What is good digital SLR to buy? Looking for help
 

Just spoke to some model and I'd like to start shooting myself and set up the site for her. What's the good camera to buy out there?

it's all about the money. you can get an entry level kit for about 1K-1.5K USD. then you'll need lights, radios, etc. adds up on ya. go canon or nikon, won't matter which really, both good systems.. say the nikon D40 with lens or canon 40D with lens. either will do the trick. -bmb

Nikon D200 or D300 for best quality.
BM, the D40(x) is way to small for my hand.

Exactly... a camera is just a machine for creating images. Two cameras with similar specs will perform similarly.

I loved my D70 because I had the remote clicker for it and could set it up on the tripod and do shoots of myself. I love the quality of my new D200, but it has no remote option :(

Sounds like you're new at it. Save some bucks and just get the Canon S5 IS. Higher end point and shoot with a fairly good lens, Image Stabilization and all. Plus it will handle the remote speed-lights Canon offers. Also the remote shutter etc.

If you get a DSLR at the $1.5K area, you'll be stuck with a slower lens. Most want at least the 75-300mm lens, the cheap version doesn't have image stabilization and is slower. so you'd need to spend bout $700 area or more for another lens?

Don't claim to be a photo guru, but I do know when you start out that there is a lot of stuff to buy. So getting an all around lens and camera with the bells and whistles for the $300 range instead of the $1.5K will help. Big difference is in the sensor size...

Upgrade after you learn the ropes and know what you're doing and want more. Good to practice with and features similar to other Canons, like the Xti and up

If you are going to splurge, spend the bucks on the lenses. Canon has the L series and I'm sure there is a Nikon equivalent. The image quality even out of a lower end camera will be pretty damn good.

-A

I'm thinking of Nikon D80 SLR Includes 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 Lens. Does it sound good?

bump for Ivan

that's rather comical to be honest about it as I can't really see much difference between the 40/80 and 200/300, however if you insist, I'm not here to argue about it. :)

be a good entry level system for sure.

Sounds good for a first camera. :D

Wish you the best with your shots. :)

I just recently started myself. Got me a Sony Alpha 100 - has some great features, including the image stabilization built into the body, which makes the lenses significantly cheaper. Unlimited burst on jpg format or 9 shots in RAW at 3fps.
I just added a 70-300 lense to it, and can't complain about the 10.2 megapix yet.
Of course, there's always something better and more expensive. Huge advantage with Sony though, since they bought Minolta, you can use Minolta lenses on your Sony Alpha. :)
Check which Minolta lense series fits before you buy, of course.
If the Alpha 100 isn't good enough, try the Alpha 700, which is going to bring you into the $1300 range. Next step up, without a doubt is the Canon EOS series - but you're looking at minimum of $2500 then, i think.

EP