What I want is in the $2800-$5500 range. Ouch! Oh well.

I agree with you there. I really wanted the D30, but didn't want to spend $2500 for the body, then even more for some lenses (which I don't have). I'm very happy with my Canon G2, which after various rebates and whatnot, I got for $620. This thing is as close to SLR as any point-and-shoot camera will get.

I figured I'd get the G2, wait a few more years while the technology continues to get better, then pickup a digital SLR when they're at like 10 megapixels (and hopefully cheaper).