I will be on a budget because this is not a career plan or side money plan for me. I am doing my research this will be fun though!

Got me there... lol.


I just wouldn't take is word as your final decision... ever...

:iagree:
That's good advice on everything. Speaking of which, I highly suggest going to a store and holding these cameras. Honestly that swung my decision in the end on either nikon or canon.

So where are Nikon's made now, Japan, or China?(just curious)

High end stuff is made in Japan, and I imagine the cheaper things are made in China.

So.. Both.

Nikons use to be made in Japan. Most DX lenses are now made in thailand. I'm not certain about camera bodies (should still be japan). FX pro lenses are still made in japan.

IMO where it's made these days doesn't matter. Lens technology these days are highly controlled and operated in a highly autonomous fashion.

Neither canon or nikon manufacture any major components in China. I can't say anything about pentax or other brands because I never did the research. =X

Gotcha. I read it as opinion, some I guess I agree with, some I don't.

Just wanted to let everyone know I picked up a Nikon D5000. BestBuy was having a bundle deal I could not pass up, came with a VR100-200 lens, bag, extra battery, class 10 memory card with 20ms write speed, and a couple other things. Also got PS 9 which is awesome so far with the little bit of monkeying around I have done with it.

The wife and I are still reading through the owners book and getting familiar/comfortable with the camera and functions. Cant wait until the car show on the 25th maybe I will have some shots to post for everyone.

Thanks again for all the help!

Would be a 50-200VR lens.

Anyways, if you need any help just let me know.