>4, I can also sell everything and go to Canon ? They always have cheaper camera bodies (like the 300D) and maybe I'll save money in the long run for more lenses... Previously I hated the fact that their L zooms were expensive and heavy but now the latest f/4L zooms are reasonable. My girlfriend will also be able to use the Canon stuff I buy.
I am a bit conflicted myself. I think the *ist D looks and sounds very good. But I will probably end up buying the 300D strictly because of the price. Although I am sure the *istD is a better camera. (I recently traded my ZX-5n for a Canon Elan 7e. While I don't dislike the Elan, it is a good camera, I tend to like the Pentax button/switch layout a bit better I've decided. But I like the quick autofocus off the Elan too. Six of one and half a dozen of another, most major camera manufactures make decent cameras and they all have their advantages/disadvantages.) But right now I am making no final decisions, because it will be about a year before I feel I can afford a DSLR. I mean I still have the credit card to pay off on the flat bed scanner and the photo quality printer. ;-) A lot can happen in a year, plus reviews from everyone will be in by then. And prices may drop even more (or some will be selling used on ebay). But considering how many pictures I take (not that many right now), I think I can hold off on going to digital for a while. Although my mouth is salivating, no doubt about it. If I was doing photography professionally, or taking tons and tons of pictures, I'd feel I had to make a decision right now, but I don't, so I don't. In your case, I think you have some good Pentax glass and the *ist D will probably make you quite happy, so why switch? I believe the people on this list when they said they were very impressed. Marnie aka Doe