Looking for first Digital Camera

[OtterKin]

Hello,
I've had two years of Studio photography in High School (just graduated) and all our emphasis was on B&W film. While I love film and the darkroom, I plan to minor in photo in college and need a digital camera to keep up with the times. I don't plan to give film up, I just need a system that doesn't rely on having a film processing area and a darkroom. I've had some experience with digital, enough to know I prefer film but must face up to reality. Maybe someday I can be exclusively film, but not today.
I currently have a 1980-ish Canon AE-1 program, and since I have had such a good experience with it I would like to stick to Canon. However, I am willing to look at other brands.
I shoot primarily outdoors in cloudy conditions (Seattle ;-)), but in Montana (where I'm going) I expect there will be more clear days.
I accomplish most of my shooting with a 50 mm, but also use the 200mm a fair amount. I hardly ever use the 25mm Macro.
I'd like a camera that functions great under outdoor conditions (not particularly close-up), but also has the versatility to move inside for some close-up shots. I don't really do people, but when I do it's in a fine art portrait type way.
Some examples of my work (scroll down) that give a good sense of what I do:
The fish in hands is digital. I had to take the pictures of the pictures with a crappy point-and-shoot digital, so the contrast and color balance is slightly off on all of them.
http://www.petsociety.org/gallery/go...art/?g2_page=3

This camera would have to work for minoring in photo and possibly switching it into a major. I'm looking at a Canon EOS 30D, but at it's cheapest it's at the very edge of my price limit and I wouldn't be able to afford a good lens to go with it, or any other accessories. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec...non_eos30d.asp
Here's a comparison of some other cameras I've looked at:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...n_d80&show=all
I'm not experienced in digital prints enough to really see the difference in the quality of the pictures each took, so I can't tell what is camera-caused or scene-caused.
So what do you recommend? Thanks for your patience.

[OtterKin]

All right, let's try a bit simpler question.
Which one?
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...n_d80&show=all

[Frog]

Seems that if you may major and will minor that you'd need a dslr.
Do you have canon lenses?
Would you consider used, refurbished?

[OtterKin]

Yes, I have canon lenses but they are from the 1980's. I don't think they'd work for a dslr now.
I should let you know that I plan on using the camera on manual most of the time, but the autofocus would come in handy. Yes, I am willing to purchase a used/refurbished one. I now have enough money to buy both a D30 and a nice lens, if that influences advice.

[OtterKin]

anybody? I'm now leaning towards the XTi, just because I can get more good lenses that way.

[OtterKin]

Hmmmmm.
Ok guys, another question.
I am getting the XTi. Is this a mistake? I should mention that I'm used to alot of weight; the AE-1 program is metal. I like the weight, so is there anyway to make the XTi heavier, or do I just need a different camera?

I need a quick briefing on the types of lenses. Which brands are good ect. I currently shoot with a fixed 1.4 50mm, a 200 mm and a Macro 28mm. Anything I should be aware of?