Thanks, Chuck. No, I wouldn't ditch my FZ7 for anything in the world...I love it too much. But it only fits in bigger pockets anyway. I usually take a fanny pack to carry it in if I am on the go for a longer period of time.

Where could I find out about the flash? It isn't a really top model anyway. A Sunpak 266D. OMG, they still sell this one! I just found it here: http://www.adorama.com/SU266DPO.html

And the lens I have (28-105mm, f3.5-4.5) for my Pentax is only a Kalimar, probably is worth getting a new one. I can try it on the Nikon at least.

As far as the make, that is my problem. I realize that once I commit to a make, I will probably "have" to stay with it for the rest of my life, barring sudden and great wealth.

Hmm...my problem is where to go to try out a camera, short of Innsbruck (1 1/2 hrs) or Munich (3 hrs). Most places here have to order them.

When reading the reviews - check out the D60 as well which was just introduced. It is slightly smaller and lighter than the D40 - and I liked the feel of it better.

And by the time you are in the states for vacation the Canon Rebel XSi should also be available.

Thanks, Jane. I had seen that about the Xsi, but as it will evidently be priced from $800-900, it is too expensive. I really want to stay pretty low in price, since I already have the FZ7 for snapshots.

I will look at the D60, though.

Chuck, where can I find out about the flash?

Reka, I just did some more research. It looks like from a safety point of view the SunPak 266D isn't a problem - its trigger voltage is around 6v, safe for the Nikon.

I had less success trying to find out whether that flash unit will perform in any mode but manual with the D50. I wouldn't count on it, but still looking...

Thanks, Chuck, but don't bother looking further. I borrowed the D50 from my BIL today, and did not like the way it fit in my hand. It would be okay for snapping a few pictures, but not for regular use. It was just too massive. I will keep looking at cameras now and will try a few out in the States when I go over. With the good exchange rates at the moment, it really pays.

Reka... sent you a PM.

Thanks, Chuck, but don't bother looking further. I borrowed the D50 from my BIL today, and did not like the way it fit in my hand. It would be okay for snapping a few pictures, but not for regular use. It was just too massive. I will keep looking at cameras now and will try a few out in the States when I go over. With the good exchange rates at the moment, it really pays.

Reka, that's a very understandable reason for passing on this opportunity, and it reinforces how important it is to test drive a camera. There are several smaller models on the market; Olympus just released one and here's a preview:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0803/08030 ... use420.asp

Good luck on the continuing quest!

Thanks again, Chuck. That one looks nice.

The problem wasn't necessarily the mass of the entire camera, but more of the grip. I felt like it was made more for a man's hand. Maybe a different brand or even another Nikon wouldn't feel so plump.

Reka:
I just call my cammera supplier in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. he is not there at this time but his son told me that they are selling the Nikon D-60 with 18-55 VR lens for $750.00 that means that I may be able to get it for $50.00 or $75.00 less from his father. The shipping with insurance First Priority Air mail to the Continental USA will probably be around $20.00 to $25.00 maximum.

I will NOT buy the D50 unless he sell it for less than 50% of going retail price. Once used always used. No used camera unless a collector item will worth more than 50% of the retail price.

Thanks, Don. I will keep it in mind, but I want to get my hands on it first. Holding the D50 felt like a 2 year old trying to hold a 1 liter Oktoberfest mug! Just didn't fit...