Hi Tech C is certainely good. I have it but use but used it rarely... worst now

The only thing is just that it's a bit expensive.

To be honnest, i used some DSPic in the past and convert the same stuff to 18F... no big difference... just harder to figure out how to.

Be really sure that you need a DSPic before spending your cash on it. 18F are really capable... if you mind to give your brain a few hour/week/month intensive thinking.