If I were you I'd first ask what you are using the camera for. If its
landscapes and portraits then it really is worth thinking of going
digital because you can't beat them for this kind of photography. If
its wildlife/sports/action then you aren't going to get anything that
will fulfil your needs at any price less than the budget of a small
nation, and a film camera will be good (only?) choice.

I've owned the 300V for a year now (my first camera) and have been
delighted with it. Bear in mine that the real investment is in the
lenses/tripod not the camera. If its going to get bashed about in the
field, and in six months time you going to be wanting more features,
then by a cheap body and run it into the ground - then in a couple of
years buy a camera worthy of your skills.

I've no regrets buying the canon 300V. It gives me all the feautres I
need to experiment with and the lens collection I've amassed I'll use
when I get my next EOS.

Rachel