T0M722

Get a Eos definitely if you can afford it. A 2nd base model (1000D) shouldn't be too expensive. I'd daresay that a brand new higher end Powershot might cost more. Just remember that 2nd hardware might have physical wear like scuffs or scratches. If you can overlook that then you're probably gonna get one or less. But having a DSLR might be costly in the long run. Lenses, battery grip, external flashes, filters et cetera might lead you to spend quite a bit more as you progress and improve and demand better.