I am sure Danja has now upgraded to a better Canon iirc. I have a Canon EOS 20d with a battery grip to make it easier to hold and I love it. You can do the same with a 350d as well which will combat the problem Frog saw of it being too small. Once the batt grip is on it looks like a professional sized SLR.

I also agree that the SLR is only a small part of it and you need to look into lenses as well. I have a 2.8 70-200l which is stunning and I always try to use it if I can as the clarity of pictures is awesome. I have recently bought a 17-40l but its not a patch on the 70-200.

My friend just bought a canon compact which has a massive zoom (without protruding too much) and most of the capability of a larger SLR. When he does not want to carry his big camera he loves the small one.

Good luck mate, its all up to preference as they will all give good results

Graham