Jeff - I owned a Minolta XGM 35mmSLR for many years - from what I have heard the Minolta range of DSLR's are very good. If you have made an investment in Minolta lenses for your existing film camera then the advantages are even more pronounced. They have one huge advantage over any of the others in that the Anti-shake system is built into the camera body so you don't have to purchase it again and again in with lenses you buy. It is there for use with all your lenses. The range is now getting up to speed again having fallen behind like many at the start of the digital race. Next year there is a 9D due to join the recent 5D and existing 7D I think they are very viable alternative to anyone and certainly worth consideration.

And every one said, 'If we only live,
We too will go to sea in a Sieve,---
To the hills of the Chankly Bore!'
Far and few, far and few, Are the lands where the Jumblies live;
Their heads are green, and their hands are blue, And they went to sea in a Sieve.

Edward Lear
http://www.nonsenselit.org/Lear/ns/jumblies.html