After reading the reviews, looks like I want the Nikon D70 (amateur) or the EOS 20D (enthusiast). (Nikon is missing a 20D-comparable, presumably one will come out in a year or two.) Q: is there any feature if the 20D that I desperately want? 20D: higher-res, very quick response, battery grip, low noise at high iso. D70: quick response, fast write to card, noise noticable at ISO 1250, color moire, USB 1.1. Nothing that I absolutely have to have.

Q: Do I need f/2.8? I get a bigger zoom without it. The default lens is also f/3.5-4.5. Getting a default lens equiv. at f/2.8 is expensive!