[Phyl]

Once you buy your first lens you lock into a camera system. From that single point on, changing systems becomes a compounded expense.

Each line is stuffed with pro glass at the high end line, so you're better off replacing that X lens (55-200) with the high end model in that range (70-200 VR) than switching brands.

Put the same picture next to each other of the same subject using the same focal length, from equally skilled photogs and equally matched glass (consumer v. consumer or pro v. pro) and you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Personally I don't like the way the canon line feels small and feeble in my hands. The feel of the D200 body is perfect (IMBO). I'm almost positive that the D80 has the same body style, if not the same materials.