So, what have you learned?

Let me be more specific. When you first got into DSLRs, you probably had some "ideas", some thoughts about what was important in a body (like megapixels) and what wasn't.

Now you've been through a couple of bodies and you've learned a lot. How have you grown? What big lesson have you learned that needs to be passed on to others so they can avoid the same grief you went through?

I'll reply to my own thread.

1. New cameras are so expensive as to be nearly a waste of money. I paid $1300 for my 40D. Used it 18 mos and it is worth about $650. I could have bought a used 30D instead for $500 and sold it for $400, buying the 40D now for $650. In the future, I'll strive to only buy used 18 month old bodies unless there is some feature that I truly need!

1. Dust on the sensor is not nearly as scary as it sounds. I was paranoid. Now I swap lenses as I please and I have no issues with dust. I've learned to relax.