Margery: Well, test samples of the D50 will not be available until late June so it's difficult to make any definitive assessment yet.

But the D50 uses most of the same technology as the D70s (different Matrix metering and missing some features like depth of field preview, however.)

Do you need 8 versus 6 megapixels? Depends on the size of prints you often make. Sure, the extra pixels are valuable in prints larger than about 11x15-inches.

The D70s produces superb image quality so the D50 will too.

If you already own Nikon AF lenses, I would think a Nikon D SLR would be better than selling all your lenses and switching to Canon. In fact, it would be a lot cheaper to buy a D70s which is an incredibly full-featured camera.

Or a D70. And in late May, upgrade the firmware (to be posted at www.nikondigital.com) for the faster, more reliable tracking autofocus.

You might do well to go to a camera store or someplace such as Best Buy and try handling each camera. See how each feels in your hand. I did this a few weeks ago, although I was primarily interested in the Canon Rebel XT and the Canon EOS 20D. I'm glad I did, because I discovered the Rebel XT was actually too small and "cramped" to feel comfortable gripped in my fingers (I have arthritis in both hands). Although the 20D is a heavier camera, it's also larger and easier for me to grip.

Had I not physically handled the two side-by-side, I probably would have bought the XT and struggled with its smaller sized grip/body.

Just a thought.....