i just bought a d40 today for 470. Ritz camera has 30 bucks off sale right now and have a deal where you can get a printer for free after mail in rebate.

 

Go used for now. Read reviews and get something that has decent high-ISO performance. This will make shooting with low-mid grade lenses a little bit easier even in low light situations.

Also keep in mind all the accessories you need with a camera. Bag, flash, memory, tripod, additional lenses (50mm f1.8). That shit can be expensive and you need to factor that in to your purchase.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either Canon or Nikon (except for maybe the d40). But the most important thing you can do is go to a camera shop and experience each one to see how you like the feel, menus, weight, etc. At a minimum, check out the Canon XSi, Canon 40D, Nikon D40, and Nikon D80 before putting the money down for one. For example, once I felt the Canon 40D, I knew instantly what I wanted to save my pennies for... and I couldn't be happier.

 

I have a Canon Rebel Xti and its my first DSLR and I love it. I got a good deal on it at Best Buy and it came with a great 15-55mm lens. I think they had a coupon for like 15-20% off. I would just do as much research as possible and when you get it...practice makes perfect.

 

I have an XT with the kit lens + 35-80 and 512mb for 425. PM. I need to get this sold in the next few days.

 

I'm a Canon Rebel XTI owner. It's more than enough for amateur shooting. This thing has so many features. Most of the time I'm experimenting and trying to figure out the way to get the best pic. I think everyone's advice is pretty much right on point. It all depends on you and the way each camera feels in your hand, how you take pics, etc. For an amateur though, I would stick to something less sophisticated than a D80 though unless you're going to be taking shots for Playboy. GL. Let us know what you decide.

 

My wife and I just ordered our D80 w/15-135mm lense for just over 1k. I'm pretty excited.

 

i need to buy a uv filter lense, is there any local camera shop in the 757?

 

no. absolutely none.

 

I have the d60 and love it. I even won a photo contest with it after owning it for only a couple days!

 

j/k. i couldn't tell you. maybe in the pembroke mall. i'm in va beach though and don't do much camera shopping. mine came with a lens and haven't had to upgrade yet. GL. hopefully someone will have some input though... fl1p, you decide on anything?