Thanks for all the comments!

I chose Canon mainly because that is what I am used to and have used for years. Each has their benefits and flaws. It just comes down to personal preference. I am upgrading from a Canon A620 and a Canon S40 before that.

I did not do a package deal. I pieced this setup together based on the best quality lenses that I could get for my budget. I also got to see Jaime's setup, which was a help......except he has the pimp daddy f/2.8 version of the 70-200 L lens.

I will be playing around with the setup and will post pics....the ones I am not ashamed to post. If I can only get past this cold I have, I will be fine.