Originally Posted by werticusness

have a look at this guys opinions:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

he basically says buy a cheap nikon d40 and a sweet lens and you will be happier than if you got the d80 for the same money with a shit one. and that the d40 will do everything you need and be lighter and easier to carry around.

probably good advice to be honest. once you've gotten your practice with a cheap d40 you might be in a position to know what you really want.

at the end of the day your committing to a group of lenses.

this is why i bought the pentax k20d, because it has in body stabilisation and that saves me a lot of $. (that and i like the weather seals)