What camera should I buy??????

Hi guys

I'm looking for a camera that is fairly cheap for a beginner-one who has left the compact behind and wanting an SLR that one can start using/manipulating (Manual focus) to capture some great shots. I'm interested in outdoors, flowers, close-ups, landscapes, professional looking black and white portraits to start getting my eye in.

I'm baffled by the prices, types, and specs. For example I've been looking at the Canon's 300D-550D and was wondering whether its best to buy a newer version i.e. the 550D rather than waste my money on say the 300D or 450D???

I hear its all about sensors now and that megapixels aren't necessarily the deciding factor... what senors size should i be looking for?

I've been comparing the fujifilm finepix HS10 with the Canon series (above) an it looks like a brilliant rival?? Although I'm a little concerned that the Canon's don't seem to have Image Stabilization. Another is that the lens that comes with the HS10 isn't a normal 18-55mm, (will this impede normal shooting or be a good lens for all round shooting??)

Should I be concerned about AA batteries rather than a Lithium battery??

Should I be having to spend a lot of money or are some cameras over-priced and a cheaper camera would do just as well???

I know I've asked a lot here but if anyone could answer my questions and inform me of other cameras that would fit my needs and why that would be much appreciated.

Cheers Guys