D40

I have been in a search for a new camera for the last few weeks. Though it has served me well the last four years, my current point-and-shoot camera just isn't cutting it anymore. I was thinking about upgrading to a Nikon D80, but have decided not to for several reasons:

1. It costs $850+ to get the camera from a legitimate source (i.e. Ritz, Adorama), and that is only to get the body! To get a decent lens would be hundreds of dollars more, and frankly, I am not willing to drop over a thousand dollars on a camera.

2. The reviews I've read of the D80, while good, are not enough to justify the price. If I really wanted a super-duper DSLR, I should spend the funds to upgrade to a D200. But I am not anywhere near the point where I am willing to throw down over a thousand dollars before all is said and done.

I really just want something that is an entry-level-ish SLR that will take the pictures I want it to. (I realize I am the photographer and the camera is just a tool -- not something magic that will take amazing pictures all on its own.) Besides, it seems more worthwhile to put the money toward good lenses as they are what will carry on with me for years, while the camera itself probably won't last more than five.

So, I have all but decided to go with the Nikon D40. According to reviews, it is a good quality DSLR that is light and very portable -- great for capturing those times you don't want to miss. The boyfriend is all for it, too, because it will replace our current cam and isn't just a fancy-schmancy thing only I will be able to use.

I'm going to go ahead and order it before we take our trip to the East coast next month. The bad news is that is only comes in a kit, but the good news is that the kit is around $540 from Amazon or Adorama and it comes with a pretty good lens.

Thanks for reading about my unabashed camera geekery. I hope to have some good photos to put up in my Etsy store in the next month or so!