Which do you recommend: Canon Digital Rebel EOS XT, Nikon d50 or d70, or the Canon Powershot S3 IS?

I really have my heart set on a digital SLR, and I'll be using this for two or three photo classes in school.

I am sure that you know the difference between DSLR and DSLR-like camera. The Canon Powershot S3 IS is a DSLR-like with a fixed lens. The great thing in the camera is its IS or Image Stabilizer which is embedded in the camera itself.

For the DSRL, it was a really great advice from one professional photographer in the Photo.net when he commented that "when you want to but a DSLR, think first in your collection of its lenses". It is clear that you have to make a budget for your lenses before thinking of buying a DSLR. For me, as a beginner I will choose the Canon Rebel XT or the Canon D50. They are both cheap, have a great 8MP resolution, have wide range of different lenses, and the important thing have less complicated functions rather than D70.

If you want not to spend so much money in lenses, you have to choose the Canon Powershot S3 IS or the Panasonic DMC-FZ50. I have the D70 and love it, after looking at all the cameras, I felt that it was the best. Go to a store and hold all of them, see what feels the most comfortable to you. If you have a film SLR, you might want to just get a digital back that can work with your lens, it will save you some money! it all depends on yourself, go to a store that has these cameras and try to feel how each camera fits in your hands and how easy and accessible are the buttons for you. i go for nikon because i've grown used to their buttons arrangements. the digital rebel is in the same class as d50 or d70s while canon 30d is in the same league as nikon d80 (its gonna be out soon). note that all of them are good cameras however, i'd not recommend d50 for the reason that you might need to learn more features while you are still studying since d50 is really a simple camera. i recomend the Nikon D50... though i havent used it a hole lot, you can get them for about $400 on e-bay (factory refurb.) and i am very partial to nikon... i have had a nikon N55 film camera for well over 6 yrs and have only had 1 problem with it... but friends that had other stuff were always complaining... but this is just my oppinion... go nikon weather it be the 50 or 70... the 50 is a bit cheaper... but if you have the money... go for the 70 If you have your heart set on a DSLR, then the S3IS is out. A fine camera- but only get it if you really want something more compact with a single zoom.