Having my FZ5 since last November, I'm seriously considering adding an entry-level dSLR to my arsenal. My reasoning are the usual dSLR v Fixed Lens Prosume suspects - more resolution/detail, predictive AF, DOF, availability of higher ISOs/lower noise for problematic lighting, capability to retrofit better/longer lens et al.

For those who follow my postings, I'm very much (primarily) into Raptors, BIF and occasionally Macros/landscapes/interesting subjects. I'm getting to where I'm fairly capable of obtaining good images but feel that having an 8-MP dSLR with a 'fair-good' 300-400mm-effective lens on a dSLR will afford me better/heavier cropping of images w/more detail than my FZ5+TCON17 has been able to produce (given the distances I'm usually able to approach my subjects). The prospect of carrying my FZ5+TCON17 and a dSLR w/ one telephoto lens doesn't (currently) present an issue to me for my forays.

Of course, the biggest 'bang-for-the-buck' is at play here as the wife will wonder why spend that much more $ when I have the FZ5+TCON17 (~$425 new) -- so I'm somewhat limited in the budget availability/approval factor.

Knowing that a lot of this forum's diehard Pany members have/had dSLRs and/or wish/anticipate obtaining one at some point, I'm asking for insights, guidance and opinons. I know there are those that have the KMD5, Nikons D50/D70, *ist, Canon 350/D20/D30 etc

Currently, I'm considering either an Oly E-300 or a E-500 4/3 system with the 2-Zuiko lens kit -- 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 and the 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 zooms as a low priced way to go (Assuming that the new 4/3 dSLR players and pending Pany's L1 will entice a broader range of follow on telephoto lenses going forward).

Cameta
$320 E300 body only - demo/delivered (40-150mm lens is going for ~$200...)


Body+2-lens systems available, delivered, as Factory Demo kits w/1-year warranty going for between:

$500 (E-300)
$620 (E-500).


B&H has the E-500 2-lens kit, after rebate, delivered new at $713. I haven't found the E300 w/2-lens kits available new...

I'm somewhat hesitant on the E-300 system as it appears the E500 has improvements on the AF metering and other improvements but the demo pricing is attractive.

My requests are these:
1. Am I deluding myself on the possible image improvements with the entry dSLR?
2. Anyone w/experience/ opinions on the E300/E500 systems being considered?

3. Given the possible pricing on a demo system, is the ~10-15% discount for a demo w/1-year warranty versus a new system appropriate?

4. Would I be better off going w/a FZ30 for ~$500 and forgo the dSLR lust? I hesitate going this route as there would be little reason for keeping the FZ5. My thought at this time is that the FZ5 would compliment the dSLR range/capabilities. (Of course, ideally, I'd sell the FZ5 and buy both the FZ30 and the entry dSLR but...)

argh, decisions, decisions...
Thanks in advance for the valued responses...!