Also look at www.dcresource.com. They have test shots at each ISO so one can compare the noise at different camera sensitivities. The shot across San Francisco Bay for each camera displays the noise and resolution very well. This was important for me because I also had a noisy nonSLR camera before purchasing a Canon XTi and 100-400mm L IS lens. This combination gave me the most for the money with the least amount of noise in early 2008 and has worked very well for me.
Also for your information www.dpreview.com is now owned by amazon.com.
amazon.com usually has the best price of any reputable web vendor.
You should come up with a very good system for $5000.
lap
