[MCTheDog]

Yeah you read my mind on a used 5d mark II with good glass. That's EXACTLY what I'd rather spend the old dosh on!!!!!! there's a BUT though..... and a legit one at that.

The added complexity from my point of view is that I have paralysis of my left arm, with no use of fingers or lower arm and I believe the 5d requires external flash gun etc which makes it tricky!!!!!! The 50d has everything on board.

Digic IV not a necessity but I read the specs and it seems to do what I need - that is NOT serious pro work more an enthusiastic amateur... but getting better by the shoot and absolutely enthralled at getting a top flight DSLR.

Have done the Canon site compare gizmo - and hey, wouldn't that be a nice COMPARE facility if it went across Manufactuters too - allowing comparison based on budget etc like the mag cam tests do!!

Cheers for the response and thoughts gents - much appreciated.