I have the S1 IS, the predecessor to the S2 (now replaced by the S3). Since I got it in June 2004, it's probably taken 4000 shots. I've never had a problem with it.

You can get a superzoom for around $400-500. The new S3 IS is 6MP - only .2 less than the D50 - and has more zoom than the 300mm lens you'd be looking at. and compared to the $800+ for the D50, the S3 IS is $500 from Amazon, and the outgoing S2 IS (only big diff is 5Mp/S2 vs 5MP/S3) is $359.94.

You may really want to consider something like them. To get the same kind of range of capabilities with an SLR would require a HUGE investment, and you'd have a lot of stuff to deal with. SLRs are great cameras, but I think that there's sometimes a better value in a superzoom-type camera for certain purposes.

Just MHO...