Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?

[coffeemonkey]

Originally Posted by rack04

Sorry for piggy backing this thread but I have a question. Is it worth the money to invest in VR (Vibration Reduction) lenses over regular lenses? BTW, I'm looking at a Nikon D40 6.1 Digital SLR with 18-55mm & 55-200mm lenses. Also, what accessories are recommended, i.e. rechargeable battery, bag/case, remote control, tripod, flash, etc.?

It depends on what you are shooting and when. The IS is a nice way to gain back some shutter speed that you can spend on aperture and ISO. If you do a lot of tripod work the need for IS is diminished and some lens work better with IS off when on a tripod (since the IS will "look" for vibration that isn't there, thus introducing vibration, not all lens do this, some are smart enough to know they aren't moving).

Concerning accessories I'd say in order of importance the following:

Good camera bag, tripod, extra battery for camera, flash, remote.

This would be my preference but I shoot outdoors a lot so the flash isn't as critical, at least at first. If you have the money, get all of what you mentioned. Other than a camera bag, a tripod is essential in my book. There are times, many times, when you just can't get a sharp photo without a tripod. My camera is on my "sticks" more than it is off. That is where the remote comes in handy too, you can reduce vibration by using a remote shutter release then if you push on the shutter button and induce vibration just as the shutter releases.

Anywho, that is my , others may think differently.