Just some other Random thoughts. Someone's sig here has
bodies come and go - but good glass is forever. In hindsight I would have done more research on the glass available and the prices than I did with the bodies. I have no complaints with Pentax as my choice - but to be truthful that was a fortunate by product of my purchase (yeah i read compatible with every lens Pentax ever made and that did factor in as a good thing for sure). I did not compare pictures (not a pixel peeper) as I assumed with RAW and PP most of them would be close enough for me. MP was not an consideration either at the time 6 was fine and I had no need to go to 10. (I bought the K10D cause I got a great deal on a used one)
I also considered what freinds and family had (share resources ie: Lens) for me a non factor as only one friend has a DSLR the original C** Rebel and one lens. If I had several friends with C** or N** I would have factored that into the decesion I think.
I think the K100D Super is out now and a better choice? Not sure on price.
In my limited experience (as I have never owned a DSLR before, and the only Pentax I had was an old film PS). I went through the some of the same decisions. For me it was a combination of
The "Feel" of the K100d (which I have since sold and went to a K10D) felt better in my hand than compariable C**, N** and S**
Price - the K100D was cheaper
Lens compatibility - (** although lens availability where I am is a different story ** getting better now)
SR built in the body not the lens - I liked the idea of it (having no practical experience) - and now a few months later it is not a silver bullet that will fix all camera movement - but in some shots it does make a huge difference IMHO
I wanted a DSLR for several years but did not get serious until January this year - after a couple of month’s research (which will drive you nuts) - I went out and tried a few. Optimally if you can rent them over a weekend would be best.
If you have been seriously researching for 9 months,as Stewart mentioned that is enough time almost too much time as new models, with new features, etc. I 'kinda' wanted one for several years - and researched now and then - but in reality was not ready to commit. Once I was - within two months I went out and bought one (with a 90 day retrun policy just in case
). Needless to say several $$$ later here I am
Good Luck and maybe ask 'Santa" to make the choice for ya ! Whatever brand you choose , if you enjoy photography I doubt there will be any regrets.