choose for me? Thank you!

Cross-posting in the Lounge for more visibility.

[malta blue]

1. this is the camera I got for Christmas

http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/compact_cameras/v-lux_1/

Not sure on what an additional lens would cost, but it takes great pix.

I took this the day I got it - just pulled it out of the box, charged the battery and shot:


Not the best image, but considering it was the first one....

Also - I was about 30 feet away from Little MB when I shot this:

[Phillycat]

2. Those are great shots.

Leica lenses might be a little out of my price range, I think. :) Thank you though!

[malta blue]

3. I think the camera itself was about $800,

and I didn't get any additional lenses, but the zoom and macro on the standard lens work quite well.

Good luck and have fun.

[flvegan]

4. Paging DS1...

[DS1]

5. Are you wanting to make the jump to SLR systems or stay with the point-and-shoot variety?

[Phillycat]

7. Uh.

Hang on while I Google SLR so I don't look like an idiot.

Oh. Wait.

[Capn Sunshine]

6. Best all-around camera I've ever had:

Minolta DiMage Z1

Even does videos. Great Zoom lens no film(my favorite part) Does fine close ups. Landscapes. Portrait, everything, has an auto setting for point and shoot. Right in your price range.
PS that's a life size pic.

[suninvited]

8. I love my Canon S5 IS

it is a point and shoot, though. I am about to invest in an SLR, so I too am looking. The S5 IS is considerably less pricewise than what you are looking for. Maybe a Canon EOS? That is what I am currently looking at.

This was with my point and shoot, it does pretty good macros

[bertha katzenengel]

9. I got a Nikon camera, I love to take a photograph

so Mama don't take my Kodachrome away. :7

Nikon or Pentax. That's my advice. Good luck!