Yet Another Digital Camera Thread

An LCD can never replace a Viewfinder. You can't tell crap in it, especially things like focus. That instantly rules out the Sony in my mind.

Pentax - If you get an SLR/DSLR, get a Canon or Nikon. They have lenses available pretty much everywhere. You can rent them at your local camera shop. You can borrow them from friends. Whatever you want. Pentax, you won't be able to find what you want nearly so easily.

Rebel XT vs. D50: First, I'll openly state that I'm a loving user of the D50 and that I'm probably a bit biased towards it. It's less expensive, as you pointed out. The battery lasts about twice as long (most people get about 600 shots/charge on the Rebel XT, most get 1100-1200 per charge on the D50). I prefer the feel - the Rebel XT is notably smaller and never felt right in my hands, although you should find a way to hold both and figure out which you like better. And, while the quantity of megapixels is slightly smaller (but really not that major - 2008x3000 vs. 2304x3456 - 8 vs 6.1 sounds big but in terms of print quality there's no real difference on shots 11x14 or smaller), the quality of the D50 sensor is slightly higher. Oh, and the fact that the kit lens is quite good as opposed to sucking helps too. But try both and see what feels good.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

If you find the Rebel XT more comfortable, then be all means go for it. It's still a fantastic camera. The main reason I went for the D50 was because it was so comfortable in my hands. You're going to spend a lot of time with the camera, so you might as well get one that feels good.

How ya doing, buddy?

For a price that low, it's tough to beat it. The Pentax isn't a bad camera at all. You'll have to work a bit harder to track down lenses and there's almost no used lens market that I've found, but other than that the equipment is solid. For that kind of a deal I'd be tempted to go for it.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.