SLR Digital camera

[mheisig]

Originally Posted by Hog1

Greetings, any camera people in the house?
I am goinig to buy a Digital SLR. After reading a few tests, the Nikon D80 is leading the pack. I am considering a package deal with a 18-135, and a 70-300 VR (both Nikon)
I will be taking pics of my kids, who play HS Lacross, some nature stuff, as well as the usual fair. Will the 70-300 be sufficient to deliver good big action pic's? taken from the sidelines
Any thoughts on "must haves", "do not's", great bargains? places to buy? Places not to buy or thoughts in general.
Thanx for the info-Warpather
HTTR

As far as camera bodies go, do yourself a huge favor, skip the D80 and buy the D40.

I've owned a D70, D70s and D80 and have just gone to the D40.

Unless you are a professional photographer and plan on shooting 8 hours a day, the D40 will meet and exceed all of your needs for a dirt cheap price. If you ARE a professional, you wouldn't be looking at the D80 to begin with

Ken Rockwell is pretty much a genius in my opinion when it comes to photography, very well balanced and down-to-earth. He's a professional photographer, and he grabs his D40 for almost everything he does. Check out Ken Rockwell: Recommended Cameras

He also has great reviews on lenses. The kit lens with the D40 is surprisingly good, and the 70-300mm VR is an EXCELLENT lens, especially for sports. Rockwell has a great review on it as well: 17-300mm VR