Jimbo, missed the original Simon but here my pennies worth. Budget mainly less 1000 for every thing for a DSLR to replace my Fuji 602. I really like the Fuji but it so slow, missed a lot of shots. It took me about six weeks to decide between Nikon and Canon. Finally decided on Canon and then the Canon 20D. But, big but, the 20D was so expensive with no lens. so i looked a good secondhand cameras on e-bay. Finally after 2 weeks got a 10 month old Canon 10D with 28-70mm lens for real good price, just over 400. The bought 2 more lens and a new speedlite 550, also on e-bay. Still in budget. This camera will hopefully last me for yonks, PLEASE!! but hopefully will replace the lens with 'L' series in time. If you ever get tired of your 500mm L, I will pay for the postage to Scotland, Mmmm thinks not maybe...... Steve