The upgrade path is an interesting question. If you buy an entry DSLR ($700) and a few comparable lenses, you will probably be investing less than $1500. To access those high end Canon lenses and bodies you'll have to spend this much on a new body (20D) and probably a $1000 a lens. For most folks, this is never going to happen, so the only real question is Pentax actually staying in business and offering the DA lenses or Sigma keeping them in the lineup. Even for someone like me who considers photography a hobby, the Canon stuff that really makes a difference is more than I want to spend. I'm OK with the high end Pentax being the 20D equivalent, which will always lag behind Canon's release by a few years. OTOH, those who buy Leica just because they can will go to Canon because it gives them a place to spend their money. I also realize there are serious amateurs on this list who want (and can use) high end equipment. They should switch to Canon and not look back. (Stay on the PDML however; it just makes it more fun<g>).
Steven Desjardins Department of Chemistry Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 458-8873 FAX: (540) 458-8878 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
