which DSLR camera is best?

some of the features you desire don't really have anything to do with the camera. So it makes giving you an answer a little more difficult. Wanting to zoom in on small things like a spider/web and surfers is a function of the lens, and I don't know of one single lens that does it all, and well at that.

Any dSLR will require a good macro lens for tiny subjects, and to allow you to get very close and stay in focus. If you want to reach out and get distant subjects, like surfers or anything else, you'll need a large, expensive telephoto lens.

Also, what are your photographic skills like? A compact can freeze a fast moving child if you understand the settings. Of course image quality could be degraded, but it is possible. If you purchase a dSLR, and plan on shooting in auto mode, you might find yourself disappointed by the results, and you could still be missing shots of your fast moving child. You'll need to put in at least some work, and get to know your dSLR and how it works to get the most out of it. Bottom line, a blurry subject is almost always user error, not a camera error.

There is no perfect camera, Canon, Nikon and Sony alpha each have their pros and cons. I would avoid the A330 and similar, the image sensor performance is lacking. Take a look instead at the Sony A33, A35 and A580. Only Sony has fast phase auto focus when shooting video. Canon and Nikon use slow contrast detect focus when shooting video, and cannot use fast auto focus for video regardless of price. The is crucial for fast moving kids, sports etc.

All three take a great photo. The Canon image sensor is average, Nikon uses better Sony image sensors. Sony is using a sensor that's a step below for the A33 and A35, more like the Canon (all according to DXOmark). So for low light, the entry level Nikons, like the D3100, and 5100 have the best image sensor. Sony uses a really fantastic image sensor in their A580, that's their current bang for the buck dSLR. Avoid the A560, the image sensor performance isn't better than the A33 or A35.

Canon and Nikon will have more lens choices and accessories, especially when you consider walking into a chain store like bestbuy. But that will only affect the hard core shooter, you can get the most popular focal lengths for Sony. The Sony can also use any autofocus minolta lens.

So bottom line, you have more research to do on your own, compare the Canon T2i, T3, T3i, Nikon D3100, Sony A33, A35, A580, compare the features and then make a choice. If you want 'pro looking' images and top notch performance, you'll need to make it happen as well. The best race car, still needs a great driver. Good luck.

You're going from a Kodak camera to a DSLR, looking at a Sony and Nikon. Ever think you will have a lot of reading to do. I suggest borrow or buy a book on the Basics of Photography. Over a week before my Nikon D90 arrived I downloaded the owner's manual to get a running head start.

I would think best bet if you must get a DSLR would be the Nikon D3100. It's an entry level DSLR.

PS- You want to shoot surfers. Be careful of sand getting into camera.

The only way is to find a dealer who lets you handle them and pick the one that feels right.

Compact DSLRs don't exist, bridge cameras with fixed lenses and EVIL cameras aren't SLRs.