Firstly, thanks for the replies guys!
Just so you know, when I refer to the 'torture' of waiting for newly updated models, I am of course just making fun of myself. There's no real torture here, it's just that my brain likes to punish me for being so impatient! :)
@Adamz - thank you for the welcome. I've been reading these forums for over a year, but for some reason not posted with a registered account until now! I've read your comments on many topics so I do appreciate your opinion. I do love the capabilities of my current D300, but I've been considering a switch to full frame for a long time, mostly because of the benefits of improved low-light performance. I'm also extremely interested in video-capture, so it would seem a perfect opportunity to improve the equipment I use for both of these areas (stills+video) at the same time.
The fact that I haven't rushed in to a purchase up until this point doesn't negate my desire to upgrade, it hopefully shows that I've been reasonably patient and have spent a long time deliberating, because I want to make an informed decision. This is why I believe that the fact I haven't upgraded until now, is not a good indicator of whether I need to or not. Technically, I don't *need* to upgrade. Technically though, nobody *needs* to upgrade if they have a perfectly functioning camera already. That's not to say, however, that there's no benefit to be gained from upgrading. When you ask whether it will benefit me to switch to Canon - well unfortunately there are both pros and cons. Evaluating it is not a case of yes or no, it's yes...but [this], or no...but [that].
So what would I say are the pros? full frame, better iso performance, hd video - and not just video for the sake of it, the quality of the video is fantastic. This is a huge plus for me. It's like getting a top of the range DSLR combined with top of the range video. If you were to buy a camcorder/film camera to try to match it you'd literally be spending literally thousands, or at least a lot more than I'd be willing to spend anyway. If you're not into video you can discount this, at which point making a decision would become an awful lot easier.
The cons? It's not a Nikon, I'm familiar with Nikon, and I like Nikon. It's AF system is not as good as the D700, it's low-light ISO performance is arguably not quite as good as the D700, it's arguably not as well built as the D700 and I prefer the ergonomics & O.S. of the D700 too. I like the Nikon D700 a lot.
So, there's a lot to consider :)
@JonnyApple - all good points. I've tried a 5D MK2 in a store, and was pleasantly surprised. I think this is because I'd read so much about how it wasn't as good as a D700 that I actually prepared myself for it to be much worse than it was! I do reckon though, that I would need much more time to form a proper opinion so would need to go back for a second test.
RE: Cubase LE - I use Cubase 5 & Ableton Live (for different tasks - Cubase for audio track mixing, and Live for jamming). Cubase LE is good for getting started, definitely, it's very competent. If you're just starting out with DAWs you might like to try out Reaper by Cockos, simply because it's good and comparatively very cheap. It does depend on what you're doing of course. Having said that, Steinberg/Ableton/Cockos all offer trial versions of their software so you could do a free comparison :)
@PB PM - not expecting anything in the next few days, but if I went back in time a few months I would have hoped there might have been something by now - wishful thinking though :)
@Niko - you're right, not only is a D700S/D800 expected soon-ish, so is the 5D MK3. So yes, I would have to concede that it might be a better decision to hold off for at least half a year longer - although it pains me to say it :)
