It's build quality. The Kodak DCS Canon cameras were built around the Canon EOS 1 series bodies (Canon's top of the line camera). They are built like tanks and they take beautiful photos - they were made as studio cameras. I wouldn't pay that much for one either, but some people do. Oh yea, the prosumer cameras on the other hand will drop in price as new models come out. It happened with Canon (when the 10D came out, the D30 can be found used for ~$400-500 and D60 at $550-700). That's less because of build quality and more a factor of the Gear Heads out there who apparently have lots of money to just buy "the latest thing". You know the guys, they forever talk about the newest body, lens, gadget and doodad they have but you never actually see a photo from them. :) Ok, I'm being a little mean, but only a little. :) -=>Donald