Actually dSLRs don’t cost as much as you’d think. The Nikon D40 is an amazing entry level dSLR camera which retails for about $400-500 CAD/USD (I am saving up for one!). The quality is very good for its price and has a lot of settings to mess with. The Nikon D40 is also better than the entry level Canon EOS. It even includes a fairly good lens for its price, while Canon EOSs are generally sold body only + $100-300 for a lens. Also, for a good all purpose camera check out the Nikon CoolPix series. They have a few mid and high-end ones which take very nice shots. Some are dSLR-like for a nice $175-250 price.

A higher ISO means the camera takes in more light making the photo more clear but creates grainy shots. A high ISO is needed mostly in low-light situations like night shots. When shooting in a well lite room you can get away with a fairly low ISO if 100-400. You can get a few cheap white lights and disable flash. It works rather well and removes most blurring/glaring issues. But a tripod by itself will eliminate most blur issues from what I’ve noticed. Use the timer function so that you don’t move the camera. I noticed that it helps a lot when you are 100% hands off of the camera.

Cheers,
-robodude666

Thanks for the tip Ron! I am going to hold off, for now. Funny that you brought up the XTi, I’ve wanted an one for ages! I’ll probably never have the chance to get a DSLR though. They cost too much

Thanks for the safe wishes!

The Canon Powershots are nice, but you’re always going to be limited by the small lens. There’s only so much light it can gather. When Evelyn got her first Digital SLR (a Rebel XTi) the photos were like night-and-day, maninly because the SLR lenses are bigger and better. Of course, an SLR is a beast to lug around, and is a good deal more expensive (though not as bad as they used to be).

Wishing you a safe trip. I’m sure you’ll come back needing a vacation. Sensory overload.

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/pso/pt.cfm

Have a great trip!