New DSLR user

[rped33]

Hey everybody, I'm new to the DSLR world and would appreciate any advice on how to go for my first camera. I do know a few details so far, such as:
-I need to buy a Canon for a job
-I dont want an outdated version such as a T2i, etc
-I will be taking a random selection of pictures, will use on vacations (I like wide-angle shots), for my job I will have to take pictures of smiles (not selling the photos)
-I will be buying a ring flash

Thanks for your help


Camera Type

• Are you looking for a compact point & shoot camera, a DSLR, or something in between? (Or perhaps you haven't decided yet — that's okay!)
DSLR

• Is this your first camera? First ever, or first digital?
Currently have a Canon SD550 point and shoot

• Are you interested in a high level of control, or would you prefer to let the camera do as much "thinking" as possible?
More on the control side, but could probably use a little help too

• If you had to choose, would you prefer a more versatile (large "×") zoom lens, or top-notch image quality with no zoom at all?
Both, but top notch image quality is more important

• What size of camera do you want? To what degree would you be willing to sacrifice other features for compactness?
DSLR size

Budget

• What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.
Could spend anywhere between $3000-$5000, subquestion: is it worth spending a lot of money if I'm not a pro-photographer?

• Do you plan to spend more on additional accessories now or in the future? (Lenses, lighting, tripods, batteries, memory cards, camera bags... it adds up!)
Ring flash
Camera Bag
Memory Cards

• How long do you plan on keeping this new camera?
10+ years, or until I upgrade

Usage

• What will you generally use the camera for?
General purpose use + photographing smiles

• Are you going to photograph sports? What sport, and from how far away?
Perhaps recreationally, but not often

• Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos, or other low-light photos?
Indoor photos when taking pictures of smiles, will have ring flash; indoor photos for family events

• Will you make prints, or primarily view and share images on a computer screen? If you make prints, will they typically be small (up to 5×7") or medium sized (8×10"), or are you interested in larger sizes as well?
If I make prints, they'll be small

• Are you interested in spending time post-processing to make an image "perfect", or would you prefer to use images basically straight from the camera?
I'll have access to either Lightroom or Aperture, I think

Miscellaneous

• Are there particular lenses or technical features that are interesting or important to you?
I'm trying to figure out how to balance paying for the camera/lenses and what the best combination is. I like the L lenses but dont know if they are right for me/my budget

• Are there particular brands or models you already have in mind?
Canon

[raven15]

Your budget is good. I've always thought a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 (IS or whatever the lettering is) and Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS seemed like good value in the lens department, but for your specific application of taking pictures of smiles with ring flash you'd need to look into it more. Something like Canon 100mm f/2.8 IS macro or Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro IS (or whatever the letters are) might be more useful, you'd have to check compatibility with a ring flash too I think. If you get serious a 60D might be a good choice, maybe even 7D or 5DII.