[CT]

All I can tell you is that I waited and waited before going the DSLR route, until I felt that the DSLR was a true replacement for it's film counterpart in terms of image quality. The 10D was probably that camera, and at a sensible price point, but I waited that bit longer and finally took the plunge with the 20D. I've never regretted the purchase or been disappointed with the 20D in any way - it's not lacking any features which are a serious bar to you tackling any photographic subject, unless you really need to go out in a thunder storm. I found the user interfaces very well thought out and easy to use intuitively. At the price it will be available with the launch of the 30D, it's serious value for money.

That's not to say the Nikon equivalent wouldn't be equally as good, I recommend the 20D, because it's what I know, but I was a Nikon user for many years, and don't feel any brand loyalty to either marque.