Is there really a differance between a 6.1 megapixel cheapy camera snappy snappy type thing...and a 6.1 megapixel digital SLR (like a D50)? Um, not counting the fact that the D50 can use a zillion lenses...i was saying just quality wise.

Also, if i already have a 35mm camera, is there a easy/cheap way to get the pictures onto your computer...with a better quality than a, ahem, digital camera?

And now you ppl are thinking...lol! His pictures are pathetic..give up. =P And im thinking..yup, i know...

There can be a difference and im probably not the best to ask because i haven't read much about it but ill throw some comments in here. Megapixels are only an aspect of quality. You must look at the quality of the sensor. I don't believe they are all the same. Also what the lens is made of. Some of the cheaper cameras don't use glass for the lenses or they use cheaper glass. Going with an slr you are going to get at least decent glass depending on which lens you go with. Another place an slr excells is in speed. It starts up instanly, and can take pictures very quickly after the last one. Going from the experiance i have had the focus is often quicker and picks the place you want better. (that could just be i haven't used great compacts before though).

One thing i might suggest is finding a good review site, like dpreview.com, and looking at two side-by-side and seeing how they compare. Some might argue that there isn't much of a difference, but i figure you get what you pay for.

To put it simply, Yes there's a huge difference. A 6.1MP sensor in a DSLR is larger than a 6.1MP in a compact, coupled with the better lenses, DSLR's image quality that is far, far better.
As for getting pictures onto your computer, a flatbed scanner is perfect for this. Obviously you get what you pay for but they're available, over here, for as little as £30.
As for your pictures, a lot probably put me to shame. I'd show you some of mine when i first started but they were deleted a long time ago:) Just stick at it, do plenty of reading on composition and techniques, experiment and take plenty of shots. Easy as that!

Cheers...........

Oh, and get out more. :-) I'll see what happens...for now ill snap around with my dad's camera (f80) which he no longer uses.

Thanx for the info..