SLR camera with autofocus and zoom lens?

[MattKing]

But pictures taken with plastic Rebel and zoom lens brought me back to film.
The only disadvantage is - pricey batteries.

If you add one of the accessory grips, the package is larger, but you get to use AA batteries.

 

[blockend]

no, don't use bulk
yes, dust and scratches are my problems

Without wishing to be too snippy, until you get your processing sorted it doesn't matter what camera you're using, all your negatives will look like they've been left on a dancefloor for an evening.

That said, bear in mind SLRs are using 15-30 year old technology, and a slow zoom lens will only add to autofocus woes. A well set up manual film camera is as quick as anything out there, but I sometimes use a Canon 3000n with 40mm pancake lens. It's pretty quick and sharp, but next to useless with a zoom in all but brilliant light, and not fast even then. The main reason I use it is it fits in a pocket.