"...I think I like the torture of the researching things to death part - I must... "

I'm the same way, that's why I recomended that you decide now. I'd also think about the sensor shake option you mentiond in the e500. i have not heard anything good or bad about that technology so I cant coment. However, I've not had any problem just blowing my sensor off with a turbo blower so the shake technology is just another thing that may go wrong.

Sounds like youre still shooting so take your time and buy what you want. But, keep in mind that as soon as you buy somthing it will be the wrong thing because someone will announce a product that you REALLY wanted in the first place - LOL -- :-)

Good luck!