IF I were to buy......

If I were to buy a Nikon DSLR which would you advise, not talking about the D700 as that is beyond my pocket.

They seem to produce so many models at the same time one wonders what the difference is and which is the best buy in any given case, is it all down to price and if so what do you not get on the more affordable bodies.

Just a quick on i as no-one has answered yet (and quick as i have to pop off...)

There are 3 catagories of DSLR.

Entry
D50
D70
D60
D40
D40x
D80
D90 (on its way)

Newcomers tend to go for the entry range. They are much easier to start with (they have a range of automitic modes), not too expensive and the quality is very good. Many pros use entry DSLRs as "second bodies" as a back up if things go wrong.

Semi Pro
D100
D200
D300
D700

Tend to have more in camera options that a amature wouldnt always find important, but a pro or seasoned photographer would find useful (aka more contol over the final image). Faster frames per second, better ISO quality, Build tends to be of a higher quaility. Jpegs not always the strong point as they are more geared towards RAW.

Pro (FX/Full Frame)
D2x
D3 -yummy!

Pretty much the best you can get.

If i were to recommend one, i would say the D80. Nikon for whatever daft reason has not put motors in the D40/D40x/D60 (im not sure about the D90 yet) so you are limited to what lenses will auto focus, yet, they are still very good cams and shouldnt be overlooked.

Thanks KK that is just the info I wanted. Not sure I will take the step as I have several Pentax lens and it is a big step but now I have learned to take shots wearing my glasses I could go the Nikon way if I choose or more to the point can afford.

I started with a Nikon D70s two years ago, great camera. i should sell it really as it's sat in its bag doing nothing now i upgraded.

Snapper , you little devil, a new camera , eh???
Very exciting

Just thinking MS, present one getting a bit old now, perhaps time to replace, you know the feeling. Thing is I have at least 5 lens and a flash that fit the pentax so I should really stick with that, also know them like the back of my own hand having had a Pentax since the 70's. On the other hand I have had a couple of Nikon compacts and I should not be even considering it really.

I have a D50 which I really like. If you didn't want to spend as much as a D300 - I'd go for a D80 or look for a D200 which the D300 replaced.

or what about the Fuji s5 pro a snip at £489! it's a D200 with fuji's much Acclaimed Super CCD SR sensor! it takes Nikon lens too!

I really wanted the D90 - as I feel the features at that price range would be more than enough for me. However, it's not out yet, and I got fed up up waiting quite a while ago and went with the D300

I don't regret it, but would have been more than happy with a D90. If you can wait, I'd say hold out for it and see what you get for your money... and the money saved (instead of buying a D300) put towards high end glass. Your lens will have much more impact on final image quality than the camera itself

AS you wear glasses I would suggest you take a look at the diaoptic range of the viewfinder. For example I had the D70s and had to purchase additional eye pieces to suit my eyes. With the D200 the diaoptic range is just that bit more and I don't need glasses for focusing in the viewfinder.

I would suggest going for a 10 meg pixel Nikon as most are nowadays but some in the Nikon range are still only 6 MP.

Bazza