Jim this is EXACTLY the type of info I had hoped would be posted - thanks!

I', a big Canon fan, having used their stuff for years. The only things swaying me against the Rebel XT are as follows:

~ Physically the size doesn't fit my large hands well - it's OK, but doesn't have nearly the "feel" of the D50, etc.
~ Back in my film days the Rebel was a very cheap SLR...didn't care for it then, and I suspect the name is a challenge for me...not that this is a valid reason to not like the camera...just a mental block of my own

Having the list of studio-type gear you use and the reasons for using what you do (and when you use it) is simply great. I've often thought about building such a setup, for similar usage...and now I know what generally works in which circumstances.

Thanks again Jim.