Hi Mike ... all good points you have made. I am currently looking also at updating my workstation. My wife, darn her, has got the more robust computer so I am looking into a faster, more aprapro (sp?) computer to work with. This is just like stereo, photography and so many other things that the 'weakest link' drives the overall product. Currently have a 1.8 mhz on WinPro with only 512mb ram (maxed out, just found out a month ago) and an average video card.
I agree with your summary on what I have seen on the DSSI forum in what I have observed but often times people probably have much better images available but don't offer to post those 'off site' ... could just be a 'time thing'. I understand how you feel with some of the posts slamming you on that forum and if those people would take time to read between the lines what you are offering I think those of us with a lessor experience level would tend to learn a lot more. I think there are many ways tho to approach any given scenario and I value looking at all the options and then decide on what approach I want to take to solve my own problem. I know with photography before the digital age I was looking at all the different Nikons and would have loved to buy the F-1 (have a friend that has one with all the bells and whistles) but after a serious evaluation of my needs at the time and to have to lift that monster for a day of shooting, I opted out at a more appropriate level and decided to buy a couple of good lens to compliment it.
I would not say I am an expert on enlargement software and it could be kneison unlimited is equal to or better then others ... not sure ...
Thanks for your insights. :-) 

Thanks Dave, I'd be glad to post them here, if I ever get any imaged tile to photograph that is.

I must say that I find this forum much more receptive to new ideas and suggestions than DSSI. I feel much more at home here. This site seems to lack the acrimony and personal attacks evidenced on DSSI, at least with respect to my posts.

People here are into the larger picture; engraving, signage, manufacturing as much as transfer technology. I find it refreshing that dye-sub (and lasar) is but a sub-note here.

I think that speaks well of the wider business interests here and parallels much more closely what I was accustomed to in my former sign business. Dye Sub would have been just one tool of many in my daily production schedule.

I probably should have become a 'regular' here years ago..... ;-) 

Mike, I spoke to my brother. He says he does use the combo to manipulate focus planes, but more often he is using it for perspective control. Here's a couple of samples. The 4x5 camera, BTW, is a Cambo, se he calls it the Canon Cambo Combo. :-) 

These first two were both taken with the combo, but the second had the focus manipulated:

http://www.redtengu.com/images/raw/Eric_1Ds_1.jpg

http://www.redtengu.com/images/raw/Eric_1Ds_2.jpg

In this next example they are two identical model reception desks, one dark brown, one light. They were both shot in the standard "3 point" angle, with the camera above the center line and looking down at the product.

The first one was shot with the Canon alone. The second one is that same shot with perspective correction done in Photoshop. The third one was done with the combo camera with perspective correction done by moving the lens board. The Canon only shot uses a slightly wider angle lens, which does exagerate the distortion, but it would be there with any lens because of the camera looking down on the subject.

http://www.redtengu.com/images/raw/Eric_1Ds_3.jpg

http://www.redtengu.com/images/raw/Eric_1Ds_4.jpg

http://www.redtengu.com/images/raw/Eric_1Ds_5.jpg

This perspective control is also important for architectural photos.

If Hula Mike stays, I'm outta here!!!!

;-) 

Chuck, the 20D has been updated to the 30D. Not really sure about the difference in features vrs price point, Canon's not my system. I'd check it out first though.

What I will suggest is that you stop trying to make your decision based on price alone. Its just like buying a new computer. Price/features are important today but in 6 months? It will all be forgotten. What you buy today will be cheaper tomorrow. Just buy now for the features you need and don't look back. If Canon rings your chimes, I'd go for the 5D.

Besides, any cam you buy is a write off, right? Initial cost really isn't a consideration.

Check this DPR comparison for the 20D, 30D and 5D:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos20d%2Ccanon_eos30d%2Ccanon_eos5d&show=all