I am in the process of researching for a new camera. I am wanting a camera that can do a few things actually. The most important features I am interested in are Auto Exposure Bracketing and Infrared. I am looking for a DSLR that supports both of them, but I think that I may have to make a sacrifice for one or the other. I am currently very extremely interested in the Nikon D200 for it's 9 frame capable AEB feature, however infrared support on this camera is non existent unless I have it modified which is something that I do not want to do. I know that the D70 also has some great IR support but the AEB is also not as great. It's also hard to find a brand new D70 in most places that I look that don't want to bundle it with a bunch of crap that I really don't need. I would prefer to just buy the body and not deal with a kit lens so I can put money towards better glass.

I am not a brand loyalist at all. I know that both Nikon and Canon both offer great cameras and I would settle for either of them. Cost, features, and convenience are the main factors but I also need to focus on IR and AEB capabilities. I have been told my Powershot A620 is IR capable but I have yet to find samples of photos taken with that model of camera. Feature by feature, the D200 looks like my best bet for AEB but I am not sure I can afford to fork over the $1,300 for just the body. I might have to settle for something semi-pro/entry level like the 350D/400D, a D70/D80. Another must have is support for a vertical grip.

Any ideas on a good setup to start with, and what I might expect in terms of cost? Thanks

From what I know, the Pentax K10d definitely supports auto exposure bracketing, remote control(IR) feature and capable of taking infrared photos.
http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00JKfj

All of the Canons work well for infrared photography.

I picked up a D70s after checking around to see what all was out there. It looks very promising and I will also be saving up for a D200 to compliment once I build up a decent collection of glass. I am definitely liking the Nikon cameras and I feel this was a wise investment.

D80 has pretty good IR capabilities as well - here are two pictures I took some time ago with it .. (unmodified, with Hoya R72 filter)

Click to view attachment

Shutter Speed: 300/10 second
F Number: F/4.2
Focal Length: 32 mm
ISO Speed: 100


Click to view attachment

Shutter Speed: 300/10 second
F Number: F/5.0
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Do these cameras have an IR setting then? Will my 350D be able to do IR shoots? If so, do i need to buy a filter for it?

No, they don't have an IR setting. Yes your 350D can do it. You'll need to buy an IR filter like the Hoya R72.

I will vote for the Rebel XTi / 400D. I haven't done infrared with it, but in general its a nice camera.