DSLR first purchase

When buying a camera for the first time, apart from the cost, the trend is to think that thats a far too complicated camera for me and I will never need/use all the built in features, not the way to think of it. Best to think, I may not need all that the camera can do, but should I need more out of a camera I don't have to upgrade as my existing camera already can do it.

So many people fall into that trap, me included, and the cost of upgrading a camera to a higher spec is far more expensive then purchasing the higher spec one in the first place.

So think top end of your budget and go that little bit higher for those few extra features, you won't regret it in the long run.

Bazza

When I purchased my first DSLR, a Nikon 40DX I thought it would fill all my needs. Unfortunately I didn't know the limitations of that camera in certain areas. The worst shortfall turned out to be a lack of commander mode using flash. In order to maintain TTL metering and control I had to keep the flash anchored to the camera's hotshoe, no easy off camera control was possible. Now i know some of you may want to jump on my last statement to point out manual use of the flash off camera as well a additional remote triggers are available. I used to use these years ago as a professional wedding photographer. But, that one missing feature eventually prompted me to not only give away my 40DX but my Nikon SB600 flash to my best friend. He was thrilled and still using that gear. I replaced mine with a D90 and a SB900 Nikon Speedlite. There is no better flash out there for the serious amateur photographer, in my humble opinion. I know Scott Kelby, Matt Kloskowski & Joe McNally use them a lot. These are the top professionals inside Kelby Training.

I certainly agree with Bazza's assessment of your purchases. Get the best you can afford even if you stretch it a bit.

Though would it not be better to get a good camera and splash out on an amazing lens rather than spend all your money on the best camera?

Not in my opinion, there is less depreciation on a lens than on a camera.
Bazza

The lenses that come with new dlsr cameras are generally zoom lenses and very adequate for most shooting applications. My D40X came with 18-55 & 55-200 mm zooms. I still use the 18-55mm zoom more than any other. When I upgraded the body to a D90 I kept the lens. It was the additional capabilities of the camera body that attracted me. Such features as multiple point adjustable focus, faster frame rate, hi-def video & higher ISO capabilities expand the capabilities of my shooting.

Yes, you can always add specialty lenses later. I've added a 1.8 35mm, a 70-300mm zoom & a 60mm macro lens to my collection since acquiring the D90. Notice the range of lenses I've just mentioned. They add a different perspective depending on their use. Build a camera system by starting with a good base. In most cases you can use the lenses you have with other camera bodies. Believe it when I say the bodies can be the cheapest part of a system.