Upgrading camera to D-SLR

I currently have a Fuji S5000 and I have been working alot with the manual controls rather than the auto. I feel that I am ready for a D-SLR, but I do not have a bunch of $ to spend. I looked at the Rebel and it seems to be a great camera in all of the reviews and comments. Please give me advice on what to look for. I know that mega-pixels are important but is that all that I need to be concerned about?

The number of pixels really isn't important once you step up to a digital SLR. The image quality of any current digital SLR is going to be much better than what you have. Buying into a system that you'll be happy with, making sure the camera is comfortable in your hands, and getting the features you need - those are the important things. The Digital Rebel has been a very good camera for a lot of people. And since the Rebel XT came out, it's an even better value. You should compare it to others, but I don't think it would be a bad decision. Have you checked the digital SLR reviews?

http://www.pcphotoreview.com/cat/dig...S_3127CRX.ASPX