I wanted the *istD as my first dSLR camera so badly, but I didn't want to pay the premium price when it launched (nearly 3kSGD for the kit!). About one year after it's released, some guy here wanted to switch to Canon, so he dumped all his Pentax gear (*istD w/ grip, 360 flash, 5 lenses and some additional accessories he collected over 7 years) to me for $3k SGD, what a deal! I've been with Pentax ever since, and now I don't know how many lenses I've ever used, currently I have more than what I really need, probably need to dump some to get more fund for the new camera and DA* lenses ...
I agree with some said above, current Pentax dSLR cameras are very good buys, and most Pentax DA lenses are not expensive comparing with other brands. Of course the prices for those old F/FA* lenses have gone up quite a bit due to high demand, but for the other lenses, most of them are very reasonably priced.
The best thing is, Pentax (or Hoya if you say so) is coming out with some great cameras early next year, and some DA* lenses too. Hoya might help to push the 645D into market soon as well. I see very bright future for us Pentaxians
Now, let's get together and celebrate the holiday season on this coming Sat:
http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=326510&page=8
Cheers and Merry Christmas!