Are you asking why I went with a D200?

It was either a D80, 200 or 300. The 80 just didn't seem like enough of an upgrade, I feel like I know the 50 inside and out and I was looking for more of a challenge. The 200 can do tracking and various other things that I've had little experience with.

The D300, while it is great, was just a lot of money. At $1799 it's certainly worth the money, but I couldn't justify dropping that kind of cash. I'm in need of better glass, the extra money will go to better glass at some point. I really thought the live view would be great, but to be honest... I didn't like it. Focusing in live view isn't great, and in handheld mode it actually turns off the live view so it can focus (takes about 1-1.5 seconds). Anyway, long story short - too much money.

The D200 just seemed right, and I got a great deal. Now is the time to buy if anyone's looking for a 200 - everyone who wants the latest and greatest (D300) is selling off their D200. I paid roughly half the cost of the D300 and got a camera that's practically new.