Originally posted by blurwi Thanks for the quick reply. I suppose there are many ways to proceed, possibly some would make more sense than others. I realize I could get a APC Canon and use my lenses that certainly is true. I have this idea from watching and listening to people on Youtube etc that the build and quality of the K5II/s is excellent plus the in camera stabilization which means cheeper good quality lenses which possibly be more in my budget. Hence my posting here. So folks advise away.
I second what bkpix says. The Canon 7D, from what I've read, is often touted as a fantastic back-up body by professionals. By all accounts it's image quality is great, and my understanding is that the AF is a good deal better than the consumer-level bodies. Why not take advantage of the inherent extra reach afforded by the cropped APS sensor?
(Also, rumor has it the 7D is up for renewal - A 7D mk II, perhaps? This means you could wait for the new body or take advantage of getting a good price on the current model when retailers clear out the old stock...)