Just a couple comments and suggestions... I had a Canon Powershot A40 as my first digital camera. After using it for close to two years, i had pretty much mastered everything on the camera itself. I realized there were a lot of limitations that I was being held back from using it. Some were:Another new camera GP? Wow you should just save up money and bight the big bullet with one like Zack's and CP990's
Slow zoom times
Lack of quick control of shutter speed/aperture size
Low megapixel for using cropping later
Soft looking pictures with plastic lens
Shutter lag
Lack of ability to take photo after photo of the same train
Slow focus
I figured that since i didn't get a chance to get out and railfan much, i better make the most of the few times i get a chance to go and get a good camera. Very frustrating to sit out for an hour or so and get one chance at a shot and have the shot blown. At times i feel limited with my current 300D, but i can deal with it until i need to pass my camera down to my fiance and upgrade mine Make sure to learn everything about your camera, and if you use the camera well and feel lacked by it's ability, upgrade then.