Yes, 2 pounds before lens and the price of the D300, put it out of my consideration;
even if it was less expensive, I don't need that size/weight for a cam. I lugged an
8 x 10 Calumet View Cam for a few years and, my bro-in-law's Mamiya 6x9 film
cam, and those kinds of weights are not practical, imo.

I am very surprised that the Nikon D5000, which I was really liking, (even w/out
the in-cam stabilization), has IS0 200 for its lowest setting. Jeeshh.

I was smitten with the size/price and the electronics are right up there, specs-wise,
of the D5000, but I think that IS0 setting is a squasher.

This is tougher than shopping for a new car, in some ways. I think it may be the
last big buck DSLR I buy, body-wise. It's driving me crazy. :yikes:

Canon 450D is your other option within your budget.

The thing is though:

You like Cameras

You take a good few pictures

it seems to me you live in area that you can take some cracking pictures .

You say it's your last big camera purchase.

Well make it a good purchase spend a bit more and get yourself the D300 and a decent Tripod.

You can build up on the lenses.

Sigma are often better than Nikon now for their lenses.

Weight of the D300 is not that bad I use ours:cool: and it has the battery pack on and when the big telephoto lens is on it can be heavy but still usable.

Fiona,
Good points...but you are much younger, probably in better shape/easier on the
eyes, and stronger than I am. ;)

Side by side comparos of 3 Nikons...
I must be missing something here.

And, ISO 200, effectively, in all 3?!
Maybe they cover the higher ISO
via the CCD/image processor.

Digital Cameras Side-by-Side, 3 cameras: Digital Photography Review

Not trying to"buy" on specs alone, but it looks like the GM cars of the
'80s, package-wise, and price spread wise...

I need a nap. ;>)

EDIT: The DP Site is currently "off the air". :confused:

I'm going to make a Canon recommendation, not because I think it's better than Nikon but because I'm more familiar with the Canon lenses.

EOS 50D with the 17-85mm IS USM zoom (do not get the standard 18-55 kit lens). Around $1500.
2807B012 Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera Body Kit, 15.1 Megapixels, Black with EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 USM Image Stabilized Lens - USA Warranty

Add one of the 4 available 70-200 L tele-zoom's later and you are golden.

If you are interested in HD video then the new Rebel T1i is an option as well. Same lens reco applies.

MD -

For 2K, I'd run with a D90, SB-400 flash, Flip-It Bounce Card, 18-55 and 55-200 lense.
I love wides - have a 12-24 2.8, but if you don't feel like you want/need the wide range,

I would most def. recommend the 35mm 1.8G Prime Lense.

Gd Luck.

I'm no camera buff but this is at the top of my list.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned it.
I know some of you pros will have an opinion
but David if you can open that wallet of yours a bit more
this might be the ticket.

Canon Digital Learning Center - EOS 5D Mark II: Laforet on Reverie

David,

Canon 50D with 28-135IS $1279
Canon 70-200 F4 $629

total $1908

I'm looking, trying to sort it out, and have the Jones on my back...

Thank you for all the good opins. I don't usually wring hands, or
ask a dozen people "should I buy this stock". This is more
worrisome than picking out a new car.
Thank you, Maties.
Ol'UncMtr