Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Clean View Post
it's all about the features. i went from a sony a-100 to a d200 to a d300. you don't think about all the little stuff (button placement, lcd size and clarity, shutter noise, etc.) until you actually have time to use a camera for a length of time. basically, i think you would also be impressed with any newer body. the d50 is dated, but it is still an excellent camera. i think it can still compete with the lower model nikons (d3000,5000...), but you just may get more ease of use or improved ergonomics if you step up.
I can appreciate that advice. Thinking mostly on the features (higher ISO handling is worth it on its own).

My old xti does feel like less of a camera (though the feel is better since I put a cheep battery grip on it)... using it does feel like a few steps backward with the rotten sounding shutter, smaller screen size, older lesser quality control buttons/shutter release... until I go into post processing and see the spot-on images it creates. I do miss some features on it though, like a 2 second timer fast option like I have on my xsi, and the ISO handling/ controls.