Hi Adam and others,
Firstly, I have no experience with dye-sub other than test prints Kodak mail me from time to time. All the Kodak prints are colourful subjects but none with Caucasian skin tones which is of course for a portrait photographer the test.
Canon Digi-SLR 6 mP; this should be giving results akin to a similar spec film SLR with the obvious rider than unless you are using a Canon with the full format CMOS sensor your EOS lenses are not going to give their best. Most digi-slrs are using small sensors equiv to APS film format - as are most current compact digi-cams. Your digi-slr is giving you the interchangeable lens option and of course more control as to exposure via f/stop/shutter speed/ISO value et al. Your camera is highly regarded and is used by many pro's as a back up to the big brother SLR.
Zoom lenses are a big expensive compromise! They are unlikely to match the definition/resolution of a good prime lens and many of the current compacts have 'simple' lenses of the 'Cooke triplet' type that are unbeaten for quality at the average 100th sec at f/11. There is then the autofocus of a lens that has an enormous depth of field - you shouldn't be able to go wrong with a good compact!
However, a big zoom lens designed for full frame despite the myth that using said lens on 'half frame' gives better results 'cos you are using only the 'sweet' centre area of the image circle will not give the quality of say a Sigma designed for the smaller sensor size.
But, a factor almost never taken into consideration is that interchangeable lenses wear their mounts. A fraction of a millimeter wear on flange to flange fit is magnified at flange to film or sensor and can prevent full resolution being achieved. A 'rattling good fit' is not good enough - especially with the smaller sensor formats! There are errors possible at flange to view screen distances too. Then there is always the Friday afternoon tea break model! Take your camera and lens to a good service shop and have them collimated. A good job can make your camera/lens better than new! Just like a service and M.O.T.
Cheers,
BD.