No, the Digital SLRs do not have either optical or digital zoom settings. The "zoom" is determined by selecting the appropriate lens depending on whether you need wide angle, "normal" or telephoto equivalent to a 35mm camera. Effective focal lengths ...
You have a fine camera and you will be able to do some fine work with it. Rather than having us give you a course in photography (at least a two year commitment) look for a local community college that has photo-art classes and take at least the firs...
Canon and Nikon 35mm SLR's would be a good choice because you can find not only good used cameras, but good used lenses for them ... the added feature is that if you ever do purchase a DSLR, all the lenses you have will fit their matching DSLR body.