I am a graphic artist and web desginer who has really gotten into digital photography. My Olympus D-380 is just not cutting it anymore and I have decided to purchase a digital SLR camera. This is a big purchase for me and I am very excited. I will most likely try to find something second hand and I am very new at this, I was hoping you could give me some suggestions of what I should be looking for.

Here are some of the things I want to do:

Mostly artistic photography to be printed and or used in graphic design.
I want to take pictures of the moon - control shutter speed manually would be nice
I want to be able to print decent quality 8x10 pics - what is the minimum MP required for this?
I want to take pictures of fire poi spinning - an option to use the flash right before the shutter closes on a long exposure is handy.
Good performance in low light applications
Quick refresh rate after turning on and taking pictures
Multiple shots with one push of the button
Price range of about $1000-1400 CDN

Any recommendations for lenses that a newbie should have to accomplish the above?
What about a good telephoto lens for a decent cost?

Any suggestions for good places online or in Victoria, BC for finding second hand equipment?

Thanks for all of you help,
Hiltz