[reldridge]

Don't give in to lens envy... ;) The 9100 should do you fine. You can buy thread on lenses for telephoto, macro and wide-angle, if you find you need more range in any of those areas. You can also add on a flash (if I remember correct) and other fun stuff.

For $400, you can't beat it. For the price of a DSLR, you'll be getting the 9100 and quite a few of the accessories. The 9100 is considered a serious prosumer, which can clash with some entry level DSLRs. Keep in mind though, the 9100 can do video, a DSLR cannot.

What are your plans for photography? Do you plan on turning it into a hobby or possible source of income, or is it going to be taking pictures of family, friends, car shows, etc.? There is no point buying into a lens system (Canon, Nikon, Pentax, etc.) to get the range of the 9100, to not do anything major with it. If you are going into a hobby style (like NOS) then go DSLR. But if it is for all around shooting, go with the 9100.

I went through the dilemma a few months ago. I figured for the body I wanted (D70s at the time) and the glass, and flash, I'd be well over $1500 for it, which was WAY over budget ($800). I bought the Panasonic DMC-FZ7 instead. I don't quite have the DSLR noise-less-ness, or the speed, but I have the video capability that I need being a new parent (shortly) and I still have a damn good lens (12x optical Leica-approved lens). Still plenty of resolution (6 megapixel) and rechargable lithium ion battery, all in a package about about 3/5's the size of a DSLR, and 1/3 the price.

Check out http://www.dpreview.com in the forums section to see what others have done with the 9100. You might be surprised the results others have had.

In the end, it comes down to this:

photography as hobby with spending real time learning and growing -> DSLR
photography for fun with family and friends -> 9100

Ryan