[miketoll]

Originally Posted by Tannin

Some great advice above. Just two points I'd take up:

Exposure compensation on the 20D/30D/5D couldn't be easier - just turn a single wheel. Is the 350D different? (Actually,it's too easy on the 20D family - much too easy to turn it on by accident.)

Secondly, my take on it is that Pentax is looking very good for the future. Though I've only very briefly played with the current models, they certainly impressed me, and their owners are very happy with them. The company itself has forged links with the vast Samsung empire, which will give them long-term manufacturing and marketing muscle, and has seen a second brand (Samsung) start manufacturing cameras for the Pentax mount - which means that Pentax lenses will only become more common and easily available than ever. (In some markets - the UK might be one of them, I don't know) it seems that there are going to be either one of Pentax or Samsung bodies sold in order to streamline marketing, but that shouldn't matter too much.) In short, I'd certainly have Pentax on a short list, that would also include Canon, Nikon, and maybe Olympus - though I'm doubtful about that last one pending some clear signals that Oly are taking the upgrade path seriously. I chose Canon, but any of the big three would make a fine choice.

It will be interesting to see what Sony will do now they have got Minoltas know how. In time I think they will be a force to be reckoned with. Canon myself.