Originally posted by Tom2 I know how to shoot good photos (been doing that for 40 years), but I don't really know digital.
Well, there's 90% of the battle won right there :-)
I made the switch from film to DSLR digital just 2 years ago. First to Nikon, then to Pentax. It was the Pentax ruggedness, AA batteries, well-priced primes, and in-body share reduction that swung me.
The best advice I can give is not to buy a top-end body right away. Unless you're a rampant photojournalist blasting away, the features of a lower end DSLR are more than enough for 95% of photographers. If you have the technique down, the best move up in terms of IQ and artistic range is better lenses. So I would advise getting either the K200D or the newer K2000 (no DOF preview is NOT a good thing for anyone for whom technique is an issue). You'll get the best price/performance from the less expensive models and as your digital experience grows, a newer upscale model will be available if you so choose.
Best of luck.