on a side note..

to be honest, i'm getting a little frustrated/bored of my D40. it almost seems like it's holding me back-being such a slow camera. it doesn't have the quality that i'm looking for either. granted, i still have lots to learn about photography..but i am going to art school in the fall..so i really do need a more quality camera.

i was hoping you, the reader, could give me a few suggestions as to which camera i should consider.

i'm already looking at the EOS XS and EOS XSi
but having only shot Nikon..i'm not quite sure what i'm looking for...all i know is that i'm looking for something different and better.

I've also been told by a local camera shop that the Sony a230 would also be worth my consideration--especially since it's a good ~200 bucks cheaper. but does cheaper necessarily mean worse? this is where i need your help!

Thank you for any suggestions!