I used to have an old Nikon totally manual SRL, which was fairly small. When I was using it, I wished it at least had auto-focus, and then now I'd like to go digital also -- so I'm looking for a good digital SRL, which has nice, easy manual controls (but of course can be totally automatic also). I am a female and have small hands. I'm hoping to become a wedding photographer, so if there are any models that are especially favored by wedding photographers, please let me know as well. Thank you!

D3 is the ine if you have the cash and want full frame or a D300 or maybe a used D200, if the budget is tight then a d40 or two. More important is the lens/es.....

a

I agree, you need to think of your budget first and allow for 2 bodies + lenses + a decent flash (Metz?) + extra batteries + reflectors + a decent tripod (I'd suggest carbon fibre + a trigger grip head).

The equipment choice is personal so try out all the ones you are interested in. I'd look at the ones the others have mentioned and the Canon 400d - really good value for money right now and small and light (virtually disposable at the price too!). I'd also go for a wide to moderate telephoto zoom - as fast as you can afford, ideally a sports zoom to f2.8 (the Canon 17-55mm being pretty much ideal).

Best of luck!

Since you want Auto focus, and probably have older Nikon lenses, I would have to suggest the Nikon D80 or the Nikon D200 for a bit more. The D80 is an excellent camera for most of any work. It's of medium build, and solid in the hands. The D200 is larger, but requires more knowledge to use efficiently.

Lower than that is the Nikon D40 and D40x, but these were never designed for professional use. The older screw driven Nikkors will not even Auto focus with them, since Nikon removed the in camera motor, for obvious reasons...The D40 and D40x are designed for people moving up from point and shoot cameras, who have no previous lenses, and who do not plan to buy any more lenses besides the kit. This means the 50mm lens will not AF with them, nor most of the other Nikkors.

I guess you could sell all your previous Nikon gear at a loss and start over with another brand, such as Pentax or Canon. But, this would be costly and you'd be starting out new. I use Nikon, have used Canon, Pentax, and Olympus, and I must say Nikon comes out on top with lenses and build. If you go with another brand, such as Canon, I would suggest skipping the toy-like Digital Rebel XTi, and go for the 40D or the great 5D. Both are great cameras.

So, Nikon: D80 or D200. Canon: 40D or 5D.

Hope this helps.