just ordered a new camera body, so the old one has to go. here is a fairly in-depth review of the camera. mine is in good shape, been used a fair amount (around 10K actuations over 2.5 years) but everything still works as it did brand new. well, except for the USB port, which doesn't work, so you just have to transfer pix to your computer by taking out the CF card and plugging it in to a reader (many newer computers have them built in, otherwise you can get a USB one for dirt cheap). every pic I've posted here was taken with this camera.

on amazon, lightly used copies of this camera are going for just under $400. the going rate on ebay for ones that have actually been used seems to be in the $250-300 range. I'll sell mine to a huddler for $175 and shipping, and that includes an extra battery (which new are $40+ bucks), and a full-color PDF version of this enormously helpful book, that will teach you all you need to know about the camera AND a lot of very good, helpful info on SLR photography in general. I'll also throw in a 2 GB CF card, the original box, and whatever discs and cables came with the thing. I'll post/send some photos of everything you'll be getting at some point if that helps.

now what that doesn't include is any lenses. I can definitely give you some pointers on getting started cheap. really cheap if need be. and I do have a couple lenses I am looking to sell. one is a 28-75mm f2.8 that is a good general purpose zoom with good low-light capabilities, but I really can't let that one go for less than $300. what might be of more interest is my minolta 70-210mm f4 "beercan", which is more of a telephoto zoom for sports, wildlife, etc. (read lens reviews here) this is an old lens, but a classic that performs really well on digital. this photo, this photo, and this and this were taken with my beercan. I just don't really need it anymore since I dropped $800 on a new, fancier 70-300 zoom. copies like mine which are in good, but not pristine condition typically go for $150-175 on ebay, I'll let mine go with the camera for $125.

really wouldn't be too bad for $300. PM me if you have any interest.

yeah, if I knew I was going to be getting a new body soon, I woulda hooked you guys up back when you were shopping. but it kinda came out of the blue after fiddling around with an a700 in the store and my pants getting tight.